The enormous wealth accumulated by the Nandas has been mentioned by which early Tamil author?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (D) Mamulanar

Explanation:
• Mamulanar was a famous Sangam poet who lived in South India. His poems contain valuable historical references to Northern Indian dynasties, specifically the Nandas and the Mauryas.
• In one of his poems (Akananuru 265), he mentions that the Nandas had accumulated vast wealth which they buried or hid under the waters of the Ganges river.
• He also mentions the 'Vamba Moriyar' (Newly-risen Mauryas) and their expeditions into the South, which were aided by the Kosars and Vadugars.
• These references are crucial for historians as they provide cross-regional evidence of the fame and power of the Magadhan empires even in the far south of the peninsula during the Sangam age.

Information Booster:
• The Nanda dynasty was founded by Mahapadma Nanda, often called the 'First Empire Builder' of India.
• They were overthrown by Chandragupta Maurya with the help of Chanakya.

Additional Knowledge:
• Kamban (Option A): The author of 'Kamba Ramayanam', he belonged to the 12th century CE, much later than the Sangam period.
• Kulasekhara (Option B): A Chera king and one of the Alvars (Vaishnavite saints), famous for Perumal Tirumoli.
• Madhurkavi (Option C): Another Alvar saint, known for his devotion to Nammalvar.