What are the different explanations offered …

Between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE, Magadha (in present-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapada. Modern historians explain this development in a variety of ways:

• Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive.
• Besides, iron mines (in present-day Jharkhand ) were accessible and provided resources for tools and weapons.
• Elephants, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region.
• 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, Ajatashatru and Mahapadma Nanda are the best known, and their minister, who helped implement their policies.

The two capitals, i.e. Rajagriha (Rajgir) and Pataliputra (Patna) of Magadha had their own advantages. Rajagaha was a fortified settlement, located amongst hill, thus, was not easily captured. Pataliputra was easily communicable through the Ganga and its tributaries.