The Malavas (Brahmi script: 𑀫𑁆𑀫𑀸𑀭𑀯 Mālava) or Malwas were an ancient Indian tribe and confederation. They are a federation attested in various states in North and Central India. The modern regions of Malwa (Punjab) and Malwa region in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are eponyms attributed to them. 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 Malava era, which later came to be known as Vikram Samvat, may have been first used by them.
