Which of the following factors was/were responsible for the rise of Magadha as the most powerful Mahajanapada during the 6th century BCE ? 1. Region of productive agriculture 2. Accessibility to iron-mines 3. Availability of elephants in the region Select the answer using the codes given below :

Magadha emerged as the most powerful Mahajanapada due to several strategic and geographical advantages:

• Productive Agriculture: Located in the fertile middle Gangetic plain, the region received adequate rainfall and had fertile soil, leading to a massive agricultural surplus that supported a large army and bureaucracy.
• Iron Mines: Proximity to iron ore deposits (in modern-day Jharkhand) allowed Magadhan rulers to manufacture superior weapons and effective agricultural tools like iron ploughshares.
• Elephants: Unlike other Mahajanapadas, Magadha had access to vast forests where elephants were captured and trained for warfare, providing a significant military edge.
• Strategic Capitals: Rajgir was protected by hills, and Pataliputra was a water-fort (Jaladurga) at the confluence of the Ganga, Gandak, and Son rivers, facilitating both defense and trade.

Therefore, all three factors were instrumental in its dominance.