Magadha was a fertile region in ancient India due to its rich iron ore deposits, which enabled weapon and tool making, and its location along the Ganga river and its tributaries. The forests provided wood for large boats used in trade along water routes. Magadha developed powerful kingship through strong militaries that utilized elephants, and saw progress in agriculture, commerce, and water transportation under rulers like Bimbisara, Ajatashatru, the Haryanka dynasty, and the Nanda dynasty.