New Beginnings: Cities and States
CBSE · Class 7 · Social Science
Summary of New Beginnings: Cities and States for CBSE Class 7 Social Science. Key concepts, important points, and chapter overview.
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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
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Sources & Official References
- NCERT Official — ncert.nic.in
- CBSE Academic — cbseacademic.nic.in
- CBSE Official — cbse.gov.in
- National Education Policy 2020 — education.gov.in
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
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