Which one among the following rulers established Pataliputra as the ca

Which one among the following rulers established Pataliputra as the capital of the Magadhan Empire ?

Bimbisara
Bindusara
Ajatashatru
Ashoka
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2023
While the earliest capital of the Magadhan Empire was Rajagriha (Rajgir), Pataliputra became increasingly important due to its strategic location. Ajatashatru, the son of Bimbisara, is credited with fortifying the village of Pataligrama (which grew into Pataliputra) during his conflicts, particularly against the Vajjis. His son, Udayin (Udayibhadra), subsequently shifted the capital of the Magadhan Empire from Rajagriha to Pataliputra due to its central and strategic position. Among the given options, Ajatashatru initiated the process of establishing Pataliputra as a significant stronghold by building a fort, paving the way for it to become the capital under his successor.
Ajatashatru fortified Pataliputra, which was later established as the capital of the Magadhan Empire by his son Udayin. Among the given options, Ajatashatru is the ruler most directly associated with initiating Pataliputra’s rise.
Pataliputra (modern Patna) remained the capital of major empires, including the Nanda and Mauryan empires, for centuries due to its advantageous location at the confluence of several major rivers (Ganges, Gandak, Son, and Ghaghara), providing natural defence and facilitating trade.
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