Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c32.354

v2.c32.354

Yonā, Yavanā, Yonakā.—A country and its people. The name is probably the Pāli equivalent for Ionians, the Baktrian Greeks.¹ The country was converted by the Thera Mahārakkhita, who was sent there after the Third Council.² In the time of Milinda the capital of the Yona country was Sāgala.³ It is said⁴ that at the Foundation Ceremony of the Mahā Thūpa, thirty thousand monks, under Yona-Mahādhammarakkhita, came from Alasandā in the Yona country. Alasandā was evidently the headquarters of the Buddhist monks at that time. Alasandā is generally identified⁵ with the Alexandria founded by the Macedonian king (Alexander) in the country of the Paropanisadae near Kābul.