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

This chapter covers a crucial phase in ancient Indian history known as the Second Urbanisation (c. 6th century BCE), which occurred about a thousand years after the decline of the Harappan Civilization. This era saw the transition from tribal settlements (Janas) to firmly established territorial units (Janapadas) and eventually to large, powerful states (Mahajanapadas).

The transformation was fueled by the intensive use of iron tools, which boosted agricultural surplus in the fertile Ganga plains. These Mahajanapadas developed the first complex administrative systems, standing armies, and fortified capitals, laying the foundation for future empires.

The NCERT Solutions provide clear, detailed explanations of this political and economic restructuring, which is essential for understanding the origins of organized statecraft in India.

1.0Download NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 - New Beginnings: Cities and States: Free PDF

Download the NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter: New Beginnings: Cities and States in our free PDF, prepared by experts for insightful study and thorough preparation.

2.0Important Concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4: New Beginnings: Cities and States - Brief Explanation

The rise of the Mahajanapadas (literally, 'Great Territories') around the 6th century BCE was a landmark event that created the first large, cohesive political units in the subcontinent.

The Second Urbanisation

• Definition: The emergence of new cities and towns, primarily in the Ganga plains and nearby regions, roughly 1000 years after the Indus Valley Civilization declined.
• Driving Force (Iron): The increased use of iron tools (especially the iron ploughshare) made it possible to clear dense forests and cultivate the hard soil of the Ganga basin, resulting in a large agricultural surplus necessary to sustain large urban populations.

Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

• Janapadas: Early territorial units where people settled, meaning the 'foothold of a tribe'.
• Mahajanapadas: Larger, more powerful states that evolved from the Janapadas. Ancient Buddhist texts list sixteen such Mahajanapadas.
• Key Features of Mahajanapadas:
• • Fortified Capitals: Each Mahajanapada had a fortified capital city (e.g., Rajagriha, Ujjayini) for defense and administration.
  • Standing Armies: Rulers maintained large, regular armies, which were paid through a fixed system of taxation.
  • Systematic Taxation: Taxes were collected regularly from farmers (usually 1/6th of the produce, known as Bhaga or share), traders, and craftspersons.

Systems of Governance

The Mahajanapadas showed two main types of governance:

• Monarchy: Most states were ruled by a single, powerful, often hereditary King (Rājā), who governed with the help of ministers and bureaucrats. Magadha was the most powerful monarchy.
• Republics (Ganas/Sanghas): Some states, like Vajji and Malla, were ruled by a council or assembly of representatives or elders. Decisions were made through discussion and sometimes voting, representing one of the world's earliest forms of republican or collective governance.

Rise of Magadha (The Most Powerful State)

• Strategic Advantage: Magadha's strategic location near fertile river plains, abundant iron ore mines (for weapons), and dense forests (for timber and elephants) gave it a decisive military and economic edge, eventually paving the way for the Mauryan Empire.

3.0NCERT Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4: New Beginnings: Cities and States - Detailed Solutions

• 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 Ans. 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: (i) Fortifying the capital and frontier towns: Then: Protection through physical defense structures and strategic planning. Now: We focus on national security, border management, smart cities, and disaster preparedness. Cybersecurity is the modern frontier. The core idea security for stability remains unchanged. (ii) The land must sustain both the population and outsiders in times of calamity: Then: Preparedness for famine, war, or displacement. Now: We talk about food security, refugee support systems, emergency relief funds, and disaster management authorities. The value of resilience still stands strong. (iii)Natural wealth cultivable land, forests, pastures, mines, water, etc.: Then: A kingdom's strength came from self-sufficiency and natural resources. Now: Nations still invest heavily in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and biodiversity. Climate change and sustainability efforts echo Kautilya's foresight about not depending solely on rain. (iv) Good roads and waterways: Then: Infrastructure as a backbone for trade and connectivity. Now: The same transportation networks, logistics systems, digital infrastructure. Connectivity equals growth. (v) A productive economy with diverse commodities: Then: Economic diversification to ensure stability and growth. Now: Economists still preach this. A country with multiple strong sectorsagriculture, industry, services, tech is more stable and resilient to global shocks. It is not different today. The core principles that Kautilya laid out are still very much in use just adapted to our times with modem tools and language. What stands out is how timeless his ideas are. His emphasis on balance between economy, environment, defense, and social welfare is a model for sustainable development even now.
• According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society? Ans. 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 mahajanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding. Ans. 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. (ii) Archaeological Sources: Excavations at ancient sites reveal much about the culture. For example mins of cities like Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila give us clues about urban planning, defense (forts), religious buildings, and daily life. Artifacts like pottery, tools, ornaments show levels of craftsmanship, trade links, and domestic life. These sources bring physical evidence of the existence, lifestyle, and technological level of the Mahajanapadas. (iii)Numismatic Sources (Coins): Coins issued by different Mahajanapadas, especially Punch-marked coins often bear information about the rulers of that period. They reveal economic practices, trade, state authority, and interactions with other regions. By using all these sources together, we can gather much clearer, multidimensional picture of the Mahajanapadas how they functioned, interacted, and shaped the early history of the Indian subcontinent.
• 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 during the 1st 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： （i）Stronger Tools and Weapons：Iron tools like ploughs，axes，and sickles were stronger and more durable than their earlier stone or copper counterparts．This led to more efficient agriculture，forestry，and construction．Greater agricultural productivity could support larger populations，which is essential for towns and cities to emerge． （ii）Craft and Trade Specialization： Iron tools boosted various crafts like carpentry，masonry，and metalwork． As agriculture stabilized，more people could take up non－farming occupations（blacksmiths，traders， builders）．These craftspeople and traders often lived in urban centers， where their goods could be exchanged or sold． （iii）Growth of Trade and Infrastructure：Iron was also used to make transport tools（wheels， carts），helping in trade and connectivity．Urban centers often developed along trade routes， benefiting from increased mobility and commerce．Cities grew as commercial and administrative hubs．

4.0Key Features and Benefits of the NCERT Solutions for Chapter 4- New Beginnings: Cities and States - Detailed Solutions

The solutions provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of early Indian state formation.

• Clear Chronological Context: Clearly differentiates between the First and Second Urbanisation in India.
• Technology-History Link: Explains the crucial role of iron metallurgy in enabling agricultural and political growth.
• Political Diversity: Highlights the co-existence of both Monarchy and Republics (Ganas/Sanghas) in ancient India.
• Detailed Taxation System: Describes the method of revenue collection (the Bhaga system), essential for funding the new, professional states.
• NCERT Textbook Alignment: All answers are structured to directly address the exercise questions.
• Civic Roots: The existence of early republics (Ganas/Sanghas) provides students with a historical connection to democratic principles.
• Vocabulary Mastery: Introduction to core terms like Mahajanapada, Second Urbanisation, Janapada, and Bhaga (tax share).
• Foundation for Empires: This chapter lays the necessary groundwork for understanding the later rise and functioning of the powerful Mauryan Empire.