Which of the following was not one of the reasons why the conquest of Kalinga was of strategic

Q. Which of the following was not one of the reasons why the conquest of Kalinga was of strategic and economic importance to the Mauryan empire?

(a) It stood in the way of the southern routes from the Ganges valley

(b) It was also a powerful maritime state and, therefore a convenient source of income

(c) Its rich and fertile land could contribute to the economic prosperity of the empire

(d) It provided congiguity to the Mauryan territories of Andhra and Bengal

Ans: (c) Its rich and fertile land could contribute to the economic prosperity of the empire