Question

What were the various advantages that helped Magadha become a powerful kingdom in North India?

Answer 1

Instructions:
The answer for this question can be broken down into two parts.

1. Explain three natural advantages that helped Magadha become a powerful kingdom.
2. Explain two administrative advantages that helped Magadha become a powerful kingdom.

Solution:

• Many rivers such as the Ganga and Son flowed through Magadha. These rivers made the land fertile for agriculture.
• Another advantageous natural feature was the presence of forests. Some parts of Magadha had forests. Elephants, which lived in the forest, were captured and trained for the army. Forests also provided wood that helped in the construction of forts, chariots, palaces etc.
• Magadha had deposits of iron ore, which could be used to make strong tools and weapons.
• Strategic location of Rajagriha and Pataliputra prevented external invasions.
• Magadha was ruled by many powerful rulers such as Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and Mahapadma Nanda. All of them immensly contributed towards making Magadha a powerful kingdom.