Who was the last king of the Nanda Dynasty?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

Dhana Nanda is historically recognized as the last ruler of the Nanda Dynasty.
He was the son of Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the dynasty.
His reign was characterized by immense wealth but also by his unpopularity among the subjects due to his greed and oppressive rule.
He was famously overthrown by the young Chandragupta Maurya, with the strategic guidance of Chanakya (Kautilya), leading to the foundation of the Mauryan Empire around 322 BCE.

Option A: Panduka Nanda was one of the sons and successors of Mahapadma Nanda, but he was not the final ruler of the dynasty.
Option C: Kaivarta Nanda is mentioned in some historical lists as one of the nine Nanda kings but is not considered the last one in mainstream historical accounts.
Option D: Mahapadma Nanda was the founder and the first king of the Nanda Dynasty, not the last. He established the empire through extensive military conquests.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Ancient Indian History: The Nanda Dynasty as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This is a historical question, so clinical relevance does not apply. The historical significance is paramount.
Historical Significance: The fall of Dhana Nanda and the Nanda dynasty paved the way for the Mauryan Empire, which unified the Indian subcontinent for the first time and is considered a golden age in Indian history.
Context: The period of Dhana Nanda's rule was contemporary with Alexander the Great's invasion of the northwestern Indian subcontinent. Historical accounts suggest Alexander's army was hesitant to face the large and powerful army of the Nanda Empire.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question from ancient history.
First, identify the key elements in the question: 'last king' and 'Nanda Dynasty'.
Scan the options provided: Panduka Nanda, Dhana Nanda, Kaivarta Nanda, and Mahapadma Nanda.
Recall or deduce the roles of these figures. Remember that Mahapadma Nanda was the powerful founder, which excludes him from being the last king.
Recall that Dhana Nanda is famously known as the last Nanda king who was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya.
Select the option that correctly identifies this historical fact.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QKSQbvBrH4Kg4PKi4aZ847

Practise the full DSSSB - 29 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.