Consider the following statements regarding the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada: 1. The rivers Ganga and Son provided water supplies and transport. 2. The region had iron ore mines which helped in making strong tools and weapons. 3. The forests in the region provided horses which were essential for the cavalry. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Option The correct option is (a). Explanation Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Its rise was facilitated by a combination of strategic geographical location, abundant natural resources, and the aggressive policies of its rulers. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: Magadha was situated in the middle Gangetic plain. The rivers Ganga and Son flowed through the region, ensuring perennial water supplies for agriculture and serving as cheap, efficient means of transport and trade. The capital, Pataliputra, was strategically located at the confluence of these rivers, functioning as a "water fort" (Jaladurga). - Statement 2 is Correct: The region possessed rich deposits of iron ore (near modern-day Rajgir and parts of Jharkhand). This accessibility allowed for the manufacturing of strong agricultural tools (for clearing forests and deep ploughing) and superior iron weapons, providing Magadha with a distinct military and economic advantage over rival states. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The forests in the Magadha region were indeed significant, but they were primarily a source of elephants, not horses. Elephants were a crucial component of the Magadhan military strategy, used for storming fortresses and traversing difficult terrain. High-quality horses were generally imported from the north-western regions (such as Kamboja) rather than being sourced from local forests. Key Takeaway: The primary material factors behind Magadha's dominance were the proximity to iron mines for weaponry, the availability of elephants from local forests for the army, and the strategic riverine transport system.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the rise of Magadha as a powerful Mahajanapada:

The rivers Ganga and Son provided water supplies and transport.
The region had iron ore mines which helped in making strong tools and weapons.
The forests in the region provided horses which were essential for the cavalry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada between the 6th and 4th centuries BCE. Its rise was facilitated by a combination of strategic geographical location, abundant natural resources, and the aggressive policies of its rulers.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Magadha was situated in the middle Gangetic plain. The rivers Ganga and Son flowed through the region, ensuring perennial water supplies for agriculture and serving as cheap, efficient means of transport and trade. The capital, Pataliputra, was strategically located at the confluence of these rivers, functioning as a "water fort" (Jaladurga).
Statement 2 is Correct: The region possessed rich deposits of iron ore (near modern-day Rajgir and parts of Jharkhand). This accessibility allowed for the manufacturing of strong agricultural tools (for clearing forests and deep ploughing) and superior iron weapons, providing Magadha with a distinct military and economic advantage over rival states.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The forests in the Magadha region were indeed significant, but they were primarily a source of elephants, not horses. Elephants were a crucial component of the Magadhan military strategy, used for storming fortresses and traversing difficult terrain. High-quality horses were generally imported from the north-western regions (such as Kamboja) rather than being sourced from local forests.

Key Takeaway: The primary material factors behind Magadha's dominance were the proximity to iron mines for weaponry, the availability of elephants from local forests for the army, and the strategic riverine transport system.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

With reference to the political changes around 3000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha sacrifice: 1. The horse let loose was guarded by the raja’s men and allowed to wander freely. 2. If a rival king allowed the horse to pass, it signified his challenge to the authority of the raja performing the sacrifice. 3. Ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were strictly prohibited from bringing gifts to the sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system described by the priests in the Later Vedic books: 1. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were both eligible to perform sacrifices. 2. The Shudras were the only group explicitly excluded from studying the Vedas. 3. The classification of Varnas was strictly based on the occupation chosen by an individual in adulthood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas: 1. The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. 2. Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land. 3. Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja. 4. Craftspersons paid taxes in the form of labor, such as working for the king for a day every month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the agricultural changes around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. The use of iron ploughshares allowed heavy, clayey soil to be turned over better than wooden ploughshares. 2. The technique of transplanting paddy was introduced to increase production. 3. The agricultural labor for these new methods was primarily provided by the Kshatriya landowners themselves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The term ‘Bhaga’ in the context of the Mahajanapadas refers to:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 History chapters

Correct Option

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: Magadha was situated in the middle Gangetic plain. The rivers Ganga and Son flowed through the region, ensuring perennial water supplies for agriculture and serving as cheap, efficient means of transport and trade. The capital, Pataliputra, was strategically located at the confluence of these rivers, functioning as a "water fort" (Jaladurga).
Statement 2 is Correct: The region possessed rich deposits of iron ore (near modern-day Rajgir and parts of Jharkhand). This accessibility allowed for the manufacturing of strong agricultural tools (for clearing forests and deep ploughing) and superior iron weapons, providing Magadha with a distinct military and economic advantage over rival states.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The forests in the Magadha region were indeed significant, but they were primarily a source of elephants, not horses. Elephants were a crucial component of the Magadhan military strategy, used for storming fortresses and traversing difficult terrain. High-quality horses were generally imported from the north-western regions (such as Kamboja) rather than being sourced from local forests.