[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Dictionary of Pali Proper Names](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937) › v2.c32.354 # Dictionary of Pali Proper Names v2.c32.354 Dictionary of Pāli Proper Names v2.c32.354 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c32.354](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.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. - [Previous: v2.c32.353](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c32.353) - [Next: v2.c32.355](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c32.355) - [Up: v2.c32](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c32) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c32.354](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.malalasekera-1937.v2.c32.354) · Pramāṇa