Sotthivatnagara: Capital of Ancient Chedis

Sotthivatnagara, also referred to as Sukti or Suktimati in ancient texts, served as the capital of the Chedis, an ancient people of India documented in the Rigveda. The Chedis, known for their distinct settlements, were located in two primary regions: one in the mountainous areas of Nepal and the other in Bundelkhand, near Kausambi. Historical accounts indicate that the Chedis were situated near the Yamuna River, strategically positioned between the kingdoms of Kurus and Vatsas. Over time, the southern boundaries of the Chedi kingdom expanded to reach the banks of the Narmada River, reflecting their territorial growth and influence in the region. The Chedis are notable for their mention in the Rigveda, where their king, Kashu Chaidya, is referenced, highlighting their significance in early Indian history. The precise location of Sotthivatnagara remains a subject of scholarly debate. Historians such as Hem Chandra Raychaudhuri and F. E. Pargiter have suggested that it may have been located near Banda in Uttar Pradesh. In contrast, archaeologist Dilip Kumar Chakrabarti has proposed that the ruins of a large early historical city, identified with the modern name Itaha, located on the outskirts of Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, could represent the site of Suktimati. This ongoing exploration into the geographical and historical context of Sotthivatnagara underscores the importance of the Chedis in ancient Indian civilization and their contributions to the cultural and political landscape of the time.