Malavas

The Malavas (Brahmi script: 𑀫𑁆𑀫𑀸𑀭𑀯 Mmālava) or Malwas were an ancient Indian tribe. They are believed to be the Mallian people (Malloi) who lived in the Punjab region at the time of Alexander's invasion in the 4th century BCE. Later, the Malavas migrated southwards to present-day Rajasthan, and ultimately to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Their power gradually declined as a result of defeats against the Western Satraps (2nd century CE), the Gupta emperor Samudragupta (4th century), and the Chalukya emperor Pulakeshin II (7th century).

The Malwa region in central India and the region of Punjab with the same name are both named after them. The Malava era, which later came to be known as Vikram Samvat, was probably first used by them.