What factors did not lead Magadh to become the most powerful Mahajanapada? 1. Presence of iron mines. 2. Productive agriculture. 3. Ambitious kings. 4. Natural defence of Rajagraha.
Magadha ( in present-day Bihar ) became the most powerful Mahajanapada between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE. Factors : Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive. Hence, Statement 2 is correct. Iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand ) were accessible. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. It provided resources for tools and weapons . Elephants , an important component of the army , were found in forests in the region. Also, the Ganga and its tributaries provided a means of cheap and convenient communication . However, early Buddhist and Jaina writers who wrote about Magadha attributed its power to the policies of individuals: ruthlessly ambitious kings of whom Bimbisara, Ajatasattu, and Mahapadma Nanda are the bestknown, and their ministers, who helped implement their policies. Hence, Statement 3 is correct. Initially, Rajagraha (the Prakrit name for present-day Rajgir in Bihar ) was the capital of Magadha . Interestingly, the old name means “ house of the king”. Rajagaha was a fortified settlement, located amongst hills. Hence, Statement 4 is correct. Later, in the fourth century BCE , the capital was shifted to Pataliputra, present-day Patna , commanding routes of communication along the Ganga.