Answer:
Correct answer is many kings taking charge of small areas .
Step-by-step explanation:
Second option is the correct answer as there were many smaller kingdoms that were created in this period, including Shunga Empire, Satavahana dynasty, Mahameghavahana dynasty, Indo-Greek Kingdom...
King Arthashastra is not correct as it doesn't refer to a ruler, as there was only a famous book from the third Century BC.
The Maghada is not correct answer as this empire preceded the existence of two mentioned empires, as it existed in the late Vedic period.
A series Brahmins, Buddhist priests is not correct answer as they weren't able to gain political influence in this period, so they could rule the country.