Class 7 new ncert Chapter 4 SST Solution - New Beginnings: Towns and States

Chapter 04: New Beginnings - Towns and States

Question 1. What is meant by the Second Urbanisation in India?

Answer: The process of the re-emergence and development of towns in India during the first millennium BCE is known as the Second Urbanisation. It began mainly in the Gangetic plains and gradually spread across India.

Question 2. What were Janapadas?

Answer: Janapadas were regions where people belonging to a particular tribe or community lived. Each Janapada was ruled by a king.

Question 3. What were Mahajanapadas?

Answer: When several small Janapadas combined to form larger and more powerful states, they were called Mahajanapadas. They developed around the 8th–7th century BCE. There were a total of 16 Mahajanapadas during that period.

Question 4. Which were the four major Mahajanapadas among the sixteen Mahajanapadas?

Answer: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti were the major and powerful Mahajanapadas.

Question 5. Why did most Mahajanapadas develop in the Gangetic plains?

Answer: The Gangetic plains were highly fertile, which encouraged the growth of agriculture. In addition, iron ore was available in nearby regions and trade routes were also developing. Therefore, most Mahajanapadas developed in the Gangetic plains.

Question 6. What were the Sabha and Samiti? What was their importance?

Answer: Sabha and Samiti were councils of the Janapadas where important matters were discussed. They advised the ruler and participated in important decision-making. This made governance more organised and accountable.

Question 7. What was expected from an ideal king?

Answer: An ideal king was expected to make decisions after consulting ministers, officials, and the Sabha-Samiti, and to govern in the interest of the people.

Question 8. Which Mahajanapadas followed a republican system?

Answer: Vajji and Malla were Mahajanapadas based on a republican system. They are considered early republics. Important decisions were taken by an assembly, and even the king was selected by the assembly.

Question 09. What was the importance of iron?

Answer: Iron tools helped expand agriculture, and iron weapons made armies stronger. This contributed to the development of states and towns.

Question 10. What were punch-marked coins?

Answer: Coins on which symbols or marks were stamped were called punch-marked coins. Early silver coins were marked by stamping symbols onto them.

Question 11. What was a Jati?

Answer: A Jati was a social group whose members were associated with a particular occupation or profession, and this skill was passed down from one generation to another.

Question 14. How many Varnas were there in the Varna system? What were their main functions?

Answer: There were four Varnas in the Varna system— Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

• The main function of the Brahmins was to preserve knowledge, provide education, and perform religious duties.
• The main function of the Kshatriyas was to protect society and the state and to fight in times of need.
• The main function of the Vaishyas was to increase prosperity through trade, business, and agriculture.
• The main function of the Shudras was to provide craftsmanship, construction work, and other services.

Question 15. What were Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha?

Answer: These were important trade and communication routes of ancient India that connected different regions of the country. Through them, trade, travel, ideas, and cultures were exchanged.

Question 16. Name the three major states of South India.

Answer: Chola, Chera, and Pandya were the three major states of South India.

Question 17. When did the Mahajanapadas come to an end?

Answer: By around 300 BCE, the Mahajanapadas ceased to exist, and new states and empires began to emerge in their place.

NCERT Based Questions and Activities

Question 1. Reflect on the quotation given at the beginning of the chapter and discuss it in a group. Compare your observations and conclusions regarding what Kautilya recommended for a state. Is it different from the present situation?

Answer: Kautilya recommended a strong capital city, secure borders, fortifications, fertile land, adequate sources of water, good roads, trade facilities, and a prosperous economy for a state. He also suggested that a state should have proper arrangements for forests, minerals, livestock, and agriculture.

Even today, security, transportation, water, agriculture, industry, and trade are essential for the development of a country or state. Therefore, most of Kautilya’s ideas remain relevant today. The only difference is that modern technology and democratic systems of governance are now used.

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

Answer: In early Vedic society, the king did not have complete freedom. The Sabha and Samiti played an important role in his decisions. These institutions advised the king and could even remove an unfit king when necessary. Thus, representatives of the people participated in governance.

Question 3. Imagine that you are a historian studying the history of ancient India. What sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to obtain more information about the Mahajanapadas? Describe what information each source can provide.

Answer: To gather information about the Mahajanapadas, I would use the following sources—

(a) Archaeological Sources:

• Remains of towns
• Forts and moats
• Remains of buildings
• Coins and tools

Information obtained from these sources:

• Structure of towns
• Lifestyle of the people
• Trade and industries
• Administration and security arrangements

(b) Literary Sources:

• Later Vedic literature
• Buddhist literature
• Jain literature
• Texts such as the Arthashastra

Information obtained from these sources:

• Names of the Mahajanapadas
• Information about rulers
• Social and religious life
• Administrative and political systems

(c) Inscriptions and Coins:

• Names of rulers
• Trade activities
• Economic conditions

Question 4. Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for urbanisation during the first millennium BCE? You may use the facts given in the text along with your own knowledge or imagination while answering.

Answer: The development of iron metallurgy during the first millennium BCE was extremely important for urbanisation.

• Iron tools made agriculture more efficient.
• Forests were cleared and new land was brought under cultivation.
• Agricultural production increased, making it possible to support a larger population.
• Iron weapons were stronger and more effective than bronze weapons.
• This increased the military strength of states.
• Iron tools made the construction of buildings, roads, and other structures easier.
• Trade and industries developed.

Thus, iron technology promoted agriculture, trade, warfare, and urban construction, leading to the growth of new towns and Mahajanapadas.

Other Important Questions: (“Think About It”, “Let’s Explore”, and “Don’t Miss Out”)

Question 1. Why were the capitals of the Mahajanapadas surrounded by forts?

Answer: Strong forts and deep moats were built around the capitals for their protection. This helped defend the towns against enemy attacks.

Question 2. Why were the gateways of ancient towns made narrow?

Answer: Narrow gateways made it easier to monitor people and goods entering and leaving the town and helped strengthen security arrangements.

Question 3. What was the republican system of government?

Answer: In the republican system of government, important decisions were taken by an assembly, and the king was also selected by the assembly. Vajji and Malla were Mahajanapadas that followed this republican form of governance.

Question 4. Why did the use of coins begin in India?

Answer: As trade increased, coins were introduced to make the exchange of goods easier.

Question 5. Why does a developed society divide itself into different groups?

Answer: People divide themselves into different groups to organise various tasks efficiently. This creates a division of labour and makes the functioning of society easier.

Question 6. Why is equality necessary in society?

Answer: Equality ensures that all people receive respect and opportunities. It reduces discrimination and helps maintain peace and cooperation in society.

Question 7. What is the meaning of the word ‘Caste’?

Answer: The word ‘Caste’ is derived from the Portuguese word ‘Casta’. It was used to explain the Jati and Varna system of Indian society.

Question 8. Could people change their occupation in ancient times?

Answer: Yes, in ancient times people could change their occupation according to circumstances. For example, during famines or other difficulties, people adopted new occupations.

Question 9. What were the features of the town of Shishupalgarh?

Answer: Shishupalgarh was a well-planned town. It had strong fortifications, wide roads, and protective moats for security.