What are the four causes that led to the rise of Magadha?

Of the sixteen Mahajanapadas Magadha alone was ultimately successful in the experiment of building an empire in India. The causes that favored Magadha may be summed up as follows:

(a) Magadha had an advantage of geographical position, for the iron mines were located around Rajgir and Pataliputra. Iron was necessary for an all round advancement.

(b) Magadha’s capital Pataliputra was located in a very advantageous position, mvulnerajle because of natural barrier.

(c) Magadha geographically was located at the centre of the Gangetic plain. This fertile area could produce enough surpluses to help its rulers to fill in the treasury.

(d) Magadha’s success was also due to appearance of several energetic and ambitious rulers who deployed all their means to extend and strengthen Magadha.