Which statements about ancient Indian Mahajanapadas is correct

• Ancient History

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

1. Buddhist and Jaina texts list sixteen Mahajanapadas.
2. All Mahajanapadas were located in Eastern India.
3. All Mahajanapadas were oligarchies where power was exercised by a group of people.
4. No army was maintained by the Mahajanapadas.

Answer

Buddhist text 'Anguttara Nikaya' and Jaina text 'Bhagavati Sutra' provide list of 16 Mahajanapadas. Mahajanapadas were of two types: Monarchial states ruled by kings and Republics ruled by a group of people.

The correct option is A.