Class 7 Social Science chapter 4 takes students on a journey through one of the most transformative periods in Indian history — the rise of new cities and the formation of powerful states during the 1st millennium BCE. This era, known as the Second Urbanisation, saw the development of janapadas and mahājanapadas, advanced urban planning, and the use of iron tools and coins.
Learners will explore how societies were governed, how trade and travel expanded, and how social groups were structured through the varṇa and jāti systems. With real examples from archaeology, ancient texts, and early republics like Vajji, this chapter reveals how ancient India laid the foundations for its political and cultural growth.
Class 7 Social Science chapter 4
Q1. What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Ans: The ‘Second Urbanisation of India’ refers to a period in the 1st millennium BCE when urban life re-emerged in the Indian subcontinent after the decline of the Hardpan civilisation. This new phase began in the fertile Ganga plains and parts of the Indus basin and was marked by the rise of janapadas and mahajanapadas, the development of trade, the use of iron tools and weapons, and the growth of cities. It was supported by both archaeological and literary sources.
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Q2. Why were the janapadas and mahajanapadas an important development in India’s early history?
Ans:
Janapadas were early territorial units where people settled under a local ruler.
- As trade and agriculture grew, some janapadas merged to form larger units called mahajanapadas.
- These became the first organised states in India with proper governance, administration, armies, and urban centres.
- They laid the foundation for future kingdoms and empires and played a key role in the spread of new ideas, technology (like iron), and economic growth.
Q3. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Ans:
- Most mahajanapadas were monarchies, with a rājā as the hereditary ruler.
- The king was advised by ministers and assemblies like the sabha and samiti.
- However, some like Vajji (Vṛijji) and Malla had democratic systems, where rulers were chosen by discussion or vote in the assembly.
- These were known as gaṇas or sanghas and are considered among the earliest republics in the world.
Q4. 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. Importance of Iron Metallurgy for Urbanism
- Iron tools enabled large-scale clearing of forests, which made more land available for agriculture.
- Efficient farming tools increased food production, supporting larger populations and urban growth.
- Iron weapons helped in defending cities and in expanding territories, leading to stronger kingdoms.
- Iron trade boosted the economy and created specialised crafts and occupations in cities.
- Overall, iron helped build self-sufficient, militarily strong, and economically vibrant urban centres during the Second Urbanisation.
Q5. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Ans.
- In early Vedic society, rulers were often selected with the guidance of assemblies such as the sabhā and samiti.
- These councils included elders and respected members of the clan who advised the rājā (king).
- In some places like Vajji and Malla, rulers were even elected by assembly members — a form of early democratic governance.
- However, in many mahājanapadas, the king’s position became hereditary, and monarchy was the norm.
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