In the political history of ancient Magadha, who is generally regarded as the founder of the Nanda dynasty that ruled before the Mauryas?

Introduction / Context:
The Nanda dynasty played a crucial role in the late ancient history of Magadha, serving as a bridge between the earlier mahajanapada period and the later Mauryan Empire. Understanding who founded this dynasty helps clarify the sequence of rulers in the Gangetic plain before Chandragupta Maurya came to power. This question focuses on identifying the first Nanda ruler.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the Nanda dynasty of Magadha.
• It asks who is regarded as the founder of this dynasty.
• The options include Bimbisara, Ajatasatru, Mahapadma Nanda, and Dhanananda.
• We assume familiarity with the chronological order of Magadhan dynasties.

Concept / Approach:
Bimbisara and Ajatasatru were important kings of the earlier Haryanka dynasty of Magadha. The Nandas came later and were known for their great wealth and powerful standing armies. Traditional and textual sources usually identify Mahapadma Nanda as the founder of the Nanda dynasty. Dhanananda is typically regarded as a later Nanda king, often described as the last Nanda ruler overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the guidance of Chanakya. Therefore, the founder is Mahapadma Nanda, not his successors or earlier non Nanda kings.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Place the Haryanka dynasty first, with rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatasatru. Step 2: Recognise that the Nanda dynasty followed the earlier line of Magadhan rulers and preceded the Mauryan Empire. Step 3: Recall that Mahapadma Nanda is traditionally mentioned as the first powerful Nanda king who established the dynasty's rule. Step 4: Remember that Dhanananda is commonly described as the last Nanda king, not the founder. Step 5: Conclude that Mahapadma Nanda is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
History textbooks and exam oriented reference books consistently state that Mahapadma Nanda founded the Nanda dynasty and greatly expanded Magadha's territory. They also mention that Dhanananda, sometimes identified with the oppressive king opposed by Chanakya, was the last Nanda ruler. This standard narrative confirms that Mahapadma Nanda should be chosen as the founder.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Bimbisara: A famous king of the Haryanka dynasty, credited with expanding Magadha but not associated with the Nanda dynasty.
• Ajatasatru: Son of Bimbisara and another major Haryanka ruler, again not a Nanda king.
• Dhanananda: Generally considered the last Nanda king who was overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya, not the founder of the dynasty.

Common Pitfalls:
Students may confuse the first and last Nanda kings because both Mahapadma Nanda and Dhanananda are often mentioned together. Another mistake is to lump together all Magadhan rulers and forget that Bimbisara and Ajatasatru belong to an earlier dynasty. To avoid such confusion, remember the simple sequence: Haryanka (Bimbisara, Ajatasatru), then Nanda (founded by Mahapadma Nanda), then Maurya (Chandragupta, etc.).

Final Answer:
The founder of the Nanda dynasty of Magadha is Mahapadma Nanda.