Nandas: The first empire builder of India (345 BCE – 321
BCE)
Nandas came to power in 345 BCE under the leadership
of the Mahapadmananda.
• This dynasty was the first non-Kshatriya dynasty.
• The Magadha empire became strong and wealthy under their rule.
• Hathigumpha inscription near Udayagiri Khandgiri caves also mentions their dynasty.
Mahapadmananda:
• He is the founder of the Nanda dynasty and is also known as Ugrasena in Pali texts due to his formidable army.
• The pioneer of India’s first empire, he proclaimed himself as Ekarat, the sole ruler who eliminated all other princely contenders, and Sarva-kshatrantaka, the conqueror of Kshatriyas.
• He expanded Magadha by annexing Kalinga and likely suppressing a rebellion in Kosala.
• According to Brahmanical texts, he hailed from a lower caste, possibly non-Kshatriya, and the Puranas claim he was born to a Shishunaga dynasty king and a Shudra woman, marking the Nandas as Adharmika (deviating from Dharma norms).
• Buddhist texts refer to them as Annatakula (of unknown lineage).
• He implemented a systematic tax collection system through appointed officials and undertook extensive canal and irrigation projects.
• He also brought back an image of Jina as a victory symbol.
• The Jina is the central figure in Jainism and is revered as a perfected being who has achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
• Mahapadma Nanda was succeeded by his son Dhana Nanda.
Dhanananda:
• He is the last significant ruler of the Nanda dynasty, who commanded a vast army that halted Alexander’s advance into Magadha when he invaded Punjab.
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• He is also credited with inventing the Nandopakramani,
a specific measuring standard.
• Nanda is remembered as an oppressive and greedy ruler who burdened the common people with heavy taxes.
• His exploitation and unpopularity paved the way for Chandragupta Maurya, guided by Kautilya, to overthrow the Nanda dynasty and establish the Mauryan empire.