NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

mcqmedium

Which ruler of the Nanda dynasty is credited with extending control up to the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMahapadma Nanda
BAjatasattu
CBimbisara
DPorus

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

Mahapadma Nanda

Explanation

The Nanda dynasty, which succeeded the Shishunaga dynasty, represents the zenith of the Magadhan Empire's expansion before the Mauryas. Mahapadma Nanda, the founder of the dynasty, is historically recognized as the first empire builder of India, transforming Magadha into a trans-regional power.

Detailed Analysis:

Mahapadma Nanda (Correct): He is described in the Puranas as "Sarvakshatrantaka" (destroyer of all Kshatriyas) and "Ekarat" (sole sovereign). He defeated several contemporary dynasties, including the Kurus, Panchalas, Kasis, Haihayas, Kalingas, Asmakas, Maithilas, and Surasenas. By conquering the Kuru and Surasena territories, he extended the Magadhan control up to the fringes of the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day Punjab/Haryana region). Greek accounts later mention that the Nanda army's presence at the Beas river deterred Alexander's further advance.
Bimbisara and Ajatasattu (Incorrect): These rulers belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. While they significantly strengthened Magadha through the annexation of Anga, Kosala, and the Vajji confederacy, their expansion was primarily concentrated in Eastern and Central India (modern-day Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh). They did not extend control to the North-West.
Porus (Incorrect): Porus (Puru) was the ruler of the Paurava kingdom located between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in the North-West. He was a contemporary of Alexander and fought the Battle of Hydaspes. He was a local ruler of the Punjab region, not a ruler of the Nanda dynasty or the Magadhan Empire.

Key Takeaway:

Mahapadma Nanda is credited with establishing the first great empire of North India, extending Magadhan supremacy from Kalinga in the east to the borders of the Punjab in the north-west.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

With reference to the political changes around 3000 years ago in the Indian subcontinent, consider the following statements regarding the Ashvamedha sacrifice: 1. The horse let loose was guarded by the raja’s men and allowed to wander freely. 2. If a rival king allowed the horse to pass, it signified his challenge to the authority of the raja performing the sacrifice. 3. Ordinary people, known as the vish or vaishya, were strictly prohibited from bringing gifts to the sacrifice. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Varna system described by the priests in the Later Vedic books: 1. The Kshatriyas and Vaishyas were both eligible to perform sacrifices. 2. The Shudras were the only group explicitly excluded from studying the Vedas. 3. The classification of Varnas was strictly based on the occupation chosen by an individual in adulthood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the taxation system in the Mahajanapadas: 1. The tax on crops was the most important source of revenue and was fixed at one-sixth of the produce. 2. Herders were exempted from taxation as they did not own land. 3. Hunters and gatherers provided forest produce as a form of tax to the raja. 4. Craftspersons paid taxes in the form of labor, such as working for the king for a day every month. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

With reference to the agricultural changes around 2500 years ago, consider the following statements: 1. The use of iron ploughshares allowed heavy, clayey soil to be turned over better than wooden ploughshares. 2. The technique of transplanting paddy was introduced to increase production. 3. The agricultural labor for these new methods was primarily provided by the Kshatriya landowners themselves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

medium

The term ‘Bhaga’ in the context of the Mahajanapadas refers to:

easy

Keep practising Chapter 5: Kingdoms, kings and an early republic

Work through every question from this NCERT chapter.

Browse all NCERT Class 6 History chapters

The correct option is

Mahapadma Nanda

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Mahapadma Nanda (Correct): He is described in the Puranas as "Sarvakshatrantaka" (destroyer of all Kshatriyas) and "Ekarat" (sole sovereign). He defeated several contemporary dynasties, including the Kurus, Panchalas, Kasis, Haihayas, Kalingas, Asmakas, Maithilas, and Surasenas. By conquering the Kuru and Surasena territories, he extended the Magadhan control up to the fringes of the north-western part of the Indian subcontinent (modern-day Punjab/Haryana region). Greek accounts later mention that the Nanda army's presence at the Beas river deterred Alexander's further advance.
Bimbisara and Ajatasattu (Incorrect): These rulers belonged to the Haryanka dynasty. While they significantly strengthened Magadha through the annexation of Anga, Kosala, and the Vajji confederacy, their expansion was primarily concentrated in Eastern and Central India (modern-day Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh). They did not extend control to the North-West.
Porus (Incorrect): Porus (Puru) was the ruler of the Paurava kingdom located between the Jhelum and Chenab rivers in the North-West. He was a contemporary of Alexander and fought the Battle of Hydaspes. He was a local ruler of the Punjab region, not a ruler of the Nanda dynasty or the Magadhan Empire.

Key Takeaway:

Mahapadma Nanda is credited with establishing the first great empire of North India, extending Magadhan supremacy from Kalinga in the east to the borders of the Punjab in the north-west.