Class 7 Social Science Questions Answer Chapter 4 NCERT

New Beginnings: Cities and States

1. Consider the quotation at the start of the chapter and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kauṭilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?

Answer:

Kauṭilya, in the Arthaśāstra, recommends that a kingdom should have a strong capital and border towns, fertile land to support people, water sources beyond just rain, good roads, and a variety of products for trade. He also suggests the kingdom should have forests, mines, and pastures. These ideas show he wanted a kingdom to be self-sufficient, safe, and prosperous. Today, countries still need strong cities, good infrastructure like roads, and a stable economy, but we also focus on technology, education, and healthcare, which Kauṭilya didn’t mention. While some ideas are similar, modern needs are more advanced.

2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?

Answer:

In early Vedic society, rulers, called rājās, were chosen in different ways. In most janapadas, the rājā was usually the son of the previous ruler, meaning the position was hereditary. However, in some mahājanapadas like Vajji and Malla, the ruler was selected by the sabhā or samiti (assembly) through discussions or voting. This shows that some places had a democratic way of choosing rulers, while others followed a family-based system.

3. Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to learn more about the mahājanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.

Answer:

As a historian, I would use these sources to study the mahājanapadas:

• Archaeological Sources: Excavations of cities like Rājagṛiha or Kauśhāmbī show ruins of fortifications, moats, and houses. These tell us how cities were planned, how people lived, and how they protected themselves.
• Literary Sources: Texts like late Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain literature describe the mahājanapadas, their capitals, and their rulers. They give details about society, governance, and culture.
• Coins: Punch-marked coins show the trade and economy of the mahājanapadas. They tell us what materials were used and how trade worked. Each source helps us understand different parts of life in the mahājanapadas, like their cities, beliefs, and economy.

4. Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for the growth of urbanism in the 1st millennium BCE? You may use points from the chapter but also from your knowledge or imagination.

Answer:

Iron metallurgy was very important for the growth of urbanism in the 1st millennium BCE because:

• Better Tools for Farming: Iron tools, like plows, were stronger and helped clear forests and farm larger areas, especially in the fertile Ganga plains. This produced more food, supporting bigger populations in cities.
• Stronger Weapons: Iron swords, spears, and shields were lighter and sharper than bronze. This helped mahājanapadas protect their cities or fight wars, making them stronger.
• Construction: Iron tools made it easier to build fortified cities with walls and moats, which were important for urban centers.
• Trade and Economy: Iron tools improved crafts and production, leading to more goods for trade, which helped cities grow. These advancements made it possible for people to live in larger, well-protected, and prosperous cities, leading to the Second Urbanisation.

The Big Questions (Page 67)

1. What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?

Answer:

The ‘Second Urbanisation of India’ refers to the growth of new cities and urban centers in the Ganga plains and other parts of India during the 1st millennium BCE, after the decline of the Harappan civilization (First Urbanisation). Starting around the 8th or 7th century BCE, janapadas and mahājanapadas built fortified cities with markets, trade, and specialized jobs. This urban phase spread across India and continues today, unlike the Harappan cities, which disappeared.

2. Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India’s early history?

Answer:

The janapadas and mahājanapadas were important because:

They marked the start of organized states with rulers and assemblies, forming the basis of governance.
They led to the Second Urbanisation, with cities that had trade, markets, and fortifications.
They introduced new technologies like iron tools, which improved farming and warfare.
They created trade networks and roads like the Uttarapatha and Dakṣhiṇapatha, connecting different regions.
They saw the growth of new ideas from Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain teachings, shaping Indian culture. These developments laid the foundation for future kingdoms and empires in India.

3. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?

Answer:

The janapadas and mahājanapadas evolved two main systems of governance:

• Monarchy: In most mahājanapadas like Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti, a rājā (king) was the main ruler, and the position was hereditary (passed to the son). The king collected taxes, maintained an army, and built fortifications. He was advised by ministers and an assembly (sabhā or samiti), but he had the final authority.
• Early Republics: In mahājanapadas like Vajji and Malla, the sabhā or samiti had more power. The assembly, made up of elders, discussed and voted on decisions, including choosing the rājā. These were called gaṇas or sanghas and worked like early democracies. Both systems showed a mix of leadership by one ruler and advice from assemblies.