Reasons for the success of Magadha as an imperial power in the 6th century BC.
Reasons for the success of Magadha as an imperial power in the 6th century BC.
Rise and growth of Magadha Empire.
In the 6th century BC, the whole of India, including Aryavarta, was divided into 16 major states. There was a lack of unity among these 16 major states, they were always engaged in wars. As a result, Kashi, Kosala, Avanti and Magadha became the main ones among these 16 major states. These four powers again engaged in wars among themselves for the purpose of imperialism and in time Magadha emerged as the main power and the Indian Empire was formed around Magadha.
The success of Magadha in the struggle for political supremacy in Aryavarta was not a sudden or supernatural event. Various factors, jointly or separately, made this rise of Magadha possible. In this context, Dr. Ramsharan Sharma and Dr. Romila Thapar have mentioned some reasons. The reasons are -
1. Safe distance:-
Located far from the uncertain and troubled north-western frontier in the middle Gangetic valley, the inhabitants of Magadha lived a safe life. It was not easy for any external power to reach this region by covering such a long distance. It took the Aryans at least two thousand years to settle in this middle Gangetic valley from the Indus valley. It was not possible for the Persian and Macedonian armies to reach this far. As a result of the safety of this geographical distance, the rise of Magadha was not interrupted or disrupted.
2. Competent leadership:-
The role of military, skilled and energetic leaders like Bimbisara, Ajatshatru, Shishunaga, Mahapadma Nanda, Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka is very important. In this context, the role of famous Indian diplomats and ministers like Ajatshatru's minister Basaka, Chandragupta Maurya's minister Kautilya and Rajarshi Ashoka's minister Radhagupta cannot be ignored. Basaka is compared to Machiavelli; and Kautilya was the hero behind the Maurya Empire. The diplomatic prudence of the ministers and the combination of valor of the royal family made Magadha unstoppable.
3. Geographical location:-
The personal skills of the royal family would have failed completely, if the geographical location of Magadha had not been favorable. Surrounded by the Ganges, Sone and Champa rivers, Magadha was very secure. The first capital of Magadha, Rajgriha, was very safe as it was surrounded by five hills. Pataliputra, located at the confluence of the Ganges, Sone and Gandaka rivers, was practically impregnable. Pataliputra was a water fortress and it was not easy to capture this city at that time. Since there were rivers all around, the possibility of Pataliputra being attacked by the enemy was very low, and the army of Magadha could move freely in all directions along the river route.
4. Forest resources of Magadha: -
The eastern part of Magadha was a dense forest full of elephants. It was difficult for the enemy to attack by breaking through this forest. But the Nanda kings collected elephants from that forest and built a huge army of war elephants. The main part of the army of Magadha was the elephant army. With the help of well-trained elephants, it became easy for Magadha to transport military supplies through inaccessible and muddy areas during the rainy season, to crush the enemy's defenses with the help of war elephants, and above all to instill terror in the enemy army. Perhaps it was because of the fear of Dhanananda's army that the world-conquering army of the Greek hero Alexander refused to advance east of Bipasha.
5. Fertile land: -
The Ganges River was the heart of Magadha. The Ganges and other rivers made Magadha fertile and well-watered. Various varieties of rice were cultivated in this region and the land produced crops twice a year. Just as the endless agricultural production made it easier to feed a large army, the treasury also swelled. Dr. Romila Thapar says that the possibility of forming the first empire of Magadha arose due to dependence on agriculture.
6. Foreign trade: -
The exclusive dominance over these rivers made it easier for Magadha to control the neighboring states and foreign trade was carried out through this river. Magadha merchants used to travel along the Ganges to the Bay of Bengal, South India and the Far East. In addition to water, Magadha merchants traded in Kashmir and Gandhara by land. The Jataka texts mention large caravans full of commercial goods moving by sea and land.
7. Mineral resources: -
The copper and iron mines of Magadha, full of mineral resources, were the main sources of Magadha's economic prosperity and military power. Not only in daily life - iron and copper were widely used in the manufacture of agricultural machinery and weapons of war in Magadha at that time. According to Kautilya, the iron mines of Magadha were the sanctum sanctorum of its military power.
8. Mixed culture:-
The social and cultural environment of Magadha broadened its political horizons. On both sides of the border of Magadha were the abodes of two separate cultures - Aryan and non-Aryan. As a result, a mixed culture developed in Magadha. The mentality of the people became liberal and developed. The strictness of Brahmanism was much relaxed here and the liberality of Buddhism and Jainism influenced public life. Magadha became powerful due to the combination of Aryan mentality and non-Aryan armed force.
9. Idealism:-
For ages, the Indian royal family dreamed of a united India. They adopted titles like Samrat, Ekrat, Virat, Sarvabhouma, Rajachakravarti etc. The royal family of Magadha was inspired by this ideal of forming an all-India empire. This ideal was fulfilled during the reigns of Chandragupta Maurya and Ashoka.
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