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In Text Question-New Beginnings:Cities and States Class7 SSt

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Chapter 4 New Beginnings:Cities and States-In Text and Extra Important Question Answers Class 7 Subject Social Science

  1. What is meant by ‘Second Urbanization of India’?
  • After the decline of the Harappan cities, India saw a long period without major cities.
  • Around 1st millennium BCE, new cities grew, especially in the Ganga plains.
  • Urban centres reappeared, supported by farming, trade, and iron tools.
  • Archaeological sites and ancient texts show the rise of these cities.
  • This phase of new city growth is called India’s “Second Urbanization”.
  1. Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India’s early history?
  • They showed how people organised into settled communities with territories.
  • Trade and agriculture expanded during their time, boosting economy.
  • Mahājanapadas were large powerful states, the base for future kingdoms.
  • They encouraged the building of cities with fortifications and administration.
  • Early democratic traditions, such as assemblies (sabha, samiti), developed.
  1. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
  • Many janapadas had kings advised by assemblies of elders.
  • Some mahājanapadas, like Vajji and Malla, practiced early forms of democracy.
  • Monarchies had hereditary rulers who collected taxes and led armies.
  • Democratic mahājanapadas made decisions through discussion and voting.
  • Political systems allowed both monarchy and republic-like forms to exist.
  1. Why should a complex society divide itself into such groups? (Varṇa–Jāti system)
  • Different jobs (like farming, metalwork, teaching) need skilled groups.
  • Division makes work more efficient and organized in society.
  • Specialization helps in faster economic and cultural growth.
  • Groups provide identity and support networks to individuals.
  • In complex societies, roles and responsibilities must be shared.
  1. List other such professions you expect in a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE.
  • Farmers: Growing crops and raising cattle.
  • Metalsmiths: Making tools, weapons, and jewellery.
  • Weavers: Producing cloth from cotton or silk.
  • Traders: Selling goods like spices, grains, metals.
  • Soldiers: Defending cities and fighting wars.

✨ 2 Marks Questions (Short Answer)

  1. What is meant by Janapada?
  • A Janapada was an early small state where people settled with a common leader.
  • The word “Janapada” means “where the people set foot.”
  1. Name two powerful Mahājanapadas.
  • Magadha
  • Kosala
  1. What was the main reason for the Second Urbanisation?
  • Growth of agriculture using iron tools.
  • Expansion of trade and settlements in fertile river valleys.
  1. What were punch-marked coins?
  • The earliest coins used in India.
  • Made of silver with symbols punched onto them.
  1. Mention any two features of Mahājanapada capitals.
  • They were fortified cities with moats.
  • Narrow gateways, controlled movement of people and goods.

✨ 3 Marks Questions (Short Explanation) 

  1. Why did agriculture expand during the Second Urbanisation?
  • Use of iron tools helped clear forests and plough better fields.
  • Fertile lands of the Ganga plains supported more crops.
  • Improved irrigation methods ensured water supply.
  1. How did the governance system in Mahājanapadas work?
  • Monarchies had kings advised by ministers and assemblies.
  • Some states like Vajji had early democratic councils making decisions.
  • The king’s rule could be challenged or changed by assemblies.
  1. List three major occupations during the Mahājanapada period.
  • Farming and cattle rearing using iron tools.
  • Metalwork, weaving, and crafts for city needs.
  • Trade in goods like grains, spices, iron tools, and ornaments.
  1. What made Magadha a powerful Mahājanapada?
  • Rich natural resources like iron and fertile land.
  • Strong army and good forts for defense.
  • Control over trade routes and rivers.
  1. What do you know about Sabha and Samiti?
  • Early assemblies seen in Janapadas.
  • Sabha: Council of elders; Samiti: larger people’s gathering.
  • Helped the ruler in taking important decisions.

✨ 5 Marks Questions (Detailed Points)

  1. Explain the meaning and importance of Second Urbanisation.
  • Refers to the rise of new cities around 1st millennium BCE.
  • Mainly happened in Ganga plains, Sindhu basin, and nearby areas.
  • Supported by farming, trade, iron technology, and strong kingdoms.
  • Archaeological and literary sources give evidence.
  • Laid foundation for India’s later cultural and economic growth.
  1. Describe the role of iron in changing ancient Indian society.
  • Iron tools improved agriculture by clearing forests and ploughing fields.
  • Iron weapons made armies stronger and wars more frequent.
  • Helped build stronger fortifications and cities.
  • Led to more trade in iron goods across regions.
  • Increased production supported bigger populations and new cities.
  1. What were the features of Mahājanapadas?
  • Large states formed by merging smaller Janapadas.
  • Fortified cities with moats and walls for defense.
  • Powerful kings or assemblies ruling the people.
  • Agricultural economy supported by iron tools.
  • Trade with coins started during this time.
  1. How did trade grow during the period of Mahājanapadas?
  • Roads like Dakshinapatha and Uttarapatha connected regions.
  • Punch-marked coins made buying and selling easier.
  • Goods like grains, cloth, spices, metals were traded.
  • Cities near rivers and coasts became trade hubs.
  • Trade spread Indian goods to Southeast Asia too.
  1. Write about the Varṇa–Jāti system that developed.
  • Society divided into four varṇas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.
  • Jātis (occupational groups) formed based on skills like farming, weaving, trading.
  • Skills were passed down generations.
  • Helped organise work but also led to inequalities later.
  • Important for the structure of Indian society during Mahājanapadas.
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Chapter 3- Climates of India

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MCQs:

Chapter 1- Geographical Diversity of India

Chapter 2- Understanding the Weather

Chapter 3- Climates of India

Chapter 4- New Beginnings: Cities and States

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NCERT Solutions:

Chapter 3- Climates of India

Chapter 4- New Beginnings: Cities and States

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