Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v1.c6.3126

v1.c6.3126

1. Avanti.—One of the four great monarchies in the time of the Buddha, the other three being Magadha, Kosala and Vaṃsa (or Vatsa). Avanti is also mentioned among the sixteen great janapadas.¹ Its capital was Ujjenī (q.v.). But according to another account,² Māhissati is mentioned as having been, at least for some time, the capital of Avanti. It is quite likely that ancient Avanti was divided into two parts, the northern part having its capital at Ujjenī and the southern part (also called Avanti Dakkhiṇāpatha) at Māhissati (Māhīṣmatī).³ This theory is supported by the fact that in the Mahābhārata,⁴ Avanti and Māhīṣmatī are referred to as two different countries.