Question

Between the 6th and 4th century BCE Magadhan (in present day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapda. Modern historian explains this development in a variety of ways. Which of the following is true regarding this?

(i) Magadha was a region where agriculture was especially productive.

(ii) Besides, iron mines (in present day Jharkhand) were accessible and provided resources for tools and weapons.

(iii) Tiger, an important component of the army, were found in forests in the region.

पर्याय

• i only

• i and iii

• i and ii

• ii and iii

Answer 1

i and ii

Explanation:

Magadhan (modern-day Bihar) became the most powerful mahajanapda between the sixth and fourth centuries BCE. This evolution is explained in a variety of ways by modern historians:

1. Magadha was a particularly fruitful agricultural region.
2. Additionally, iron mines (in modern-day Jharkhand) were accessible and supplied materials for tools and weaponry.
3. Elephants, a vital component of the army, were discovered in the region's jungles.
4. The Ganga and its tributaries also supplied cheap and convenient transportation.

Early Buddhist and Jain writers who wrote about Magadha, on the other hand, attributed its dominance to the policies of people, ruthlessly ambitious rulers such as Bimbisara, Ajatshatru, and Mahapadma Nanda, and their ministers who helped implement their policies.