Kosala

Kosala was an ancient Indian Aryan kingdom, corresponding roughly in area with the region of Oudh. Its capital was Ayodhya. In sixth century BCE, Kosala formed one of the sixteen powerful realms of India (Mahajanapadas) of Buddhist traditions, and its cultural and political strength earned it the status of great power. However, it was later weakened by a series of wars with the neighboring kingdom of Magadha and, in the 4th century BC, was finally absorbed by it.

Kosala was the setting of much Sanskrit epic literature including the Ramayana. Buddha and Mahavira, founder of Jainism, taught in the kingdom. The King of Kosala was named King Pasenadi, and who was a follower of Buddha.