AP SCERT Class 7 Social Studies Chapter 4 – New Beginnings: Cities and States covers the story of India's Second Urbanisation, the rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, early democratic traditions (sabha and samiti), the growth of iron metallurgy, the beginning of punch-marked coins, the Varna-Jati system, and the political and trade developments that took place in other parts of India such as Kalinga and the Tamil kingdoms of the Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas. This post gives complete, easy-to-understand answers for every Think About It, Let's Explore box, and the Questions, Activities and Projects exercise (pages 140 to 160) — perfect for Class 7 CBSE/AP SCERT Social Studies exam preparation, revision notes and homework help on mahajanapadas, janapadas, second urbanisation and varna-jati system.
📘 Page 140 — The Big Questions
1. What is meant by 'Second Urbanisation of India'?
After the Harappan cities declined, India had no big cities for almost a thousand years. Then, in the 1st millennium BCE, a fresh wave of city-building began in the Ganga plains and nearby areas. This new phase of city growth is called the Second Urbanisation of India. It continues to this day.
2. Why were the janapadas and mahajanapadas an important development in India's early history?
The janapadas and mahajanapadas were the first organised states of ancient India after the Harappan civilisation. They brought together people, land and rulers into proper political units, encouraged farming, trade, use of iron tools, and the growth of cities. This laid the foundation for later kingdoms and empires in India.
3. What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Most mahajanapadas were monarchies, ruled by a hereditary raja who was guided by ministers and an assembly of elders. A few, like Vajji and Malla, were ganas or sanghas, where the assembly (sabha/samiti) took major decisions, even selecting the ruler through discussion and voting — an early form of republic.
📘 Page 144 — Let's Explore
1. The most powerful of these new states were Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti. Looking at the map, can you identify their capitals? Also, how many can you match with Indian cities of today?
2. Kosala → Shravasti (near modern Uttar Pradesh)
3. Vatsa → Kaushambi (near Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh)
4. Avanti → Ujjayini (modern Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
All four capitals can be matched with modern Indian towns — Rajgir, Shravasti, Kaushambi (near Prayagraj) and Ujjain — showing that many of these ancient capitals are still living cities today.
2. Compare this map with the map of the regions mentioned in the Mahabharata. List the names common to both maps. What do you think this implies?
Names such as Kuru, Panchala, Matsya, Kashi and Magadha appear in both maps. This shows that many of the regions and kingdoms mentioned in the Mahabharata later grew into the historical mahajanapadas, meaning the epic reflects real geography and political units that continued into the 1st millennium BCE.
📘 Page 150 — Let's Explore (Table)
Fill up the table with Yes or No, comparing the First and Second Urbanisation:
| Feature | First Urbanisation | Second Urbanisation |
|---|---|---|
| Ganga Plains | No | Yes |
| Monasteries | No | Yes |
| Literature | No | Yes |
| Trade | Yes | Yes |
| Warfare | No | Yes |
| Copper / Bronze | Yes | No |
| Iron | No | Yes |
📘 Page 152 — Let's Explore
1. Why should a complex society divide itself into such groups? Think about several possible factors why this happens.
As a society grows bigger, one person cannot do every kind of work. People start doing different jobs based on their skill, training or the needs of the community — such as farming, trading, ruling, teaching or crafting. This division makes work more efficient, but it can also lead to some groups getting more wealth, power or respect than others.
2. List other such professions you expect in a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE.
Farmers, potters, weavers, blacksmiths, carpenters, goldsmiths, traders, soldiers, priests, teachers, physicians (vaidyas), boatmen, cattle-herders and administrators.
📘 Page 156 — Think About It
Inequalities within society can exist in many forms. Have you encountered any incident where you or anyone you know might have been made to feel different from others? Do you think equality is desirable in a society? If so, why? Have you come across people or initiatives that lessened inequalities?
This is a reflective, open-ended question meant for classroom discussion. Students may share their own experiences and thoughts. In general, equality is desirable because it allows every person, regardless of background, to get fair opportunities, respect and access to resources — this helps build a happier and more united society. Students can also talk about teachers, leaders, or government schemes (like scholarships or reservation policies) that have worked to reduce inequality.
📘 Page 160 — Questions, Activities and Projects
1. What was special about the Vajji and Malla political system?
B. They always made the ruler the eldest son in line
C. They took major decisions by discussion and voting
D. They allowed the ruler to act without any council
Answer: C. Vajji and Malla were not monarchies but ganas or sanghas — their sabha or samiti had more power and took important decisions, including choosing the raja, through discussion and voting.
2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Matters concerning the clan were discussed in an assembly called sabha or samiti, where most members of the clan took part. A good ruler was expected to take advice from these assemblies, along with his ministers and administrators, rather than ruling on his own.
3. 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.
Iron tools were stronger and sharper than bronze ones, so they helped farmers clear forests and plough hard land more easily, growing more food to feed bigger populations. Iron also made better weapons like swords, spears and arrows, which helped rulers build and defend larger kingdoms. With more food and stronger defence, villages could grow into towns and cities, and surplus produce could be traded — all of which supported the growth of urban centres.
4. Consider the quotation at the start of the chapter and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kautilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?
Kautilya says a good kingdom should have a well-fortified capital and border towns, fertile and productive land that does not depend only on rain, mines, forests, good pastures for cattle, good roads and waterways, and a variety of trade and commodities. Even today, a strong nation is expected to have secure borders, good agriculture and water management, natural resources, good transport and infrastructure, and a healthy economy — so many of Kautilya's ideas still hold true, though today we also value education, technology and democratic governance.
5. Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to learn more about the mahajanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.
Coins — punch-marked coins found at various sites tell us about trade, economy and which mahajanapada issued them.
Literary sources — late Vedic, Buddhist and Jain texts describe the janapadas, mahajanapadas, their rulers and daily life.
Inscriptions — royal inscriptions give information about kings, their achievements and administration.
Art and sculpture — carvings like the Sanchi stupa panels show occupations, crafts and social life of the time.
AP SCERT Class 7 Social Studies | Chapter 4 – New Beginnings: Cities and States | Pages 140–160 Answer Key
