Between 6th and 4th centuries BCE, which of the following Mahajanapadas became the most powerful?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Magadha
Of the sixteen mahajanapadas, Magadha rose to dominate the others between the sixth and the fourth centuries BCE. Its iron ore deposits, the elephants of its forests, the fertile Ganga plain and its command of river routes gave it both wealth and armies.
Under Bimbisara, Ajatasattu and Mahapadma Nanda it absorbed its rivals, and its capital moved from Rajagriha to the strategically placed Pataliputra. Gandhara, Koshala and Avanti were powerful in their own regions but were eventually overtaken by Magadha.