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Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India?
1. Arthashastra
2. Mahanibbana Sutta
3. Avadaana Shatak
4. Ashtadhyayi
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
  • a)
    1 and 4 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    3 and 4 only
  • d)
    1, 2, 3 and 4
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in I...
  • In Chapter 107/108 of Mahabharata’s Shanti Parva, there is a detailed narration about the features of republics (called ganas) in India.
  • The Buddhist Canon, both in Sanskrit (in which much of Mahayana Buddhist literature was written) and in Pali (in which much of Hinayana literature was written) has extensive reference to republics in India, e.g. the Lichchavi city of Vaishali.
    • It also describes in detail Vaishali’s rivalry with neighbouring Magadha, which was a monarchy. Had the Lichchavis won, the trajectory of governance may well have been non-monarchical in the Subcontinent.
  • The Mahanibbana Sutta (Pali Buddhist work) and the Avadaana Shatak (a Sanskrit Buddhist text of the second century A.D) also mention that certain areas were under a republican form of government.
  • Other sources appear in the Ashtadhyayi of Panini, the Arthashastra of Kautilya, etc.
    • Elements of State by Kautilya: Any state is thought of as composed of seven elements. The first three are swami or the king, amatya or the ministers (administration) and janapada or the people.
    • The king must function on the advice of the amatyas for the good of the people.
    • The ministers are appointed from amongst the people (the Arthashastra also mentions entrance tests).
    • As per the Arthashastra, in the happiness and benefit of his people lies the happiness and benefit of the King.
  • Hence, option D is correct. 
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Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in I...
The correct answer is option 'D', which means that all of the given ancient texts—Arthashastra, Mahanibbana Sutta, Avadaana Shatak, and Ashtadhyayi—mention about the republics in India. Let's discuss each text in detail:

1. Arthashastra:
Arthashastra is an ancient Indian political treatise written by Kautilya (also known as Chanakya), who was a prime minister and advisor to Emperor Chandragupta Maurya. It covers various aspects of governance, economics, and foreign policy. In Arthashastra, Kautilya extensively discusses the concept of republics or Janapadas. He provides detailed descriptions of the administrative structure, election processes, and functioning of various republics in ancient India.

2. Mahanibbana Sutta:
Mahanibbana Sutta is a Buddhist scripture that records the final teachings and events of Gautama Buddha's life. It describes the Buddha's journey towards his final nirvana. While it primarily focuses on spiritual aspects, the text also mentions the existence of republics in ancient India. It portrays Buddha's interactions with various republics and their leaders, highlighting the political landscape of that time.

3. Avadaana Shatak:
Avadaana Shatak is a collection of stories in Sanskrit literature that dates back to ancient times. It contains narratives about the lives and deeds of both historical and mythical figures. Within Avadaana Shatak, there are accounts of republics and their governance systems. These stories provide insights into the political structures, decision-making processes, and social dynamics of the republics in ancient India.

4. Ashtadhyayi:
Ashtadhyayi is a foundational text of Sanskrit grammar written by Panini, an ancient Indian scholar. While it primarily focuses on linguistic rules and structures, it also provides glimpses of the social and political context of ancient India. The text mentions the existence of republics and their political systems, indirectly shedding light on the republics' role in shaping the linguistic and cultural landscape of the time.

In conclusion, all of the given ancient texts—Arthashastra, Mahanibbana Sutta, Avadaana Shatak, and Ashtadhyayi—mention about the republics in India. These texts offer valuable insights into the political, social, and cultural aspects of the republics that existed in ancient India.
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Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India?1. Arthashastra2. Mahanibbana Sutta3. Avadaana Shatak4. AshtadhyayiSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1 and 4 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)3 and 4 onlyd)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India?1. Arthashastra2. Mahanibbana Sutta3. Avadaana Shatak4. AshtadhyayiSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1 and 4 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)3 and 4 onlyd)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? for Current Affairs 2025 is part of Current Affairs preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the Current Affairs exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India?1. Arthashastra2. Mahanibbana Sutta3. Avadaana Shatak4. AshtadhyayiSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1 and 4 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)3 and 4 onlyd)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for Current Affairs 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following ancient texts mentions about the republics in India?1. Arthashastra2. Mahanibbana Sutta3. Avadaana Shatak4. AshtadhyayiSelect the correct answer using the code given below:a)1 and 4 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)3 and 4 onlyd)1, 2, 3 and 4Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?.
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