Question

How did the kings of Magadha use the natural wealth of the region to build a powerful kingdom?

Answer 1

Instructions: Answer should have the following points:

• Situated in the fertile Gangetic plain.
• Forested area
• Abundance of timber
• Availability of elephants
• Existence of iron deposits

Solution:
Magadha became the most important mahajanapada because of following reasons:
Strategic location:

• Ganga and Son are the two rivers that flowed through the region which provided water supply and helped in transportation.
• Magadha was located at the center of the fertile Gangetic plains

Abundance of natural resources:

• Parts of Magadha were forested. Elephants of these forest could be captured and trained for the army.
• Forests also provided wood/timber. Wood was used for building palaces, carts and chariots.
• Existence of iron ore mines in the region helped in making strong tools and weapons.