In ancient Indian history, the standard list of sixteen Mahajanapadas (great states) is preserved in which of the following Buddhist texts?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to ancient Indian history and Buddhist literature. The sixteen Mahajanapadas were powerful states and republics that dominated the political landscape of northern India during the 6th century BCE, the age of the Buddha and Mahavira. Their names and locations are important for understanding the context in which early Buddhism and Jainism arose. The canonical list of these sixteen states is preserved in a particular Buddhist text.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are dealing with the list of sixteen Mahajanapadas.
• The question asks which text contains this standard list.
• Options: Mahabharata, Chhandogya Upanishad, Anguttara Nikaya, Samyukta Nikaya.
• We assume standard attributions used in ancient Indian history books.

Concept / Approach:
The Anguttara Nikaya is one of the Nikayas (collections) in the Sutta Pitaka of the Pali Buddhist canon. It contains a systematic list of sixteen Mahajanapadas, naming well-known states such as Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti and others. While epic and Upanishadic literature mention various kingdoms, the precise canonical list of sixteen is characteristically found in the Anguttara Nikaya. Therefore, recognising this connection between Buddhist Pali literature and political geography is the key.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Mahajanapadas are often studied with early Buddhism. Step 2: Remember that Pali Buddhist texts, not the Mahabharata or Upanishads, give a structured list. Step 3: Identify Anguttara Nikaya as the Pali Nikaya that lists groups in numerical order (ones, twos, threes, etc.). Step 4: Recognise that the standard list of sixteen Mahajanapadas appears in this work. Step 5: Select Anguttara Nikaya as the correct option.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most ancient Indian history textbooks explicitly state that the list of sixteen Mahajanapadas comes from the Anguttara Nikaya. The Mahabharata and Chhandogya Upanishad do mention kingdoms and clans but not in the specific, numbered list form that exam questions refer to. Samyukta Nikaya is also a Buddhist text, but it does not supply the standard list in the same way. This cross-check with typical exam references confirms Anguttara Nikaya as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Mahabharata) is an epic that narrates stories of many kings and regions, but the commonly cited list of sixteen Mahajanapadas is not drawn from it. Option b (Chhandogya Upanishad) is a philosophical text concerned with metaphysical teachings rather than systematic lists of kingdoms. Option d (Samyukta Nikaya) is another Buddhist Nikaya that groups suttas thematically, not by number, and does not provide the famous list used in political history. Therefore, they are not the appropriate sources for this question.

Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that any ancient text can be the source and to choose Mahabharata or Chhandogya Upanishad just because they are well known. Another pitfall is confusing Anguttara Nikaya with Samyukta Nikaya because both are Pali texts. To avoid such confusion, remember a simple link: “Sixteen Mahajanapadas – Anguttara Nikaya – Pali Buddhist canon.” That single association will answer many similar MCQs accurately.

Final Answer:
The standard list of sixteen Mahajanapadas is preserved in the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya.