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NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings: Cities and States
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New Beginnings: Cities and States
Chapter: 4
THEME – B: Tapestry of the Past
The Big Questions?
1. What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Ans: The ‘Second Urbanisation of India’ refers to a vibrant and renewed phase of urban development that began during the 1st millennium BCE. This urbanisation started in the Ganga plains, parts of the Indus (Sindhu) valley, and neighbouring regions, and gradually spread across the Indian subcontinent.
The 16 mahājanapadas were the first organised states of the 1st millennium BCE; they witnessed the Second Urbanisation of India, which spread in all directions from the Ganga region, all the way to south India. By 300 BCE or so, the mahājanapadas ceased to exist.
(i) Archaeological excavations that have confirmed the existence of those ancient urban centres.
(ii) Ancient literature describing them-late Vedic, Buddhist and Jain literatures are full of references to these new urban centres.
2. Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India’s early history?
Ans: The janapadas and mahājanapadas were significant in early Indian history as they marked the emergence of organized political units and territorial kingdoms. Formed by clans sharing common customs and language, these regions fostered early governance under rulers or assemblies. With the expansion of trade networks, they developed into prosperous urban centers. By the 6th century BCE, larger units called mahājanapadas emerged, some as monarchies and others as republics.
3. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Ans: They evolved an organized and centralized system of governance, where the king was the supreme authority and various departments and officials played important roles in the administration of the state. A system of governance refers to the structures and processes through which a state or organization is governed and the way power is distributed and exercised. This can include the decision-making mechanisms, the legal framework, and the relationship between different branches of government.
| Questions and Activities |
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?
Ans: Based on the quotation from Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra, he recommends several key features for a kingdom: fortified cities, self-sufficient agriculture, diverse natural resources, and efficient infrastructure like roads and waterways. These principles emphasize security, economic self-reliance, and sustainability.
In comparison, modern governance also emphasizes infrastructure, economic stability, and security but focuses more on democratic participation and human rights, which differ from the centralized and ruler-centric approach of ancient governance as proposed by Kauṭilya.
2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Ans: In early Vedic society, rulers were not chosen in the manner seen in later periods. The text mentions that assemblies or councils like sabhā and samiti played a crucial role in decision-making, especially in clan matters. While it is not explicitly stated how rulers were selected in the early Vedic period, it is understood that these assemblies had significant influence over governance.
As the society evolved, especially during the janapada period, the role of the assembly in selecting rulers became more prominent. The rājā (king) would often take advice from these assemblies, and in some cases, could even be removed by them if found unfit or incompetent. This suggests that while early Vedic rulers might have been chosen by the assembly or tribal leaders, the actual process of selection and leadership evolved over time, becoming more formalized in later periods, particularly during the mahājanapada
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.
Ans: As a historian studying the mahājanapadas, based on the sources, I would primarily use two types of sources:
(i) Archaeological Sources: These include findings from excavations of urban centers, such as Rajagriha (Magadha) and Kaushambi (Vatsa). These sites reveal physical evidence of city structures, such as fortifications, gateways, and artefacts like coins and tools, helping us understand the economy, defense systems, and daily life of the period.
(ii) Ancient Literature: This includes texts from the late Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, which provide insights into social structures, governance (like the role of rājā, ministers, and assemblies), trade networks, warfare, and religious practices. These sources offer a deeper understanding of political, social, and economic dynamics during the mahājanapada period.
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.
Ans: The development of iron metallurgy was a major technological shift during the Second Urbanisation in the 1st millennium BCE.
Its importance for the growth of urbanism can be understood through its impact on key areas:
(i) Agriculture: Iron tools, like ploughshares, allowed for more efficient farming and land clearing, especially in areas like the Ganga plains. This led to increased agricultural productivity, supporting larger populations and enabling people to engage in non-agricultural occupations, essential for urban life.
(ii) Warfare and State Building: Iron weapons were stronger and lighter than bronze, improving military capabilities. This helped emerging states defend their territories, expand, and consolidate power, leading to the growth of urban centers and more complex governance systems.
(iii) Infrastructure Development: Iron tools enabled the construction of more durable buildings, roads, and public works, which were vital for sustaining larger populations and establishing organized urban centers.
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