Mahapadma Nanda who has been described as ‘the destroyer of all the Kshatriyas’ took over from the Shaishunagas not only the reins of Magadhan power but also their policy of systematic approach.
In Jain texts Mahapadma is described as the son of a barber and a prostitute. Mahapadma created the first historical empire in India. He was also the first low-caste sovereign, as he did not belong to the Kshatriya clan.
He overthrew other powers such as Ikshvakus, Panchalas, Kashis, Haihayas, Kalingas, Ashmakas, Kurus, Maithilas, Shurasenas and Visihotras.
His probable frontier origin and early career as an adventurer helped him to consolidate the empire with ruthless conquests.
Mahapdma and his eight sons were known as ‘Navanandas’. The last rule was Dhana Nanda. He was unpopular because of his cruelty. According to Buddhist texts he was extremely avaricious and imposed very unpopular taxes.
The Nanda Dynasty was ended by Chandragupta who established the Mauryan dynasty.
Nanda Empire
