Chapter-Chapter 4: New Beginnings:Cities and States Social Science Part-1 class 7 in english Medium CBSE Notes

Quick Revision Notes – New Beginnings: Cities and States

Second Urbanisation

• The Harappan Civilization is called India's First Urbanisation.
• A new phase of city development began in the 1st millennium BCE.
• This period is known as the Second Urbanisation.
• It started mainly in the Ganga Plains.
• Archaeological discoveries and ancient literature provide evidence of this period.

Janapadas

• Janapada means "the land where people settled".
• Formed by clans sharing common customs and language.
• Each Janapada was ruled by a Raja.
• They were the earliest organized territorial states.

Mahajanapadas

• Larger states formed by the merger of Janapadas.
• Developed around the 8th–7th century BCE.
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas.
• They became centres of trade, agriculture and administration.

Important Mahajanapadas

• Magadha
• Kosala
• Vatsa
• Avanti
• Vajji
• Malla
• Gandhara
• Anga

Capitals of Major Mahajanapadas

• Magadha – Rajagriha
• Kosala – Shravasti
• Vatsa – Kaushambi
• Avanti – Ujjayini
• Gandhara – Takshashila

Features of Mahajanapada Cities

• Large and fortified cities.
• Protected by walls and gates.
• Moats were built around cities for defence.
• Important centres of trade and administration.

Early Democratic Traditions

• Assemblies called Sabha and Samiti existed.
• Important matters were discussed collectively.
• The Raja was expected to take advice from assemblies.
• Some rulers could even be removed if found incompetent.

Gana and Sangha

• Vajji and Malla followed a different political system.
• Major decisions were taken through discussion and voting.
• Members selected the ruler.
• These are considered among the world's earliest republics.

Iron Technology

• Iron became widely used during the Second Urbanisation.
• Iron tools improved agriculture.
• Iron weapons were stronger than bronze weapons.
• Helped in the growth of cities and states.

Growth of Trade

• Trade expanded rapidly during this period.
• Road networks connected different regions.
• Goods moved across the Subcontinent.
• Trade encouraged urban development.

First Coins in India

• The earliest coins were made of silver.
• Known as Punch-Marked Coins.
• Used for trade and exchange.
• Later coins were made of copper and gold.

Varna System

• Society was divided into four Varnas.
• Brahmins – Knowledge and rituals.
• Kshatriyas – Protection and warfare.
• Vaishyas – Trade and agriculture.
• Shudras – Crafts and services.

Jati System

• Jati was based on occupation.
• Skills were passed from one generation to another.
• Different Jatis developed their own customs and traditions.
• The system became more rigid over time.

Important Trade Routes

• Uttarapatha connected north-west India with the Ganga plains.
• Dakshinapatha connected northern India with southern regions.
• These routes promoted trade, travel and cultural exchange.

Developments in South India

• Urban centres emerged around 400 BCE.
• Three important kingdoms developed:
  • Cholas
  • Cheras
  • Pandyas
• South India traded in spices, gemstones and gold.

Key Terms

• Janapada: Territory settled by a group of people.
• Mahajanapada: Large kingdom formed from Janapadas.
• Sabha: Assembly of elders.
• Samiti: Council for discussion and decision-making.
• Moat: Water-filled ditch around a fort or city.
• Gana: Republic-like political system.
• Punch-Marked Coins: Earliest Indian coins.
• Varna: Social division based on duties.
• Jati: Occupational social group.

Exam Booster Facts

• Second Urbanisation began in the 1st millennium BCE.
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas.
• Magadha was the most powerful Mahajanapada.
• Rajagriha was the capital of Magadha.
• Vajji and Malla were early republics.
• Iron technology boosted agriculture and warfare.
• India's first coins were punch-marked silver coins.
• Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha were major trade routes.
• Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas emerged in South India.
• Sabha and Samiti were important political institutions.