In the 6th century BC, many independent countries came up in North India. Amongst these there were 16 big countries that were called Mahajanapada. The most important of them were Vajji, Magagham, Kosalam, Kuru, Panchaiam, Gandharam and Avanthi. The Buddhist and Jain Books often speak about these countries. The Buddhist book ‘Anguttara nikaya’ and the Jain religious books Bhagvat Sutra’ and ‘Vakhya Prajapati’ mention the following 16 Mahajanapadas.
1. Anga
2. Magadha
3. Vajji
4. Kashi
5. Malia
6. Koshala
7. Ashmaka
8. Avanti
9. Vatsa
10. Chedi
11. Panchalam
12. Shurasena
13. Matsya
14. Kuru
15. Gandhara
16. Kamboja