Which one of the following dynasties was ruling over North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion ?

The Nanda dynasty was ruling in North India at the time of Alexander’s invasion. Textbook excerpts record Alexander’s north‑west Indian campaign in 327–325/326 BCE as occurring during Dhana (Dana) Nanda’s reign, initiating Greek contact with the region [4]. The Mauryan Empire was founded only after Alexander’s departure—Chandragupta established the Maurya state around 321 BCE by absorbing Nanda territories—so the Mauryas were not in power during Alexander’s campaign [3]. The Sunga and Kanva dynasties arose much later, following the Mauryan decline [3]. Hence, the correct choice is Nanda.

Sources

1. [1] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > 4.4 Alexander's Invasion > p. 49
2. [4] Exploring Society:India and Beyond ,Social Science-Class VII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires > The Mighty Mauryas > p. 98
3. [2] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > 4.4 Alexander's Invasion > p. 50
4. [3] History , class XI (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 4: Emergence of State and Empire > SUMMARY > p. 61