Matsya tribe location and capital

The Matsya tribe, also known as the Macchā tribe, was located in a region that lay to the south of the Kurus and west of the Yamuna River, which served as a natural boundary separating them from the Panchalas. This territory roughly corresponds to the area of the former princely state of Jaipur in Rajputana, encompassing the entirety of Alwar and parts of Bharatpur. The capital city of the Matsya tribe was Viratanagara, which is present-day Bairat. The city is believed to have been named after its founder king, Virata. In Pali literature, the Matsya tribe is often associated with the Surasenas, indicating a connection to other tribes in the region. Additionally, the western Matsya territory included hill tracts located on the northern bank of the Chambal River. Over time, a branch of the Matsya tribe also emerged in the Visakhapatnam region. Despite their geographical presence, the Matsya tribe did not hold significant political power during the era of Buddha, indicating a relatively subdued role in the broader historical context of the time.