PowerPoint Presentation-Chapter 4-New Beginnings_ Cities and States Class 7 social Science
New Beginnings: Cities and States
- India’s first cities emerged during the Harappan Civilization.
- After Harappa declined, a long rural phase followed.
- Second Urbanisation began around the 1st millennium BCE.
- It mainly occurred in the fertile Ganga plains.
- This period saw new cities, states, and innovations rise.
Decline of First Urbanisation
- Harappan cities were abandoned or became rural.
- Urban features like drainage, writing, and trade disappeared.
- People shifted to farming and village life.
- There was no large urban centre for nearly a millennium.
- This phase ended with the rise of the Janapadas.
The Second Urbanisation
- Started around the 6th century BCE in the Ganga plains.
- Urban centres emerged with trade and agriculture.
- Iron tools improved farming and cleared forests.
- Cities became administrative and trade hubs.
- Literature and archaeology are key sources of information.
Janapadas and Mahājanapadas
- Janapada means ‘foothold of people’.
- Janapadas were early territorial states with clans.
- By 6th century BCE, 16 Mahājanapadas emerged.
- They included Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti.
- Most were located in the northern and central plains.
Cities and Fortifications
- Capitals were fortified with walls and moats.
- Gateways were narrow to control entry and trade.
- Cities like Rajgir, Mathura, and Ujjain were major centres.
- These cities had markets, temples, and administrative buildings.
- Many ancient capitals are still modern cities today.
Systems of Governance
- Some Mahājanapadas were monarchies with hereditary kings.
- Rulers were assisted by ministers and assemblies.
- Republics (Gana-Sanghas) like Vajji had elected rulers.
- Assemblies such as sabhā and samiti held power.
- These early republics show democratic traditions in India.
Technological Innovations
- Iron tools improved farming and warfare.
- Iron replaced bronze and copper in daily use.
- Punch-marked silver coins were first used.
- Coins boosted trade across regions.
- Weapons like swords and spears were made of iron.
To Download Full PPTS- Click below:
New Beginnings: Cities and States – CLICK HERE
Geographical Diversity of India – CLICK HERE
Understanding The Weather – CLICK HERE
Climate of India – CLICK HERE
Lesson Plan Class 7 SST – CLICK HERE