The Glories of Magadha (Published Under the Patronage of the Government of Bihar) (An Old And Rare Book)

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Magadha comprises the modern districts of Patna, Nalanda, Gaya, Jahanabad and Aurangabad districts. As Anga (East of Magdha, comprising south Monghyr and Bhagalpur districts) was a part of Magadha since 5th-6th century B. C., culturally and historically, it may be included in any account of ancient Magadha. This land is extremely fertile and to its south were the mines-iron, copper and coal, This region now known as the Chota Nagpur plateau, containing ancient Suktimat Kula- parvata and part of Rksha or Vindhye hills, was inhabited by forest or hill-tribes and was never politically or administratively integrated with the main stream of the history and culture of the plains-people. The tribes loosely referred to as the ațavika appear to be parts of the 'ațavikas' of Aśoka's inscription. This region was later known as Jharkhanda. The political power which dominated the plains in the north exploited the mineral and forest wealth of the region and was content to keep the turbulent freedom-loving tribes in check by force. The agricul turally rich plains and the minerally rich tribal belt could easily together supply the economic base and military sinews (iron weapons helped the rise of Magadhan imperial power) for any ambitious political master of the central Gangetic valley. The cattle wealth of Magadha is often referred to in the early literature. The region Kikața is famous for its cows according to the Rgveda, Kikaļa is generally identified with Magadha on the authority of Yäska and the Puraņas. This region has long rivers Ganga and the Sona and others like the Phalgu and the Punpun, which could provide easy river-navigation and irrigation for trade and agriculture Pramaganda of Kikața fought the Rgvedic Aryans, and this may suggest the first inkling of hostility between the people of Magadha and the Rgvedio Aryans push eastwards to the Gangi.