The Nanda Empire: 400 BC to 322 BC

This chapter discusses the socio-economic, political and technological developments of the Nanda Empire that led to cohesive governance, educational improvements, wealth accumulation and territorial annexations. As mentioned in Chap. 4 , Magadha was among the 16 Mahajanapadas. Over time it was ruled by five dynasties. In 385 BC Mahapadma Nanda (son of an upper-caste warrior and a lower, Sudra caste mother) killed the last Shishunaga ruler and founded the Nanda Dynasty. The Nanda Dynasty adopted Jainism and supported religious freedom. The author explores the role of Jainism and Buddhism in increasing social mobility, wealth accumulation and therefore economic development in the sub-continent. This period was also a time of agricultural surplus which influenced advancements in metallurgy techniques that led to agricultural innovation, a wealthy merchant class and improved weaponry. The weaponry and cavalry which included mounted elephants were efficient in deterring foreign invaders, including Alexander the Great. The author also explores the effect of army participation in promoting social mobility within the Hindu caste system. The Nanda Dynasty also adopted the Brahmi script, which arose in the northern parts of India and was used by a minority which included intellectuals such as Panini and Kautilya. This adoption allowed for the more efficient use of resources, the keeping of inventories and a positive contribution to education and culture. The dynasty also introduced new coinage, a system of administration and tax collection that increased its wealth. However, the last Nanda ruler was seen as a tyrant and Chandragupta Maurya, a student of the Brahmin Kautilya, killed him in 324 BC and established the Mauryan Dynasty. The period saw an increase in land and maritime trade led by an increase in ports, ships and goods. The last ruler of the Mauryan Empire, Brihadratha, was killed by the chief of the military Pushyamitra Sunga. The Sunga Kingdom was ended by the Kanvas. The dynasties following the Mauryan Empire were weak and led to power vacuums which left Magadha vulnerable to invaders such as the Bactrian Greeks, Scythians, and Kushans.