- capital Rajgir strategically located
- surrounded by five mountains which provided natural protection
- large number of river channels and all navigable
- rulers preferred transport & communication thru these channels
- heavily forested areas → source of high quality timber
- traded timber with far flung areas
- huge abode of iron which they used to create very good quality sharp tools
- unorthodox & highly enterprising rulers
- did not pay heed to rules in Dharmashastra which were hindrance to commerce & business