Ujjayini

ancient city, India

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July 14, 2026

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Ujjayini, now known as Ujjain, is an ancient city located in western Madhya Pradesh, India, situated on the Sipra River. It is recognized as one of the seven sacred Hindu cities.1

Historically, Ujjayini served as the capital of the Avanti kingdom in the 6th to 4th centuries BCE. It was a significant center for rulers like Emperor Ashoka and was known to the Greek geographer Ptolemy as Ozene. The city was an important trade hub and later passed to Chandra Gupta II of Magadha in 400 CE.1

Ujjain is home to the sacred Mahakala Temple, dedicated to Shiva, and is one of the sites for the Kumbh Mela festival. Today, it remains an active agricultural and textile trade center.1

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Avanti
Ujjayini, one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus, renowned for its beauty and wealth, became a centre of early Buddhism and of Jainism.
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Ujjayini, one of the seven holy cities of the Hindus, renowned for its beauty and wealth, became a centre of early Buddhism and of Jainism.
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South Asian arts
The theatre
…theatre in the city of Ujjayinī, one of the capitals of the Gupta Empire, in the 5th century, for a number of authors can be placed there during this reign; among these were Viśākhadatta, Śūẖraka, Śyāmilaka, the writer of one of the best farces, and Kālidāsa, who at the beginning…
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…theatre in the city of Ujjayinī, one of the capitals of the Gupta Empire, in the 5th century, for a number of authors can be placed there during this reign; among these were Viśākhadatta, Śūẖraka, Śyāmilaka, the writer of one of the best farces, and Kālidāsa, who at the beginning…
Read More