
list two factors that helped to make magadha powerful
- 1. It was located in the fertile Gangetic river valley. Hence, it was agriculturally rich. Magadhan rulers could, therefore, earn lots of tax revenues and raise powerful armies.
- 2. The network of rivers formed by the Ganga and its tributaries facilitated trade which contributed to the prosperity of Magadha.
What factors contributed to the rise of Magadha?
The factors that contributed to the rise of Magadha were the strategic locations of its two capitals Rajagriha and Pataliputra, very rich alluvial soil contributing to agricultural surplus production, and the availability of minerals, which resulted in the introduction of iron tools especially for warfare.
What are the achievements of Magadha?
1 Magadha was lucky to have many powerful and ambitious rulers. 2 They had strong standing armies. 3 Availability of iron enabled them to develop advanced weaponry. 4 They were also the first kings to use elephants in the army. 5 The major kings also developed a good administrative system.
How did the Kingdom of Magadha expand to include Bihar and Bengal?
Magadha expanded to include most of Bihar and Bengal with the conquest of Vajji confederation and Anga, respectively. The kingdom of Magadha eventually came to encompass Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, West Bengal, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and the areas that are today the nations of Bangladesh and Nepal.
Which three dynasties contributed to the rise of Magadha as a superpower?
During this period at Magadha we find three dynasties who contributed to the emergence of Magadha as a superpower: Haryanka, Saisunaga, and the Nanda dynasties. Still have questions?
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Which factors made Magadha a powerful kingdom highlight its natural advantages?
The Magadhan lands were very fertile due to its location between the Ganges and the Son. In the 4th Century B.C. that the Magadhan lands yielded multiple crops round the year. People of Magadhan Empire became prosperous due to fertility of the land and the government became automatically rich and powerful.
What are the five important factors for the rise of Magadha?
They are as follows:
(i) Magadha was located in the Gangetic basin, where the soil was very fertile and yield good agriculture produce.
(ii) Land was frtile which yield good harvest. Land revenue was high and it provided huge income for the kingdom.
(iii) The thick forests supplied timber and elephants.
What was the most powerful kingdom of Magadha?
Bimbisara is considered to be the most powerful ruler of Magadha due to his conquest of the Anga kingdom to the east. His conquests would be considered as they would form the basis for future expansion of the Mauryan Empire.
Which factors led to the rise of Magadha as an empire?
Advantageous geographical position: Magadha's strategic location provided its proximity to the rich iron deposits. Magadhan Army had the high-quality weapon. Its capital Rajagriha: surrounded by 5 hills – provided a natural fortification.
Why was Magadha Empire so powerful?
Magadha became powerful because of its strategic location. The Ganga river flowing through it made the region fertile and improved transport. Its outlying forest areas also enabled it to capture and train elephants for its armies.
What were the major locational advantages of Magadha Class 6?
Rich deposits of iron ore contributed to the making of effective iron weapons and agricultural tools. 3. Due to strategic locations of both the capitals Rajgriha Rajgir and Pataliputra it was difficult for any rival to capture these cities. 4.
Why was Magadha famous 6 short answer?
Magadha was famous because its rulers were very powerful who established a big kingdom. Was this answer helpful?
What were the natural advantages that helped Magadha to become a powerful kingdom in North India?
The following natural features helped Magadha to become a powerful kingdom:Many rivers such as the Ganga and Son flowed through Magadha. These rivers made the land fertile for agriculture. ... Another natural feature was the forests. ... To become powerful, the rajas were fighting battles and required powerful weapons.
Who was the first powerful ruler of the Magadha Empire?
Bimbisara, (born c. 543—died 491 bce), one of the early kings of the Indian kingdom of Magadha.
Who is the founder of Magadha kingdom?
Magadha EmpireEmpireEstablished - DisestablishedFounderMaurya Empirec. 322 – c. 185 BCEChandragupta MauryaShunga Empirec. 185 – c. 73 BCEPuspamitra SungaKanva Empirec. 73 – c. 26 BCEVasudevaSatavahana Empirec. 230 or 26 BCE – c. 220 CESimuka9 more rows
What is Magadha called now?
Magadha was a region and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, 'Great Kingdoms' of the Second Urbanization (600–200 BCE) in what is now south Bihar (before expansion) at the eastern Ganges Plain.
