Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings Cities And States NCERT Solutions

Updated for the academic year 2025-26, Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings: Cities And States NCERT Solutions provide insights into Chapter 4 New Beginnings: Cities And States. These solutions present answers to the question given in the chapter as well as to the questions given at the end of each chapter. Each answer tries to give a correct response and explanation to the question in the fewest possible words. The chapter is important from an examination point of view as it covers topics like the end of the first urbanisation of India, the emergence of 2nd urbanisation, janapadas, mahajanapadas, democratic traditions, iron metallurgy, the Varna-jati system, etc. Reading the chapter from the textbook is a prerequisite for practising these solutions.

Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings, Cities And States Questions Answers – PDF Download

Page 68

The Big Questions

1. What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Answer:
A phase of urbanization that developed in the 1st millennium BCE in the Ganga plains, parts of the Indus (or Sindhu) basin, and neighbouring regions—and gradually spread to other parts of the subcontinent—is known as the ‘Second Urbanisation of India’.

2. Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India’s early history?
Answer:
The Janapadas and Mahājanapadas were important developments in India’s early history because they marked the reorganization of Indian society. People began living in defined territories called Janapadas, each governed by a ruler or an assembly. As trade and agriculture grew, some of these territories evolved and merged to form larger kingdoms known as Mahājanapadas. This laid the foundation for administration and urbanization.

3. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Answer:
The Janapadas and Mahājanapadas evolved different systems of governance. Some had monarchies, where a king ruled with the help of his ministers, and his position was hereditary. Others, like Vajji and Malla, had gaṇas or saṅghas—early republics—where members of the assembly selected the rulers and made decisions through discussion and voting.

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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?
Answer:
Kautilya recommended that for a kingdom’s safety and security, its capital and border towns should be well-defended. It should have abundant raw materials, forest reserves, wildlife, cultivable land, irrigation facilities, and a well-developed economy to sustain its population.
While the current methods are modern, the core ideas from Kautilya’s time—like defense, resource management, and economic strength—still hold true today.

2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Answer:
In early Vedic society, rulers were not always hereditary monarchs. Kings were often selected by members of assemblies or groups of elders, as in gaṇas or saṅghas. These rulers were expected to take advice from the assemblies, and incompetent rulers could be removed by them.

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.
Answer:
I would use a combination of archaeological, literary, and coin sources to learn more about the Mahājanapadas.
(i) Archaeological sources help us understand the lifestyle, economy, and level of development of the Mahājanapadas.
(ii) Literary sources mention the names, rulers, and customs of the Mahājanapadas, providing valuable information about political structures, society, and religion.
(iii) Coin sources show symbols, names of rulers, and economic activities, offering insights into governance and the power of these kingdoms.

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.
Answer:
The development of iron metallurgy was important for the growth of urbanism in the 1st millennium BCE. Iron tools improved farming and forest clearing, leading to increased food production and expansion into new areas. Iron weapons helped kingdoms grow and defend themselves. With surplus food and better tools, people began living in permanent settlements, which led to the rise of towns and cities.