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Revision Notes

New Beginnings: Cities and States

CBSE · Class 7 · Social Science

Quick revision notes for New Beginnings: Cities and States — CBSE Class 7 Social Science. Key concepts, formulas, and definitions for last-minute revision.

44 questions60 flashcards5 concepts

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Key Topics to Revise

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1. From the First Urbanisation to the Second Urbanisation

  • The Harappan civilisation disintegrated in the early 2nd millennium BCE.
  • For about a thousand years, urban life remained absent from India.
  • A new phase of urbanisation began in the 1st millennium BCE in the Ganga plains, parts of the Indus basin, and nearby regions.
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2. Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

  • Towards the end of the 2nd millennium BCE, clans and groups settled in territories called janapadas.
  • A janapada was a region where people had settled down.
  • As trade expanded, some janapadas became larger and merged into mahajanapadas.
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3. Early Democratic Traditions

  • Each janapada had an assembly or council called sabha or samiti.
  • Important matters were discussed in these assemblies.
  • The raja was expected to take advice from the assembly, ministers, and administrators.
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4. Fortified Cities and Duties of Kings

  • Many mahajanapada capitals were large, well-fortified cities.
  • A moat often surrounded the fortifications as extra defence.
  • Gateway openings were narrow so that movement of people and goods could be controlled.

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Full Notes

Key Concepts

After the Harappan civilisation endedJanapadas were territories linked with clansMagadhaVajji and Malla were not monarchiesIron metallurgy was perfected in several

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in New Beginnings: Cities and States for CBSE Class 7 Social Science?
New Beginnings: Cities and States covers several key topics that are frequently asked in CBSE Class 7 board exams. Focus on the core concepts listed on this page and practise related questions to build confidence.
How to score full marks in New Beginnings: Cities and States — CBSE Class 7 Social Science?
Understand the core concepts first, then work through the 44 practice questions available for this chapter. Revise formulas and 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.

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