Epics like Mahabharata mentions that the Mallas were considered along with the tribes of the Angas, Vangas and Kalingas. Malla was an ancient dynasty in India and is one of the sixteen mahajanapadas. Buddhist and Jain works have the mention of the Mallas who existed in a republic that consisted of nine territories. In a more original context it is evident that they actually had a monarchical form of government in the beginning but later they transformed into the republic form {Samgha). The Mallas were very warlike and brave people and have been mentioned and referred as Vrtaya Kshatriyas by Manusmriti, as Vasishthas in the Mahapparnibbana Suttanta. Mallas have also suffered domination by the Magadha Empire after Buddha`s death.

This was a federal democratic state with two branches. One is situated at Kushinagara and the other is at pawa. Lord Buddha took his last meal at Pawa and breathed his last at Kushinagar