NCERT Solutions for Class 7 social science Chapter 4: New Beginnings Cities and States Class 7

What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Answer:
In the early 2nd millennium BCE, India’s first
civilization started disintegrating. In the 1st mil-lennium BCE a vibrant new phase of urbanisation began in the Ganga plains, parts of the Indus basin and neighbouring regions, gradually spreading to other parts of the Subcontinent. This is often called India’s ‘Second Urbanisation’ which, incidentally, has continued right up to today.

Why were the janapads and mahajanapadas an im¬portant development in India’s early history?
Ans The emergence of janapadas and mahajanapadas was crucial in shaping early Indian history due to their advancements in agriculture, trade, and political organization. These entities facilitated increased production and distribution of goods, contributing to economic growth and the rise of urban centers.

What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Answer:
Mahajanapadas, which were called ganas or sang- has, were not monarchies. Their functioning might be called democratic, since members of the assembly were the ones who selected the ruler and took major decisions. Mahajanapadas, which emerged from the consolidated Janapadas, maintained a largely monarchical structure but there were some where the rise of republics was seen which was in¬deed one of the earliest such systems in the world.

The most powerful of these new states were Maga- dha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti. Looking at the below map, can you identify their capitals? Also, how many can you match with Indian cities of today? (page 70)

Answer:

Compare this map (see Fig. 4.3 in the chapter) with the map of the regions mentioned in the Mahabharata (see Fig. 5.4 in the chapter ’India, That Is Bharat’ in Grade 6) and list the names common to both maps. What do you think this implies? (page 70)
Answer:
Do it yourself

Fill up the following table with a Yes (or tick mark) or No (or cross mark) in each square, which provides an interesting comparison between these two phases of Indian civilisation. (page 70)

Why should a complex society divide itself into such groups? Think about several possible factors why this happens. (page 76)
Answer:
With the rise of civilization, a complex society divides itself in order to organize itself based on class, occupation and other criteria. There could be different groups concerned with governance, administration, religion, education, trade, town-planning, farming, crafts, arts and all kinds of other professions.

List other such professions you expect in a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE. (page 76)
Answer:
In a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE, there could be a diverse range of professions. This would include specialized crafts, trade and administration, as well as roles related to warfare, religion, writing and record-keeping. Specific examples might include skilled metalworkers, stone masons, scribes, priests, soldiers, and merchants.

Consider the quotation given below and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kautilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?
The kingdom shall be protected by fortifying the capital and the towns at the frontiers. The land should not only be capable of sustaining the population but also outsiders in times of calamities. …… It should be beautiful, being endowed with cultivable land, mines, timber forests, elephant forests, and good pastures rich in cattle. It should not depend [only on] rain for water. It should have good roads and waterways. It should have a productive economy, with a wide variety of commodities….
_ Kautilya, Arthashastra
Answer:
Kautilya’s vision in the Arthashastra is impressively forward-thinking and surprisingly relevant even today. When we break down his recommendations, we see a holistic approach to governance, development, and sustainability that could easily apply to a modem state.
Let’s compare his ideas with today’s context:

According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Answer:
In early Vedic society, rulers were not always hereditary kings. In early Vedic society leaders or rulers (often referred to as raja) were likely chosen by the community, particularly among the Kshatriya class. The position of a raja was often based on qualities like bravery, leadership, wisdom, and ability to protect the tribe, rather than just birthright. The sabha and samiti, which were early tribal assemblies, played a role in the selection and support of the ruler. These assemblies represented the collective will of the people. Brahmins (priests) often legitimized the ruler’s position through rituals, but they did not necessarily determine who became king. So, early Vedic leadership had a more democratic or merit-based element compared to later periods, where dynastic succession became the norm.

Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to leam more about the mahajana- padas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.
Answer:
As a historian studying ancient India especially the Mahajanapadas I would rely on a mix of literary, archaeological, numismatic, and epigraphic sources to build a well-rounded understanding.
(i) Literary Sources: These include ancient texts, religious scriptures, and historical accounts. They provide names, values, administrative styles, and sometimes even conflicts between different Mahajanapadas.

Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for the growth of urbanism in the 1 st mil¬lennium BCE? You may use points from the chapter but also from your knowledge or imagination.
Answer:
The development of iron metallurgy during the 1 st millennium BCE was a game-changer for early societies in India and it played a key role in the rise of urbanism (the growth of towns and cities). Here’s why it was so important: