# Ujjain

> ancient city beside the Kshipra River in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh

**Wikidata**: [Q200119](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q200119)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ujjain)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ujjain

## Summary
Ujjain is an ancient city located beside the Kshipra River in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is classified as a large human settlement and has been historically significant as a capital of various regions, including the Western Satraps, Ujjain district, and Gwalior State. The city has a rich historical legacy, with references dating back to ancient texts and encyclopedias.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated beside the Kshipra River in Madhya Pradesh, India.
- **Area**: Covers 157 square kilometers.
- **Population**: 515,215 as of 2011.
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 23.1828°, Longitude 75.7772°.
- **Elevation**: 490 meters above sea level.
- **Timezone**: UTC+05:30.
- **Aliases**: Oojein, Malwa, Ujjayinī, Ujjayini, Uyyain, Avantipur, Avanti, Ujjaini, 优禅尼, 邬阇衍那, 鄔闍衍那, Уджайн.
- **Administrative History**:
  - Capital of Western Satraps.
  - Capital of Ujjain district and Ujjain division.
  - Part of Gwalior State (1731–1801).
  - Previously under the Maratha Empire (1674–1731).
- **Identifiers**:
  - GND ID: 4107377-0.
  - VIAF ID: 157114520.
  - FAST ID: 1213106.
  - Geonames ID: 1253914.
  - Pleiades ID: 59972.
- **Described By**: Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, Gujin Tushu Jicheng, Encyclopædia Britannica 11th edition.
- **Wikipedia**: Available in 45 languages, including English, Hindi, and Chinese.

## FAQs
**What is the historical significance of Ujjain?**
Ujjain has been a capital of various regions, including the Western Satraps, Ujjain district, and Gwalior State, reflecting its long-standing political and cultural importance.

**What are the major rivers near Ujjain?**
The Kshipra River flows through Ujjain, contributing to its geographical and historical context.

**How large is Ujjain in terms of area?**
Ujjain covers an area of 157 square kilometers.

**What is the population of Ujjain?**
As of 2011, Ujjain had a population of 515,215.

**What are some of Ujjain's historical aliases?**
Ujjain is also known as Oojein, Malwa, Ujjayinī, Ujjayini, and others, reflecting its diverse historical references.

## Why It Matters
Ujjain holds immense historical and cultural significance, serving as a capital for multiple regions over centuries. Its strategic location along the Kshipra River and its role in various empires and states make it a key site in Indian history. The city's references in ancient texts and encyclopedias underscore its enduring legacy.

## Notable For
- **Ancient Capital**: Served as a capital for the Western Satraps and later regions.
- **Geographical Significance**: Located beside the Kshipra River, influencing its historical and economic development.
- **Cultural References**: Mentioned in the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea and other ancient sources.
- **Administrative History**: Transitioned between different political entities, including the Maratha Empire and Gwalior State.

## Body
### History
Ujjain has been a significant political and cultural center for centuries. It served as the capital of the Western Satraps and later became part of the Ujjain district and division. The city was under the Maratha Empire from 1674 to 1731 and later fell under Gwalior State from 1731 to 1801. Its historical aliases, such as Oojein and Malwa, reflect its diverse identities across different periods.

### Geography
Ujjain is situated at a latitude of 23.1828° and a longitude of 75.7772°, with an elevation of 490 meters above sea level. The Kshipra River flows through the city, contributing to its geographical and historical context. The area spans 157 square kilometers, making it a substantial urban settlement.

### Demographics
As of 2011, Ujjain had a population of 515,215. The city's administrative history includes transitions between different political entities, reflecting its dynamic and evolving nature.

### Cultural and Historical References
Ujjain is referenced in various ancient texts and encyclopedias, including the Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, the Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, and the Gujin Tushu Jicheng. These references highlight its enduring cultural and historical significance.

### Administrative and Political History
Ujjain has been a capital for multiple regions, including the Western Satraps, Ujjain district, and Gwalior State. Its administrative history includes periods under the Maratha Empire and later transitions to different political entities, reflecting its strategic importance.

### Identifiers and References
Ujjain is identified by various IDs, including GND ID 4107377-0, VIAF ID 157114520, and FAST ID 1213106. It is also referenced in databases such as Geonames and Pleiades, further underscoring its historical and cultural relevance.

## References

1. Source
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. GeoNames
6. [Source](https://service.unece.org/trade/locode/in.htm)
7. museum-digital