Madhyadesha or the "middle country" was one of the five sub-divisions ofancient India that extended from the upper reaches of theGanga and theYamuna to theconfluence of the two rivers atPrayaga. The territory of middle region constitutes a cogent entity — geographically as well as culturally. Inside northern India (ancientAryavarta) this region has been instrumental in guiding the main currents of history and the spread of civilization from a very early age.[1]
Historically, Madhyadesha was dominated by Kannauj orKanyakubja which made Kannauj the centre and cultural capital of Madhyadesha and surroundingAryavarta.[2][3]
From sixth century BCE, the history of this region can be properly recovered. The entire region is considered sacred inHindu mythology as gods and heroes mentioned in the two epics —Ramayana andMahabharata — lived here. Its subsequent history became mingled with thePuranas and other Hindu scriptures. The region saw the rise and fall of severalMahajanapadas such as theKurus,Panchalas,Kosala and the dynasties ofKushans andGuptas. After the fall of Gupta Dynasty in the 6th century CE, this region was ruled by region powers — theMaukharies of Kannauj andHarsha of Thaneshwar. TheGurjara Pratiharas andGahadvalas held sway over the region during 9th and 10th centuries.[4]
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