Vardhamana Mahavira was born in the 6th century BCE at:

Vardhamana Mahavira was born at Kundagrama (Kundalpur), a suburb of Vaishali, in present-day Bihar.

About his birth:

• According to Jain tradition, he was born in 599 BCE (some historians suggest a later date, around 540 BCE).
• His birth is celebrated as "Mahavir Jayanti", on the 13th day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra (March-April).
• His father was Siddhartha, a Kshatriya chief.
• His mother was Trishala (Priyakarini), a Lichchhavi princess and the sister of the Lichchhavi chief Chetaka of Vaishali.
• His name at birth was Vardhamana, meaning "one who grows" or "prosperous", because the family's wealth increased after his birth.
• Before his birth, his mother is said to have seen 14 (or 16) auspicious dreams, which foretold the birth of a great soul.

About Vaishali:

• It was the capital of the Vajji (Vrijji) confederacy, a powerful gana-sangha (republic) of the 6th century BCE.
• The Lichchhavis were the most powerful clan of the confederacy.
• Vaishali was also important for Buddhism; the Buddha visited it many times, and the second Buddhist council was held there.
• The modern site of Basokund (or Kundalpur) near Vaishali is identified as Mahavira's birthplace and is a Jain pilgrimage place.

Mahavira's connections with Magadha:

His mother's sister, Chellana, was married to Bimbisara, the king of Magadha, according to Jain tradition.

Other places in Mahavira's life:

• He attained supreme knowledge near Jrimbhikagrama, on the banks of the Rijupalika river.
• He attained nirvana at a place near Rajagriha (in Nalanda district, Bihar).

Why not the other options?

• ✗Pataliputra was the later capital of Magadha.
• ✗Kapilavastu was the capital of the Shakyas, where the Buddha grew up.
• ✗Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha.