Which Haryanka ruler shifted the capital of Magadha to Pataliputra?
- A.Bimbisara
- B.Ajatashatru
- C.Udayin
- D.Shishunaga
Correct answer
Explanation
The correct answer is C, Udayin. Udayin, the son and successor of Ajatashatru, built a fort at the meeting point of the Ganga and the Son and moved the Magadhan capital there from Rajagriha. The site, Pataligrama or Kusumapura, grew into Pataliputra and remained a capital under the Nandas, the Mauryas, the Shungas and later the Guptas, because rivers protected it on more than one side and carried its trade.
Option A, Bimbisara, ruled from Rajagriha and expanded Magadha by marriage alliances and by annexing Anga. Option B, Ajatashatru, fortified Rajgir and fought the Lichchhavis of Vaishali, but did not move the capital; this is the commonest wrong choice. Option D, Shishunaga, founded the next dynasty and is remembered for annexing Avanti, and tradition says he shifted the capital briefly to Vaishali, not Pataliputra.
Read the full article: Ancient Bihar: Magadha, Mauryas, Guptas and Pataliputra
Practice Questions
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