Ahichchhatra: One City, Many Lives

The little-known ancient city of Ahichchhatra in Bareilly district of Uttar Pradesh is an important part of Indian history for more than one reason. The city, which finds mention in the Mahabharata, is a rich archaeological site which shows a long history of occupation. It has revealed a fort, temples and pottery. An important city from the period of the 16 Mahajanapadas, Ahichchhatra was also an important Buddhist site as well as a Jain pilgrimage centre. It is also a site where you can see a pyramidical structure.

Ahicchatra was the capital of the Panchala kingdom, which was one of the 16 Mahajanapadas or ‘Great Republics’ during 6th to 4th BCE. It is believed that the kingdom was divided into two prominent regions – Uttara (Northern) Panchala and Dakshin (Southern) Panchala. Ahichchhatra became the capital of Uttara Panchala and Kampilya (modern-day Kampil in Farrukhabad district in Uttar Pradesh) was the capital of Dakshin Panchala. Ahichchhatra is located near present-day Ramnagar village of Bareilly district in Uttar Pradesh.