Give reasons for the rise of Magadha as a powerful mahajanapada in the 6th century BCE.

Reasons for the rise of Magadha as a powerful mahajanapada were:

1. Magadha was located at the centre of the Gangetic plain where the soil was fertile. Due to heavy rains cultivation was possible even without irrigation. This led to surplus production which was taken by the kings as taxes and used to maintain a large army.
2. The forests located in the eastern part of Magadha provided elephants and timber. Elephants could be used in marching over marshly areas and storming fortresses. Timber could be utilized in constructing palaces and large buildings.
3. Magadha had rich deposits of iron which could be used to make better weapons and agriculture tools.
4. Magadha was ruled by very powerful and ambitious rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and Mahapadma Nanda. These rulers made all efforts to enlarge their kingdoms.
5. The hills and rivers surrounding the two capitals of Magadha (old capital Rajagriha and new capital Pataliputra) acted as natural barriers against foreign invasions.