An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v1.c9.s18.t3.26

v1.c9.s18.t3.26

MAHESHWAR, on the left bank of the Narmada, about 80 km due s. of Indore, has been referred to frequently in ancient Indian literature. The *Mahābhārata* refers to Maheśvarapura, whereas the Purāṇas speak of Maheśvarasthāna. However both these sources also mention that the city of Māhiṣmatī was situated on the Narmada and was associated with the Haihayas. Some scholars tried to equate Maheshwar with Māhiṣmatī, whereas some identified it with Omkara Mandhata, again on the Narmada. However the excavations carried out here by the Deccan College and the M.S. Univ. of Baroda in 1952-3 have proved that the present-day Maheshwar represents ancient Māhiṣmatī.