Padmavati was an ancient city mentioned in several classic Sanskrit texts, "Malatimadhavam" of Bhavabhuti, "Harshacharita" of Banabhatta and "Sarasvatikanthabharana" of Raja Bhoja. As mentioned in the Puranas, Padmavati is the name of a city situated near the Vindhya Hills. Pawaya is identified with ancient Padmavati by many scholars.

Padmavati in Various Texts
Bhavabhuti describes the city with tall mansions and temples with Shikharas and gates, located between Para and the Sindhu rivers. Pawaya in Gwalior district has been identified with the ancient Padmavati which finds mention in various Puranas and Sanskrit literature.

Vishnu and Vayu Purana mention that the Nagas will reign over Padmavati, Kantipuri and Mathura. It is also mentioned in inscriptions like the Kokkala Grahapati inscription of Khajuraho. The inscription mentions that the city had rows of tall mansions.

Antiquities of Padmavati
Among the antiquities found at Pawaya is an image of `Yaksha Manibhadra`. It has an inscription that mentions that it was installed in the years of King Sivanandi and was worshipped by the merchants. A large brick temple of the Gupta period was discovered in 1924-25 excavations. Various other artifacts were also discovered including fragments of superbly executed terracotta. All these findings are exhibited in Gujari Mahal Museum at Gwalior.

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