The Kings of Nanda Dynasty

 

After Ajatshatru, the kingdom of Magadh came under the rule of Nanda dynasty. Nanda was a much popular and valiant king. His title was 'Vardhana'. He conquered Southeast and regions of western seacoast. Region of Himalayas and Kashmir in the north and the country of Avanti came under his control. After the conquest of Kalinga, he brought the 'Kalinga Jina' from there and established it in his capital Pataliputra with great modesty. The kings of this dynasty were Jains. This is proved by Mudrarakshasa and Jain literature. Their ministers were also Jains. The minister of last Nanda ruler was Rakshasa, who was a clever politician. According to Mudrarakshasa, he was introduced to a nude ascetic, whose name was Jivasiddhi. Jivasiddhi was allowed to go to the market and to address the members of royal family, including women, without any disturbance. This was natural, as the kings of Nanda dynasty were Jains.   The Nanda ruler had respect in the Digamber saint Jivasiddhi. The last Nanda king is believed to have established five stupas at Rajgir, which is a sacred, place for persons of all faiths particularly the Jains and the Buddhists