How many Mahajanpadas were there?

Category: Miscellaneous Indian Gk

Hint: Consider the historical texts and archaeological evidence regarding the Mahajanpadas.

Correct Answer: B) 16

Exam Relevance: UPSC, SSC, State PSC, NDA, CDS

Difficulty: Easy

Explanations:

Kasi

Kosala

Videha

Anga

Magadha

Vajji

Malla

Chedi

Vatsa

Kuru

Panchala

Matsya

Surasena

Assaka

Ahikshatrika

Gandhara

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option is incorrect. The number of Mahajanpadas is not 15. Historical texts and archaeological evidence indicate that there were 16 Mahajanpadas in ancient India.
Option B: This option is correct. The Mahajanpadas were a group of 16 kingdoms or oligarchic republics that existed in ancient India from the sixth to the fourth centuries BCE. This number is widely accepted by historians and archaeologists.
Option C: This option is incorrect. The number of Mahajanpadas is not 17. Historical records and archaeological findings confirm that there were 16 Mahajanpadas.
Option D: This option is incorrect. The number of Mahajanpadas is known and is not "None of the above." Historical sources clearly indicate that there were 16 Mahajanpadas.

Mnemonic: Remember the number of Mahajanpadas as "sixteen" by associating it with the age of consent in many countries.