A City Steeped in Time and Legend
Ujjain—also known as Avantika, Ujjayini, or Kumudvati—is one of the Sapta Puri, the seven holiest cities in Hinduism. Mentioned in the Puranas, Upanishads, and ancient trade documents like the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, Ujjain is not just a city—it is a timeless symbol of spiritual depth, scientific wisdom, and cultural richness.
Ancient Capital of Avanti and Center of Vedic Civilization
Ujjain’s roots date back to the time of Lord Buddha, when it served as the capital of the Avanti Kingdom. As early as the 4th century BCE, it was considered the first meridian of longitude by Hindu geographers—India’s answer to Greenwich.
The city gained fame as the residence of Prince Ashoka, before he became emperor of the Mauryan Empire. Over centuries, Ujjain was ruled by the Sungas, Satavahanas, and Western Satraps (Rors). Each dynasty left its mark on the city’s temples, architecture, and learning.
Vikramaditya and the Golden Age of Knowledge
Ujjain’s golden era came under the reign of King Chandragupta II Vikramaditya, who established Ujjain as his cultural capital. He gathered around him the legendary Navratnas (Nine Gems) of ancient Indian scholarship:
- Kalidasa – Classical Sanskrit poet
- Varahamihira – Astronomer and astrologer
- Dhanvantari – Father of Ayurveda
- Betalbhatta, Shanku, Ghatkarpar, Amar Singh, Kshapdak, and Varruchi – Experts in various fields of science, medicine, literature, and linguistics
Cradle of Ancient Science and Astronomy
From the 6th to 7th centuries, Ujjain became a center for mathematics and astronomy. Renowned scholars worked and taught here:
- Brahmagupta – Introduced the concept of zero, negative numbers, and positional decimal system
- Varahamihira – Defined many trigonometric identities and astronomical principles
- Bhaskara II (Bhaskaracharya) – Wrote Lilavati, a landmark text in Indian mathematics
Their ideas later spread to Arabia, Cambodia, and Europe—establishing Ujjain’s place in global scientific history.
Later Invasions and Colonial Period
In 1235 CE, Ujjain suffered destruction during an invasion by Iltutmish of the Delhi Sultanate. The city later became the capital of Malwa under Mughal Emperor Akbar. By the 18th century, it served as the headquarters of Maratha ruler Scindia, before the family moved to Gwalior.
During British rule, Ujjain became part of the Central India Agency. After Indian independence in 1947, it joined the Madhya Bharat state, which later merged into Madhya Pradesh in 1956.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ujjain’s History
Why is Ujjain considered one of the seven sacred cities in India?
Ujjain, or Avantika, is one of the Sapta Puri, seven cities where Moksha (liberation) is believed to be attainable. It is associated with ancient Vedic rituals and spiritual legends, including the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga.
What ancient names was Ujjain known by?
The city has been referred to as Avantika, Ujjayini, and Kumudvati in ancient scriptures like the Puranas and Upanishads.
Who ruled Ujjain in ancient times?
Ujjain was ruled by dynasties such as the Mauryas, Sungas, Satavahanas, Rors (Western Satraps), and later by the Guptas and Marathas.
What is the connection between Ujjain and astronomy?
Ujjain was the center of Indian astronomical research. Scholars like Brahmagupta, Bhaskaracharya, and Varahamihira laid the foundations for ancient Indian science here.
Who were the Navratnas of King Vikramaditya?
They included legends like Kalidasa (poet), Dhanvantari (physician), and Varahamihira (astronomer), who represented excellence in nine different fields.
Was Ujjain ever attacked or destroyed in history?
Yes. The city was invaded by Iltutmish in 1235 CE, resulting in the desecration of many temples. It later regained prominence under the Mughals and Marathas.
What happened to Ujjain after India’s independence?
Post-1947, Ujjain became part of Madhya Bharat, which merged into Madhya Pradesh in 1956, where it remains a significant spiritual and cultural center today.
