Directions: Select the correct option to answer the question.

Which ancient city served as the administrative capital of the Magadha empire during the rule of the Nanda dynasty?

The correct answer is Pataliputra.

Explanation:
Pataliputra (located near modern-day Patna in Bihar) served as the administrative capital of the Magadha empire during the rule of the Nanda dynasty in the 4th century BCE.

• Historical Context: The capital of Magadha was originally Girivraja (Rajgir). It was later shifted to Pataliputra by King Udayin of the Haryanka dynasty due to its strategic location at the confluence of the Ganges, Son, and Gandak rivers.
• Nanda Rule: When Mahapadma Nanda established the Nanda dynasty, Pataliputra remained the magnificent, fortified capital and economic center from which the Nanda rulers governed their expansive empire before being succeeded by the Mauryan Empire under Chandragupta Maurya.