Question

What was the number of Mahajanapadas in Buddhist and Jain texts?

• A. 6
• B. 12
• C. 16
• D. 18

Hint:

The Anguttara Nikaya (Buddhist text) and Jain Bhagavati Sutra both list 16 Mahajanapadas. Remember names like Magadha, Kosala, and Vatsa as important ones.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding Mahajanapadas.
In the 6th century BCE, India saw the emergence of large territorial states known as Mahajanapadas. These were more powerful than earlier Janapadas and are mentioned in Buddhist Anguttara Nikaya and Jain texts.
Step 2: Number of Mahajanapadas.
Both Buddhist and Jain texts clearly state that there were 16 Mahajanapadas. These included Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti, Vajji, and others.
Step 3: Elimination of options.
- (A) 6: Too small, does not match historical records.
- (B) 12: Incorrect, not consistent with Buddhist/Jain texts.
- (C) 16: Correct number as per texts.
- (D) 18: Incorrect, later confusions but not historically accurate.
Conclusion: The correct number of Mahajanapadas was 16.