Which of the following statements with regard to the rulers of the Haryanka Dynasty is/are correct? 1. Bimbisara consolidated early Magadhan power through strategic matrimonial alliances and annexed the kingdom of Anga. 2. Ajatashatru fortified Rajagriha against potential Avanti invasions and patronized the First Buddhist Council at the Saptaparni Cave. 3. Udayin shifted the imperial capital of Magadha from Rajagriha to Pataliputra due to its strategic position at the confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Bimbisara expanded Magadha by forming matrimonial alliances with Kosala, Vaishali, and Madra, and by annexing Anga (Eastern Bihar).
Statement 2 is correct: Ajatashatru fortified his capital Rajagriha, defeated the Vajji confederacy using advanced siege engines (Rathamusala and Mahasilakantaka), and sponsored the First Buddhist Council at Rajagriha shortly after Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana.
Statement 3 is correct: Udayin established the city of Pataliputra at the strategic confluence of the Ganga and Son rivers and relocated the capital there from Rajagriha.