Which of the following is are reason s for success of Magadha *?
The Magadhan lands were very fertile due to its location between the Ganges and the Son. In the 4th Century B.C. that the Magadhan lands yielded multiple crops round the year. People of Magadhan Empire became prosperous due to fertility of the land and the government became automatically rich and powerful.
What are the main features of Mahajanapadas?
Features of the Mahajanapadas:Location: Magadha was located in an advantageous position. ... Capital City: ... Agricultural Surplus: ... Huge standing army: ... Powerful rulers: ... Economic Activity: ... Second Urban civilization: ... Growth of village settlements:More items...•
What were the features of Mahajanapadas Class 12?
Ans. : The salient features of Mahajanapadas are as follows: (i) Most of the Mahajanapadas were ruled by powerful kings. However, there were some Mahajanapadas where rule was in the hands of people, we call them republics. (ii) Every Mahajanpadas had its own capital.
Who was the first ruler of Magadha?
Bimbisara was the first king of Magadha's Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara and his son Ajatashatru built the Magadha dynasty. Q.
What was the kingdom of Magadha?
The kingdom of the Magadha, before its expansion, corresponded to the modern districts of Patna, Jehanabad, Nalanda, Aurangabad, Arwal, Nawada and Gaya in southern Bihar. It was bounded on the north by the river Ganges, on the east by the river Champa, on the south by the Chota Nagpur Plateau, and on the west by the Son River .
What was the culture of Greater Magadha?
This region of Greater Magadha also included neighbouring regions in the eastern Gangetic plains and had a culture and belief system of its own that predated Hinduism. Much of the second urbanisation took place here from c. 500 BCE onwards and it was here that Jainism became strong and Buddhism arose.
What was the role of Magadha in India?
Magadha played an important role in the development of Jainism and Buddhism. It was succeeded by three of India's greatest empires, the Nanda Empire (c. 345–322 BCE), Maurya Empire and Gupta Empire. The Pala Empire also ruled over Magadha and maintained a royal camp in Pataliputra.
How long did it take Ajatashatru to defeat the Ajatashatru?
It took fifteen years for Ajatashatru to defeat them. Jain texts tell how Ajatashatru used two new weapons: a catapult, and a covered chariot with swinging mace that has been compared to a modern tank. Pataliputra began to grow as a centre of commerce and became the capital of Magadha after Ajatashatru's death.
Where is Magadh today?
Magadha was a region and one of the sixteen Mahajanapadas, 'Great Kingdoms' of the Second Urbanization (600-200 BCE) in what is now south Bihar (before expansion) at the eastern Ganges Plain. Magahi or Magadhi is the language of Magadh which is still spoken in southern Bihar. Magadh was ruled by the Pradyota dynasty, Barhadratha dynasty, Haryanka dynasty (544-413 BCE), and the Shaishunaga dynasty (413 BCE-345 BCE). Villages had their own assemblies under their local chiefs called Gramakas. Their administrations were divided into executive, judicial, and military functions.
Where is Magadha mentioned?
The ancient kingdom of Magadha is heavily mentioned in Jain and Buddhist texts. It is also mentioned in the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas .
Where did the Magadha people come from?
The earliest reference to the Magadha people occurs in the Atharvaveda, where they are found listed along with the Angas, Gandharis and Mujavats. The core of the kingdom was the area of Bihar south of the Ganges; its first capital was Rajagriha (modern day Rajgir ), then Pataliputra (modern Patna ).
How many dynasties were there in the Magadha Empire?
The Magadha Empire encompasses the rule of three dynasties over time – Haryanka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, and Nanda Dynasty. The timeline of the Magadha Empire is estimated to be from 684 BCE to 320 BCE. Read about the topic, ‘Rise and Growth of the Magadha Empire,’ in this article; which is important for the IAS Exam ...
Which dynasty was the first to rule Magadha?
The first important and powerful dynasty in Magadha was the Haryanka dynasty. Bimbisara (558 BC – 491 BC) Son of Bhattiya. According to Buddhist chronicles, Bimbisara ruled for 52 years (544 BCE – 492 BCE). Contemporary and follower of the Buddha. Was also said to be an admirer of Mahavira, who was also his contemporary.
Who was the last ruler of the Maghada Empire?
