In order to stop the ensuing battle of Kurukṣetra (Kurukshetra), and to establish peace with their relative-brother Duryodhana, the Pāṇḍava (Pandava) brothers claimed only five villages from them. Avisthala was one of them.
According to scholars, the place called Āsandi (Asandi), near Kurukṣetra, was identical with Avisthala.