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.

Who was Megasthenes?

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

Megasthenes was a Greek ambassador to the court of Chandragupta Maurya.

He wrote a book called Indica. Megasthenes mentioned a committee with six subcommittees responsible for coordinating military activities in the Mauryan empire.