In the texts contrast is often drawn between the Paccantajanapada and the Majjhimadesa. In the latter the fortunate ones are born, and it is a great disadvantage to be born outside it; for, then, the possibilities of hearing of the Buddha and his teaching become remote (E.g., DhA.iii.248, 489; KhA.133).
The boundaries of the Majjhimadesa are given in several places, and the Paccantajanapada, lies beyond these boundaries. They are: in the east, Kajangala and Mahásálá; in the south east, the river Salalavatí; in the south, Setakanniká; in the west, Thúna; and in the north, Usíraddhaja (pabbata) (Vin.i.197; J.i.49; cp. Dvy.21f).
The Vinaya rules were relaxed in the case of those who lived in the Paccantajanapada, where it is said that the Buddha never spent a night. MA.ii.982.