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New Beginnings: Cities and States — Chapter Summary

CBSE · Class 7 · Social Science

Summary of New Beginnings: Cities and States for CBSE Class 7 Social Science. Key concepts: After the Harappan, Janapadas were territories and Magadha.

44 questions60 flashcards5 concepts

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Overview

A new phase of urban growth began in the 1st millennium BCE after the decline of the Harappan civilisation. Urban life returned to India with new towns, trade routes, iron tools, larger states, and different forms of governance. This period is known as the Second Urbanisation. Janapadas grew into ma

Key Concepts

After the Harappan civilisation ended

After the Harappan civilisation ended in the early 2nd millennium BCE, urban life was absent for about a thousand years. A new urban phase began in th

Janapadas were territories linked with clans

Janapadas were territories linked with clans or groups and led by a rājā. As trade grew, some janapadas merged into larger states called mahājanapadas

Magadha

Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti were among the most powerful states. In monarchies, the rājā was the main authority, usually hereditary, and worked

Vajji and Malla were not monarchies

Vajji and Malla were not monarchies. They were gaṇas or saṅghas, also called early republics. Their sabhā or samiti took important decisions through d

Iron metallurgy was perfected in several

Iron metallurgy was perfected in several regions from the early 2nd millennium BCE and became widespread by the late 2nd millennium BCE. Iron tools he

Learning Objectives

  • Understand what is meant by the Second Urbanisation of India
  • Explain how janapadas grew into mahājanapadas
  • Identify important mahājanapadas and their capitals
  • Describe the difference between monarchies and gaṇa or saṅgha systems
  • Understand the role of assemblies, kings, taxes, fortifications, and armies

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in New Beginnings: Cities and States for CBSE Class 7 Social Science?
Key topics in New Beginnings: Cities and States include From the First Urbanisation to the Second Urbanisation, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, Early Democratic Traditions, Fortified Cities and Duties of Kings. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 7 exams.
How should I revise New Beginnings: Cities and States for Class 7 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 44 practice questions on New Beginnings: Cities and States. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

More resources for New Beginnings: Cities and States

All CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter Summary

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