TheMalla kingdom was situated in theGangetic plain between theKosala andVideha. The epicMahabharata speaks about aMalla conquered by the PandavaBhima during his military campaign through the eastern kingdoms to collect tribute for KingYudhishthira'sRajasuya yagna.
Bhima defeated the virtuous and mighty king Dirghayaghna ofAyodhya. And then he subjugated the country of Gopalakaksha and the northernKosalas and also the king ofMallas. And the mighty one, arriving then in the moist region at the foot of theHimalayas soon brought the whole country under his sway. He next conquered the country of Bhallata, as also the mountain of Suktimanta that was by the side of Bhallata. Then Bhima vanquishing in battle the unretreating Suvahu the king ofKasi, brought him under complete sway. Then he overcame in battle, by sheer force, the great king Kratha reigning in the region lying about Suparsa. Then the hero of great energy vanquished the Matsya (Eastern Matsyas) and the powerful Maladas and the country called Pasubhumi that was without fear or oppression of any kind. And Bhima then, coming from that land, conquered Madahara, Mahidara, and the Somadheyas, and turned his steps towards the north. And the mighty son of Kunti then subjugated, by sheer force, the country calledVatsabhumi, and the king of the Bhargas, as also the ruler of the Nishadas and Manimat and numerous other kings. Then Bhima, with scarcely any degree of exertion and very soon, vanquished theSouthern Mallas and the Bhagauanta mountains.
Surrounding the kingdom of theKurus, are, many countries beautiful and abounding in corn, such asPanchala,Chedi,Matsya,Surasena, Pattachchara,Dasarna, Navarashtra,Malla,Salva, Yugandhara,Saurashtra,Avanti, and the spaciousKuntirashtra.
Quickly send word to Salya, and to the kings under him, and to king Bhagadatta of immeasurable valour residing on the eastern sea-coast, and to fierce Hardikya, and Ahuka, and the king of theMallas of powerful understanding, and Rochamana.
.....the Goparashtras, and the Karityas; the Adhirjayas, the Kuladyas, theMalla-Rashtras, the Keralas, the Varatrasyas, the Apavahas.....
Mahabharata of Krishna Dwaipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kisari Mohan Ganguli