Question

What is the first capital of Magadha?
 A.Patliputra
 B.Vaishali
 C.Girivaraja
 D.Champa

Answer 1

Hint:Magadha dynasty was an old kingdom situated in the Indo Gangetic plains in Eastern India and covers today’s contemporary state of Bihar. The famous rulers of this dynasty were Bimbisara, Ajatashatru. The capital of this empire shifted over time and one of the two capitals was Patliputra or Patna.

Complete answer:
Patliputra: Patliputra was chosen to be the capital after Girivaraja because of its many advantages. Patliputra was situated on the banks of the river Ganga which protected the capital from foreign aggression. The river also serves as a medium of transportation and is strategically important for trade reasons.

Vaishali: Vaishali is an ancient city and formed the capital city of the Vajji dynasty of Mithila. The name Vaishali was taken from King Vishal. It has great significance for the Jainism community. Some important destinations like the Ashoka Pillar, three Buddha Stupa are located here.

Girivaraja: The ancient name of Girivaraja is Rajgir. It is located in the state of Bihar and was the first capital of the great Magadha. The name can be translated as ‘house of the king’. This place is also important for its associations with Jainism and Buddhism. The Peace Pagoda is located in Rajgir.

Champa: Champa, additionally spelled Campa, city of ancient India, the capital of the realm of Anga (an area relating with the eastern part of present-day Bihar state). It is related to two towns of that name on the south bank of the Ganges (Ganga) River east of Munger.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C).

Note:It is important to keep a note of which capital is being asked in the question. The first capital was Girivaraja and was later shifted to Pataliputra. The famous Nalanda University is the modern-day Rajgir or ancient name of Girivaraja.