The last ruler of this Nanda dynasty was murdered, and with no credible succession to take place, a new king called Mahapadma Nanda took over about the middle of the fourth century BCE, ushering the reign of the last dynasty before the Mauryans took over the reigns of power in Magadha.
What was the most important achievement of Shishunaga?
The most important achievement of Shishunaga was the destruction of the power of Avanti with its capital at Ujjain. This brought to an end the 100-year-old rivalry between Magadha and Avanti. Avanti became a part of the Magadha empire and continued to be so till the end of the Mauryan rule.
How many wives did Bimbisara have?
He had three wives: Kosaladevi (King of Kosala’s daughter and the sister of Prasenjit), Chellana (daughter of the Lichchavi chief of Vaisali) and Khema (daughter of the king of Madra, Punjab). He followed a policy of conquest and expansion. Most notable conquest by Bimbisara was that of Anga.
Why was Ganga important to the Magadha Empire?
The general prosperity of the people and the rulers. The mastery over Ganga meant economic hegemony. Ganga was important for trade in North India. With the annexation of Anga by Bimbisara, river Champa was added to the Magadha Empire. Champa was important in the trade with South-East Asia, Sri Lanka and South India.
What did Ajatashatru use to throw stones?
He used a war engine to throw stones like catapults. He also possessed chariots to which maces were attached which facilitated mass killings. The ruler of Avanti tried to invade Magadha and to thwart this danger Ajatashatru began the fortification of Rajgriha.

Overview
Buddhism and Jainism
Several Śramaṇic movements have existed before the 6th century BCE, and these influenced both the āstika and nāstika traditions of Indian philosophy. The Śramaṇa movement gave rise to diverse range of heterodox beliefs, ranging from accepting or denying the concept of soul, atomism, antinomian ethics, materialism, atheism, agnosticism, fatalism to free will, idealization of extreme asceticism to that of family life, strict ahimsa (non-violence) and vegetarianism to the permissibil…
Geography
The territory of the Magadha kingdom proper before its expansion was bounded to the north, west, and east respectively by the Gaṅgā, Son, and Campā rivers, and the eastern spurs of the Vindhya mountains formed its southern border. The territory of the initial Magadha kingdom thus corresponded to the modern-day Patna and Gaya districts of the Indian state of Bihar.
The region of Greater Magadha also included neighbouring regions in the eastern Gangetic plain…
History
Some scholars have identified the Kīkaṭa tribe—mentioned in the Rigveda (3.53.14) with their ruler Pramaganda—as the forefathers of Magadhas because Kikata is used as synonym for Magadha in the later texts; Like the Magadhas in the Atharvaveda, the Rigveda speaks of the Kikatas as a hostile tribe, living on the borders of Brahmanical India, who did not perform Vedic rituals.
The earliest reference to the Magadha people occurs in the Atharvaveda, where they are found li…
Language
Beginning in the Theravada commentaries, the Pali language has been identified with Magahi, the language of the kingdom of Magadha, and this was taken to also be the language that the Buddha used during his life. In the 19th century, the British Orientalist Robert Caesar Childers argued that the true or geographical name of the Pali language was Magadhi Prakrit, and that because pāḷi means "line, row, series", the early Buddhists extended the meaning of the term to mean "a serie…
Rulers
Two notable rulers of Magadha were Bimbisara (also known as Shrenika) and his son Ajatashatru (also known as Kunika), who are mentioned in Buddhist and Jain literature as contemporaries of the Buddha and Mahavira. Later, the throne of Magadha was usurped by Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the Nanda Dynasty (c. 345–322 BCE), which conquered much of north India. The Nanda dynasty was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of the Maurya Empire (c. 322–18…
Historical figures from Magadha
Important people from the ancient region of Magadha include:
• Śāriputra – born to a wealthy Brahmin in a village located near Rājagaha in Magadha. He is considered the first of the Buddha's two chief male disciples, together with Maudgalyāyana.
• Maudgalyāyana – born in the village of Kolita in Magadha. He was one of the Buddha's two main disciples. In his youth, he was a spiritual wanderer before meeting the Buddha.
See also
• Mahajanapadas
• History of India
• Magadha-Vajji war
• Magadha-Anga war
• Avanti-Magadhan Wars