Ancient Cities Still Existing

There are many ancient cities, which are mentioned in  the Indian epic MAHABHARAT. Friends, do you know many of these areas/cities still exist in present times? In today’s blog, I am giving details of such existence:

1 Gandhar– The area between Pakistan’s Rawalpindi and Afghanistan, now known as Kandhar, was earlier known as Gandhar. Wife of King Dhritrashtra Gandhari was the daughter of the king of Gandhar. Gandhari’s brother was Shakuni.

2 Takshshila– It was capital of Gandhar, and its present location is near Rawalpindi in Pakistan. Takshshila was known as city of knowledge and education.

3 Kekeya Pradesh– The area north of Jammu/Kashmir was known as Kekeya. King of Kekeya was married to Radhadevi, the sister of Vasudev. Their son was Vind Jarasandh, who was friend of Duryodhan.

4 Madr Pradesh-This area wass next to Kekeya kingdom. The king of Madr Pradesh’s sister Madri was married to King Pandu, Nakusl and Sehdev were their sons.

5 Ujjnak– In present day this area is known as Nainital. Duru Dronacharya used to teach Pandavs and Kauravas here. Guru Dronacharya was instrumental in establishing a Shivling here, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

6 Shivi Desh– During the times of Mahabharat, area of South Punjab was known as Shivi Desh. Princess Devika of Shivi Desh(great grand daughter of King Ushneer) was married to Yudhisthir.

7 Vannganga– This area was very close to Kurukshetra. During the famous Kukukshetra war between Pandavs and Kauravs, injured Bheesham Pitamah rested here on the bed of arrows. When Bheesham was thirst and asked for water, Arjun with his arrows drilled the earth and brought out water of river Ganga. Hence it is known as Vaanganga.

8 Kurukshetra– Present area near Ambala was known as Kurukshetra in Mahabharat. Now also there is a small city in this area which is called as Kurukshetra.

9 Hastinapur– This area described in Mahabharat was near present day city of Merrut. After winning the Kurukshetra war Pandavs made this as their capital.

10 Varnavat– This is also near Merrut. Here Duryodhan constructed Lakshgrah to Kill Pandavs. This was one of the five villages which Pandavs demanded to stall the war. Presently there is small village called Varnava is located here.

11 Panchal Ppradesh– This was located on the foothills of Himalaya (presently near Himachal Pradesh). The king of Panchal’s daughter Panchali (Draupadi) was married to Arjun in a swayamvar.

12 Indraprasth– Area of present day’s south Delhi was known as Indraprasth in Mahabharat. Small area known as Indraprasth still exists.

13 Vrindavan– This is very famous city of present day, which is very close to Mathura. Vrindavan is very well described in Mahabharat, and it is famous for Baal-Leela of Lord Krishna.

14 Gokul– This is also near Mathura. Situated on Yamuna river bank. Lord Krishna in his childhood stayed here with his foster parent Yashodhara and Nand.

15 Mathura– Situated on banks of river Yamuna, famous city for Hindus. Lord Krishna was born in prison of King Kans’s kingdom here.

16 Ang Desh– Gounda district of UP is described as Ang Desh I Mahabharat. Karan was declared King of Ang Desh by Duryodhan.

17 Kaushambi– It was capital of Vats Desh, which was situated near present day Prayagraj. The prople of this area supported Duryodhan during Kurukshatra war.

18 Kaashi– During Mahabharat times Kaashi was known as centre for education. According to Mahabharat, Bheesham Pitamah won the daughters of King Kashi, Amba, Ambika, and Ambalika. He wan them to get married to Vichitryaveer. Amba refused  marriage as she was in love with King Shalya. Dhrithrashtra and Pandu were born, after Vichitryaveer’s marriage to Ambika and Ambalika.

19 Magadh– Located in present day South Bihar. King Jarasandh’s daughter’s Asti and Prapti were married to King Kans of Mathura.

20 Pragjyotishpur– This area is now known as Guwahati. Narkasur used to rule this area. Lord Krishna killed him, and freed 16,000 girls who were kept captive by Narkasur. These girls were brought to Dwarka and married off.

21 Kaamrup– near Gauhati, which is famous for Kamakhya temple.

22 Sindu Desh– This actually means Sindhu culture of that era This area was famous for art, literature, and was leading in commercial trade. King of this are Jayadrath was married to Dhrithrashtra’s daughter Dushshala.

23 Matsya Desh– Area of north Rajasthan was known as Matsya Desh in Mahabharat. During Agyaatvass Pandavs stayed here in the palace of King Viraat of Matsya, as various employees. Later Arjun’s son Abhimanyu married King Viraat’s daughter Uttara.

24 Paatan– According to Mahabharat, in Dwapar Yig, Paatan was a big commercial centre.  Here, Bheem killied hidimb and later married his sister Hidimba. She gave a birth to a son named Ghatokach.

25 Dwarka– It is believed that in the olden days, this place located on the coastal area of Gujarat submerged in sea. It is believed that Lord Krishna shifted his capital from Mathua to Dwarka to save Yaduvanshis from  King Jarasandh’s attacks. As per experts, remains of Dwarka are still under sea.

26 Chedi– Present area of Gwalior was known as Chedi in Mahabharat. Lord Krisha’s cousin Shishupaal ruled this area. Shishupaal wanted to marry Rukmani, who was kidnapped by Lord Krishna, and he married her. Thus relation between Shishupaal and Lord Krishna were spoiled. Later Lord Krishan killed Shishupaal.

27 Sonnitpur– it is present day Itarasi (in MP). King of Sonnitpur, Vannasur’s daughter was married to grandson of Lord Krishna, Annirudh.

28 Vidharbh– In Mahabharat times this area was ruled by King Bhishmak,  (friend of Jarasndh) and his daughter was Rukmini.

There are many more small areas mentioned in Mahabharat, which are still there in present era.

Waiting for your feedback on this blog.

Anil Malik

Mumbai, India

13^th February 2025