In ancient India, which of the following cities was the earliest capital of the Magadha kingdom before the capital shifted to Pataliputra?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on the political geography of ancient Magadha, one of the most important Mahajanapadas in early Indian history. Magadha later became the core of major empires like the Mauryan and Gupta Empires. Knowing the sequence of its capitals helps you situate major events and rulers in space and time. The earliest capital is distinct from the later, more famous capital Pataliputra.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the earliest capital of the Magadha kingdom.
• Options are Pataliputra, Rajgir, Vaishali and Varanasi.
• We assume the standard narrative where the capital shifts over time.
• We accept that Rajgir (Rajagriha) preceded Pataliputra as Magadha's capital.

Concept / Approach:
In the early period, Magadha's capital was at Rajagriha (modern Rajgir in Bihar), a city surrounded by hills and thus defensible. Later, during the Haryanka dynasty, especially under Udayin, the capital was shifted to Pataliputra, which offered better strategic advantages on the Ganga. Vaishali was the capital of the Vajji confederacy, not of Magadha, and Varanasi was a separate kingdom (Kashi). Therefore, when the question asks for the earliest capital of Magadha, the correct answer is Rajgir (Rajagriha). Pataliputra became capital later.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Rajagriha in the early period served as the capital of Magadha under rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.Step 2: Remember that Udayin is credited with shifting the capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra.Step 3: Note that Vaishali and Varanasi were capitals of other political entities, not Magadha.Step 4: Since the question explicitly asks for the earliest capital, we pick the one that predates Pataliputra.Step 5: Select 'Rajgir (Rajagriha)' as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Ancient Indian history textbooks and exam guides normally present a short table of Magadhan capitals, listing Rajagriha as the early capital and Pataliputra as the later imperial capital. In MCQ collections, the question 'earliest capital of Magadha' consistently yields Rajagriha/Rajgir as the model answer. This repetition in standard sources confirms our selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pataliputra: A later and more famous capital of Magadha and the Mauryan Empire, but not the earliest capital.Vaishali: Capital of the Vajji (Vrijji) confederacy, not Magadha.Varanasi: Known as the capital of the Kashi kingdom; it is a separate political entity in early Indian history.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Pataliputra dominates the narrative of Magadhan and Mauryan history, students often forget that there was an earlier capital. They may automatically choose Pataliputra for any question involving Magadha. Another pitfall is confusing Vaishali, which appears frequently in Buddhist and Jain contexts, with Magadhan history. To avoid these errors, remember the simple sequence: early capital – Rajagriha (Rajgir); later capital – Pataliputra.

Final Answer:
The earliest capital of the ancient Magadha kingdom was Rajgir (Rajagriha).