Dhana Nanda
Topic: The Mauryan Empire · NCERT: Class 7, Ch 5 "The Rise of Empires"
Meaning
Dhana Nanda was the last ruler of the Nanda dynasty of Magadha. Mahāpadma Nanda founded this dynasty in about the 5th century BCE. Dhana Nanda was very rich, but he oppressed his people and was highly unpopular. That anger made it easier for Chandragupta Maurya to overthrow him and set up the Maurya Empire in c. 321 BCE.
Example
A well-known legend says that Kauṭilya (also called Chāṇakya or Viṣhṇugupta) once advised Dhana Nanda to change his ways. The king insulted him and had him thrown out of the court. Kautilya then vowed to end "evil Nanda" rule. He helped Chandragupta take Magadha, and Pāṭaliputra became the new Mauryan capital.
Don't confuse with
- Mahāpadma Nanda: he founded the Nanda dynasty, joined many small kingdoms together and began issuing coins. Dhana Nanda was the last Nanda king, and he lost the throne.