Q121
History of IndiaMahajanapadas, Buddhism & Jainism
Which state among the 'Sixteen Mahajanapadas' was successful ultimately in founding an empire?
- a.Koshala
- b.Kashi
- c.Magadha
- d.Panchala
Answer: (C) Magadha
Of the sixteen Mahajanapadas of the sixth century BCE (listed in the Buddhist Anguttara Nikaya), Magadha finally absorbed the rest and became India's first empire under the Haryanka, Shishunaga, Nanda and Maurya dynasties. Its advantages were the iron ores of south Bihar, the fertile Ganga plain, elephants for the army and well-protected capitals (Rajagriha, then Pataliputra). Kashi was annexed by Kosala and Kosala in turn by Magadha under Ajatashatru; Panchala (capitals Ahichchhatra and Kampilya) never rose to imperial status. Avanti and Vatsa were Magadha's other rivals, and Vajji was the best-known republic.