[Solved] Sixteen Mahajanapadas: List and Literary Sources

Which one of the following statements about ancient Indian Mahajanapadas is correct?

[UPSC CDS 2014 (I)]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The 6th century BCE witnessed the 'Second Urbanization' with the rise of 16 great territorial states (Mahajanapadas).

Authentic Source Evidence

The Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya and the Jaina text Bhagavati Sutra provide slightly different lists, but both agree on the number Sixteen.

Analytical Breakdown

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).

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which two texts are the primary sources for the list of 16 Mahajanapadas?"

The Anguttara Nikaya (Buddhist) and the Bhagavati Sutra (Jaina).

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The rise of Mahajanapadas signals the shift from tribal identity (Jana) to territorial identity (Janapada) in Indian political history."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Anguttara Nikaya 2 Magadha 7