Whom did Chandragupta Maurya overthrow to take over the reins of the Magadha…

Concept

In ancient Indian history, the Mauryan Empire was founded by displacing the ruling dynasty of Magadha, the Nanda dynasty. Identifying the correct figure requires distinguishing the Nanda rulers from the earlier Haryanka rulers, and the dynasty's founder from its last reigning king.

Application

Chandragupta Maurya, guided by his mentor Chanakya (Kautilya), overthrew the Nanda dynasty and established Mauryan rule at the Magadhan capital Pataliputra around 322 BCE. The Nanda king reigning at that moment was Dhana Nanda, the dynasty's last ruler, who was known for vast wealth but weak military leadership. Hence the ruler Chandragupta overthrew was Dhana Nanda.

Cross-check / Contrast

• Dhana Nanda — the last Nanda king, on the throne of Magadha when Chandragupta rose; this is who was overthrown.

• Mahapadma Nanda — the founder of the Nanda dynasty and predecessor (father) of Dhana Nanda; he had ruled earlier, not at the time of the conquest.

• Bimbisara and Ajatshatru — early kings of the Haryanka dynasty who ruled Magadha centuries before the Nandas, so neither was contemporary with Chandragupta.

Therefore, the ruler whom Chandragupta Maurya overthrew to take control of Magadha was Dhana Nanda.