Write at least four reasons why Magadha emerged as the most powerful Kingdom
Answers
1) Magadha enjoyed an advantageous geographical position in the age of iron, because richest iron deposits were situated not far away from Rajgir, the earliest capital of Magadha. The ready availability of the rich iron ores in the neighbourhood enabled the Magadha princes to equip themselves with effective weapons which were not easily available to their rivals.
2) The two capitals of Magadha, the first at Rajgir and the second at Pataliputra, were situated at very strategic points. Rajgir was surrounded by a group of five hills, and so it was impregnable in those days when there was no easy means of storming citadels such as cannons. In the 5th century BC, the Magadhan Kings shifted their capital from Rajgir to Pataliputra, which occupied a pivotal position commanding communication on all the sides. Pataliputra was situated at confluence of the Ganges, the Gandak and the Son, and a fourth river called the Ghaghra, joined the Ganges not far from Pataliputra.
3) In the pre-industrial days, when communication was difficult, the army could move north, west, south and east by following the courses of rivers.
4) Magadha was at the center of the mid-Gangetic plains, the Ganges provided a means of transport and agricultural facilities.