How many Mahajanapadas did the early Buddhist and Jaina texts mention?

Sixteen

The correct answer is Option (2) → Sixteen

The reason for mentioning sixteen Mahajanapadas in the early Buddhist and Jaina texts lies in the historical and political context of ancient India. The concept of Mahajanapadas refers to the sixteen powerful and prominent political entities or kingdoms that existed during the 6th to 4th centuries BCE in the Indian subcontinent. These Mahajanapadas were significant political and territorial units during the time of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, the founders of Buddhism and Jainism, respectively. The texts of these religious traditions often provide descriptions of the political and social landscape of their times, and they recognized sixteen major states as the dominant powers. The list of sixteen Mahajanapadas includes well-known states such as Magadha, Kosala, Vajji, Kashi, and others. The enumeration of sixteen Mahajanapadas is a historical reflection of the political organization of ancient India during the period when these religious traditions originated.

So, the correct option is [2].