Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation
Which one of the following statements about ancient Indian Mahajanapadas is correct?
Solution & Analysis
Answer: D
Concept
The 6th century BCE witnessed the 'Second Urbanization' with the rise of 16 great territorial states (Mahajanapadas).Explanation
The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya and the Jaina text Bhagavati Sutra provide slightly different lists, but both agree on the number Sixteen.Logical Breakup
Option A: Incorrect. Most were monarchies; only a few like Vajji and Malla were oligarchies (Gana-Sanghas).
Option B: Incorrect. They were spread from Gandhara (Northwest) to Assaka (South/Deccan).
Option C: Incorrect. Permanent standing armies were a key feature of the Mahajanapadas (e.g., Magadha's massive elephant core).