[Solved] Sources of the 16 Mahajanapadas: Jain and Buddhist

In which of the following texts the list of the sixteen great states (Shodasha Mahajanapadas) of ancient India occur? 1. Arthashastra 2. Anguttara Nikaya 3. Digha Nikaya 4. Bhagavati Sutra

[R.A.S. /R.T.S. (Pre) 2016]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The 6th century BCE marked the 'second urbanization' in India, characterized by the emergence of 16 powerful territorial states known as Mahajanapadas.

Authentic Source Evidence

Two primary ancient sources provide a list of 16 states:
1. Anguttara Nikaya (Buddhist Sutta Pitaka)
2. Bhagavati Sutra (Jain Viyaha-pannatti)

Analytical Breakdown

Logic 1: Option 2 and 4 are correct. While the lists in these two texts differ slightly in names, both agree on the number 16.

Logic 2: The Arthashastra (Option 1) is an administrative manual and doesn't provide this list. The Digha Nikaya (Option 3) mentions only 12.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"Which Mahajanapada eventually rose to supreme power?"

Magadha, which became the center of the first pan-Indian empires like the Maurya Empire.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The dual mention in both Jain and Buddhist canons confirms the standard political reality of the 'Sixteen Great States' during the Buddha's era."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Magadha 7

Analysing authentic R.A.S. /R.T.S. (Pre)previous year questions is non-negotiable for serious aspirants. Thoroughly decoding past exam trends related to Historical Geography of Ancient India helps you understand the examiner's mindset. Mastering specific entities like 16 Mahajanapadas and Anguttara Nikaya builds the analytical intuition needed to clear the exam. Practice Previous Year Questions here →