Question

Why did Magadha emerge as a powerful Mahajanapada? Give four reasons.

Answer 1

Instructions:
Write about the following:

• Geographical advantages
• Iron deposits and ambitious rulers
• Strategic location of capitals

Solution: Magadha was one of the mahajanapadas during the 6th century BCE.

The four reasons that made it a powerful mahajanapadas were:

• Magadha was in the fertile Gangetic plains. This led to surplus production of food without additional irrigation facilities.
• The forest located in the east was the source of timber and elephants.
• The availability of iron helped in betterment of tools. Forests were cleared using iron tools and agricultural lands were expanded.
• The rulers of Magadha were ambitious and made it powerful.
• The capitals of Magadha were in located in strategic positions.