Question

During King Bimbisara’s reign, Magadha rose to great prominence. In this context mention briefly:

Reasons why Magadha became a powerful kingdom.

Answer 1

Magadha rose to great prominence during King Bimbisara’s reign in this context the given headlines are briefly described as ahead:

Reasons why Magadha became a powerful kingdom:

1. It had fertile plains to produce a variety of crops. The big landlords employed dasas (slaves) and other laborers. The expansion of the economy led to increased commercial activity. The king received a lot of land-revenue and other taxes. The income was used to maintain vast armies.
2. Iron was discovered in large quantities in Chota Nagpur and the hilly regions of Magadha. It was used in making weapons and agricultural implements. Magadha’s successful military campaign against Anga eliminated an important rival at the very beginning of its imperial highness.
3. The rivers – Ganga, Son, Gandaka, and Sarayu provided water-ways for traders to go to all directions. The trade, crafts, and commercial activity made Magadha a prosperous kingdom. However, there were great inequalities of income between social classes.
4. Magadha had a large and strong infantry. It included Chaturangini sena (the foot-soldiers, the chariot-warriors, the cavalry’ and the war-elephants). This gave Magadha extra military’ advantage.