Elephants have been used in warfare for centuries, providing a significant advantage to the armies that employed them. The kingdom that first used elephants in wars is Magadha.

Magadha Kingdom:
Magadha was an ancient Indian kingdom that existed from the 6th century BCE to the 4th century BCE. It was located in the eastern part of present-day Bihar and parts of Bengal in India. The kingdom was known for its military prowess and strategic warfare tactics.

Use of Elephants in Wars:
The use of elephants in wars can be traced back to ancient India. Elephants were considered a formidable weapon due to their size, strength, and intimidating presence on the battlefield. They were used for various purposes, including transportation, logistics, and as a direct combat weapon.

Advantages of Elephants in Wars:
1. Intimidation: The sheer size and appearance of elephants could intimidate the enemy forces, often causing them to panic or retreat.
2. Mobility: Elephants could move swiftly on the battlefield, allowing the army to quickly change its position and launch surprise attacks.
3. Strength: Elephants were capable of trampling enemy soldiers, breaking through defensive lines, and creating chaos in the enemy ranks.
4. Mounting Platforms: Elephants provided a stable platform for archers and other soldiers to launch projectile attacks from, giving them an advantage over foot soldiers.
5. Psychological Impact: The sight and sound of elephants charging towards the enemy could demoralize the opposing forces and disrupt their battle formations.

Magadha's Use of Elephants:
Magadha Kingdom, under the reign of its powerful rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru, was the first kingdom to effectively utilize elephants in warfare. They recognized the strategic advantage that elephants provided and incorporated them into their military tactics.

Magadha's Influence on Subsequent Kingdoms:
The use of elephants in warfare by Magadha set a precedent for other kingdoms in the Indian subcontinent. Following Magadha's lead, other kingdoms such as Maurya, Gupta, and Chola also employed elephants in their armies, further solidifying their dominance on the battlefield.

In conclusion, Magadha Kingdom was the first to use elephants in wars. The kingdom recognized the advantages that elephants provided and incorporated them into their military tactics, setting a precedent for other kingdoms in the region. The use of elephants in warfare played a significant role in shaping the outcome of battles and furthering the military dominance of these kingdoms.