city of ancient India, located near the Rāpti River in northeastern Uttar Pradesh. In Buddhist times (6th century BC–6th century AD), Śrāvastī was capital of the kingdom of Kosala and was important both as a prosperous trading centre and for its religious associations. It stood at the junction of three great roads connecting it with the great cities of eastern, northern, and western India. It was closely associated with the life of the Buddha and with figures significant in later Buddhist history. Its most important religious place was the Jetavana Monastery, which was erected in a garden outside the walls of the city and presented to the Buddha by a wealthy banker, Anāthapiṇḍaka. Other important Buddhist monasteries were the Rājakārāma and the Pūrvārāma. Śrāvastī was also an important centre for the Jainas.

The city has been identified with the twin villages of Saheth and Maheth northwest of Balrāmpur. Today it is surrounded by a great rampart of earth and brick. Excavation has been undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India. In the city itself, three main periods have been recognized, ranging from the earliest, characterized by pre-Buddhist painted grayware, to the early wares of the final occupation.