Approach:

• Intro – Rise of Magadha
• Body – The demand of the question is around rise and success of the Magadhan empire till the time of Nanda. So, we have to address the reasons behind the rise and success of Magadhan imperialism till the time of the Nanda dynasty
• Conclusion – Try to give a final figure to the Magadha from the time it was a mahajanpada to the time it became a pan India empire by using historical key terms used in NCERT.

Ans. The Magdha empire emerged as one the strongest empires in the history of ancient India. It was one the sixteen Mahajanapadas of the second urbanization based in southern Bihar in the eastern Ganges Plain in Ancient India. Three important dynasties which ruled Magadha empire were Harynaka Dynasty, Shishunaga Dynasty, and Nanda Dynasty. The empire was known for its military strength and innovation which was one of the biggest reasons behind the success of Magadha imperialism.

Reasons behind the rise and success of Magadhan imperialism

1. Geographical Factor – Its capital Patliputra was surrounded by Ganga, Gandak, Ghagra and Son River called to be true Jaladurga (water fort) and Rajgir was also surrounded by 5 hills giving them an upper edge during battles.
2. Agriculture Factor – A vast population of Magadha was engaged in agriculture in which the non-Aryans and Sudras were employed in clearing up the
3. Mineral Resources – Another source for the power and prosperity of the Magadha empire was the mineral resources. Abundant supply of iron ore was found from the Rajgir mines. Vast army was equipped with iron weapons which Magadha could sold to other states.
4. Role of Trade – Magadha was at the mid of the land route connecting eastern and western India. The river Ganga flowed through the heart of the Ganga which was a major trade route of trade in Northern India.
5. Political Factors – Bimbisara, Ajatsatru, Shishunaga, Mahapdma Nanda etc. were exceptionally able kings and they were fortunate to have great diplomats and ministers like Kautilya, Vassakara etc.
6. Strong Military – Strong military was another important reason behind Magadhan rise of imperialism. It was Magadha which first used elephants on a large scale in its wars against its neighbours.
7. Cultural Factors – Culturally Magadha was a very fertile land because traces of non-Aryan culture of Eastern India were found strongly mixed up with the Magadha empire. Marriage alliances strengthened the cultural bond in the society. Bimbisar used marriage alliances to strengthen his position.

Magadha started one of the 16 Mahajanpadas ended up emerging as big empire. It was only possible owing to strategic governance, military power, economic prosperity and cultural assimilation. Post Nanda it became a pan India empire and ruled Norther India for many centuries to come.