AVANTI (INDIA)

'Avanti' ( modern Malwa ) was an important kingdom of western India and was one of the four great monarchies in India when Buddhism arose, the other three being Kosala, Vatsa and Magadha.
Avanti was divided into north and south by river Vetravati. Initially, Mahissati (Sanskrit Mahishamati) was the ''capital'' of Southern Avanti, and Ujjaini (Sanskrit Ujjayini) was of northern Avanti, but at the times of Mahavira and Buddha, Ujjaini was the ''capital'' of integrated Avanti. The country of Avanti roughly corresponded to modern Malwa, Nimar and adjoining parts of the Madhya Pradesh.
Both Mahishmati and Ujjaini stood on the ''southern high road'' called ''Dakshinapatha'' extending from Rajagriha to Pratishthana (modern Paithan). Avanti was an important center of Buddhism and some of the leading ''theras'' and ''theris'' were born and resided there. King Nandivardhana of Avanti was defeated by king Shishunaga of Magadha. Avanti later became part of Magadhan empire.

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Mahajanapadas