Panchala (Ahichchhatra)
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Overview
Panchala was one of the sixteen mahajanapadas, in the Rohilkhand and central doab region of present-day Uttar Pradesh.
It was divided into north and south Panchala; the northern capital was Ahichchhatra (near Bareilly) and the southern capital Kampilya. Draupadi of the Mahabharata was a Panchala princess.
With the Kurus, the Panchalas were the leading people of the later Vedic age.
Geography and key facts
- One of the 16 mahajanapadas
- Rohilkhand / central doab, Uttar Pradesh
- Capitals: Ahichchhatra (north) and Kampilya (south)
- Linked to the Kurus in later Vedic texts
Why it matters for UPSC
Mahajanapada–capital matching; Ahichchhatra is an important excavated site with Painted Grey Ware.
Note for UPSC
Rohilkhand.
Mahajanapadas are asked with their capitals and present-day regions; positions are approximate.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Panchala (Ahichchhatra) yet.
Key facts
- Type
- Mahajanapada
- State / UT
- Uttar Pradesh
- Coordinates
- 28.371°N, 79.136°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
More mahajanapadas (approx.) nearby
Other places in Uttar Pradesh
All mahajanapadas (approx.) · Revision list · Most asked in PYQs