Consider the following statements about the emergence of urban centres in India from circa 6th Century BCE : 1. All of them developed away from the capitals of mahajanpadas. 2. Major towns were located along routes of communication. 3. Many were bustling centres of commercial, cultural and political activity. How many of the above statements is/are correct ?

From the 6th century BCE, the second urbanisation in India saw the rise of cities, many of which were the capitals of mahajanpadas (e.g., Rajagriha of Magadha, Shravasti of Kosala, Kaushambi of Vatsa). Hence statement 1 is incorrect since many urban centres were themselves the mahajanpada capitals. Statement 2 is correct as major towns developed along important trade and communication routes. Statement 3 is correct as these towns were vibrant centres of commerce, culture, and politics. Therefore, two statements are correct.