In ancient Magadha, which city is generally regarded as the first capital of the Magadhan kingdom before the rise of Pataliputra?

Introduction / Context:
Magadha was one of the most powerful mahajanapadas (great kingdoms) in ancient India and later became the core region of several large empires such as the Mauryas and the Guptas. Knowing the early capitals of Magadha helps you understand the political evolution of the eastern Gangetic plain. This question focuses on identifying the first capital of Magadha before the famous city of Pataliputra rose to prominence.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks about the first capital of Magadha in early historical times.
• Options include Pataliputra, Vaishali, Girivarja (also known as Rajagriha), and Champa.
• We assume basic knowledge of the shift of Magadha's capital from one city to another as dynasties changed.

Concept / Approach:
Early Magadhan rulers such as Bimbisara and Ajatasatru ruled from Girivarja, better known as Rajagriha or Rajgir in present day Bihar. This hilly, fortified city served as the first capital of Magadha. Pataliputra became the capital later, particularly under the Nanda and Maurya dynasties. Vaishali was a centre of the Vajji or Lichchhavi republic, not the capital of Magadha. Champa was associated with the kingdom of Anga. Therefore, the correct answer is Girivarja (Rajagriha).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Bimbisara, one of the earliest known kings of Magadha, ruled from Rajagriha. Step 2: Understand that Rajagriha was also called Girivraja or Girivarja, meaning a place surrounded by hills. Step 3: Recognise that Pataliputra only became the major imperial capital later, especially under the Nandas and Mauryas. Step 4: Identify Vaishali as the capital of the Vajji confederacy, not of Magadha. Step 5: Remember that Champa belonged to the Anga kingdom and not to Magadha's earliest capital history. Step 6: Conclude that Girivarja (Rajagriha) was the first capital of Magadha.

Verification / Alternative check:
Texts on ancient Indian history and Buddhist sources such as early Buddhist literature describe Rajagriha as the capital of Magadha during the life of the Buddha, who visited the city often. Only later do we see the rise of Pataliputra as a great metropolis. Archaeological remains around present day Rajgir in Bihar also support the identification of Girivarja (Rajagriha) as an early capital of Magadha.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Pataliputra: It did become a very important and later capital of Magadha, especially under the Nandas and Mauryas, but it was not the first capital.
• Vaishali: This city was associated with the Vajji or Lichchhavi republic and is remembered as an early republican centre, not as Magadha's capital.
• Champa: Known as the capital of Anga, another mahajanapada, and therefore not the first capital of Magadha.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to automatically choose Pataliputra because it is famous as the capital of Mauryan India and is widely mentioned in textbooks. However, the question is specifically about the first capital, and that distinction is crucial. Another pitfall is to confuse the capitals of neighbouring mahajanapadas, such as Vaishali and Champa. Remember the sequence: first Girivarja (Rajagriha), then later Pataliputra for Magadha.

Final Answer:
The first capital of Magadha in ancient India was Girivarja (Rajagriha).