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Question

Which of the following factors was/were responsible for the rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada during the 6\(^{th}\) century BCE ?
1. Region of productive agriculture
2. Accessibility to iron-mines
3. Availability of elephants in the region
Select the answer using the codes given below :

This question was previously asked in
CDS 1 2026 Maths Question Paper (12-Apr-2026)
The correct answer is
1, 2 and 3

Magadha's Rise Factors

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada in the 6th century BCE due to several key factors:

  • Productive Agriculture: The fertile Gangetic plains provided abundant resources to sustain a large population and army, crucial for expansion and administration.
  • Iron Resources: Proximity to iron-mines, particularly in present-day Bihar, provided a significant advantage in manufacturing superior weapons and tools, enhancing military might.
  • Elephant Availability: The region was rich in wild elephants, which were incorporated into the Magadhan army, providing a distinct advantage in warfare due to their size and strength.

All three factors combined contributed significantly to Magadha's strategic, economic, and military dominance over other Mahajanapadas.

Answer Justification

Based on the analysis, all the listed factors (1. Productive agriculture, 2. Accessibility to iron-mines, 3. Availability of elephants) played a vital role in the ascendancy of Magadha.

Therefore, the correct option includes all three points.

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