In 326 B.C. when Alexander invaded India, Magadha was ruled by _____

The correct answer is - Dhana Nanda

Key Points

• Dhana Nanda
  • In 326 B.C., when Alexander the Great invaded India, the Nanda Dynasty was ruling the Magadha region.
  • Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty, known for his vast wealth and centralized administration.
  • He was unpopular among his subjects due to his oppressive tax policies and amassed immense treasure, which later became a reason for his downfall.
  • His rule coincided with Alexander's invasion, but Alexander did not directly engage with Magadha as his campaign ended near the Beas River in Punjab.

Additional Information

• Nanda Dynasty
  • The Nanda Dynasty was established by Mahapadma Nanda, who is considered the first ruler of the dynasty.
  • It was known for its large standing army, which included approximately 200,000 infantry, 20,000 cavalry, 2,000 war chariots, and 3,000 war elephants as per Greek accounts.
• Alexander's Invasion
  • Alexander invaded India in 326 B.C. and fought the famous Battle of Hydaspes (Jhelum) against King Porus.
  • He halted his campaign at the Beas River due to the resistance from his army, which refused to march further east because of the looming threat of larger Indian armies such as that of Magadha.
• Chandragupta Maurya
  • Chandragupta Maurya overthrew Dhana Nanda with the help of his mentor, Chanakya, and founded the Maurya Empire around 321 B.C..
  • This marked the end of the Nanda Dynasty and the rise of one of India's greatest empires.