The Magadhan Empire is regarded as the first empire in India. It ruled from 544 B.C to 322 B.C. During the age of Buddha there were sixteen large states called Mahajanapadas.
Janapadas means the land where a jana sets its foot and settles. They are the realms, republics and kingdoms of the Vedic period on the Indian subcontinent.
Among the great Janapadas or the Mahajanapadas, names such as Vajji, Vatsa, Magadha, Koshala, Kuru, Panchala, Gandhara and Avanti occurs frequently in the pages of History.
These large states were mostly situated north of the Vindyas and extended from the north-west frontier to Bihar. While most of these mahajanapadas were ruled by kings, some known as ganas or sanghas, were oligarchies.
In Oligarchies power was shared among a number of men, often collectively known as rajas.
Among the sixteen mahajanapadas, Magadha, Koshala, Vatsa and Avanti seemed to be most powerful. However in the fight of dominance and supremacy Magadha emerged as the most powerful kingdom.
The area of Magadha empire embraces the former districts of Patna, Gaya and parts of Shahabad. Initially the capital of Magadhan empire was Rajgir and later it was shifted to Pataliputra.
# The Causes of rise of the Magadha Empire
The rise of Magadha as the largest kingdom of that time was a result of continuous effort of several enterprising and ambitious rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru and Mahapadma Nanda. However several other factors can be taken into account for the rapid expansion nof Magadha.
# Geographical Position
Magadha enjoyed a very advantageous geographical position. Both the capitals, Rajgir and Pataliputra were situated at very strategic points.
Rajgir was impregnable as it was surrounded by a group of five hills. Pataliputra was situated at the confluence of the Ganges, the Gandak, and the Son.
Their army could move easily towards all direction using the course of these rivers.
