Between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE, Magadha ascended as the foremost mahajanapada, with modern historians attributing this transformation to several factors. Magadha boasted highly productive agriculture, benefitting from fertile lands and favourable climatic conditions. The region's accessibility to iron mines contributed to abundant resources for crafting essential tools and formidable weapons. Furthermore, the presence of elephants in Magadha's forests played a vital role in bolstering the strength of their military forces. Additionally, the strategic advantage of being situated along the Ganga and its tributaries offered Magadha a cost-effective and efficient means of communication, trade, and transportation. The combined influence of these factors propelled Magadha to become the dominant and powerful mahajanapada of its time.

Which of the following statements is correct?

a- Initially, Pataliputra was the capital of Magadha.
b- Later, in the fourth century BCE, the capital was shifted to Rajagaha.

Neither of them is correct.

Initially, Rajagaha (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.
Later, in the fourth century BCE, the capital was shifted to Pataliputra, present-day Patna, commanding routes of communication along the Ganga.