Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4: New Beginnings – Cities and States | Second Urbanisation, Janapadas & 16 Mahajanapadas, Early Republics & Fortified Capitals

Full Chapter Summary & Detailed Notes – New Beginnings: Cities and States

Opening Quote – Kautilya (Arthashāstra)

“The kingdom shall be protected by fortifying the capital and the towns at the frontiers… It should be beautiful, being endowed with cultivable land, mines, timber forests, elephant forests, and good pastures rich in cattle… It should have good roads and waterways. It should have a productive economy, with a wide variety of commodities…”

This quote shows the idea of an ideal kingdom in ancient India – strong, rich, and self-sufficient.

Fig. 4.1 – Ruins at Rajagriha (Rajgir, Bihar)

Ancient capital of Magadha mahājanapada – one of the most powerful states.

The Big Questions (3 Questions – Very Important)

What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India’s early history?
What kind of system of governance did they evolve?

Second Urbanisation of India (~600 BCE)

After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation (First Urbanisation), cities disappeared). Around 600 BCE, cities re-emerged in the Ganga-Yamuna valley – called Second Urbanisation.

Reasons:

Use of iron tools → better farming → surplus food
Surplus food → population growth → trade → towns and cities
New materials: baked bricks, iron weapons, coins
Cities: Pataliputra, Ujjain, Taxila, Vaishali, Rajagriha

Janapadas → Mahājanapadas

Stage	Meaning	Features
Janapada	“Jana” (people) + “pada” (foot) = land where people settled	Small territories, tribal chiefs, villages
Mahājanapada	“Great janapada”	16 large, powerful states around 600 BCE

Most Powerful Mahājanapadas: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti

Why Were Mahājanapadas Important?

First real states in India
Fixed boundaries, capital cities, standing armies
Tax collection started
Trade and craft grew
Beginning of cities and urban life

Two Types of Government

Type	Ruled By	Examples
Monarchy (Rajya)	King (Raja) – hereditary	Magadha (Bimbisara, Ajatashatru), Kosala
Gana or Sangha (Republic)	Assembly of people (no single king)	Vajji (Lichchhavis), Shakya (Buddha’s clan)

Features of Mahājanapadas

Fortified capital cities (e.g., Rajagriha had huge walls)
Standing armies (soldiers paid salary)
Tax system: farmers paid 1/6th of produce (Bhaga)
Craftsmen, traders, merchants became important
Use of coins (punch-marked coins) started

Magadha – The Most Powerful Mahājanapada

Reasons for Rise:

Fertile land (Ganga plain)
Iron mines nearby
Elephants for army
Good location for trade
Strong rulers: Bimbisara, Ajatashatru

Key Takeaways for Exams

Second Urbanisation = cities re-emerged after Indus Valley (~600 BCE)
16 Mahājanapadas – Magadha most powerful
Two governments: Monarchy (king) & Gana (assembly)
Kautilya’s Arthashāstra = book on ideal kingdom

One-Page Revision Map

Second Urbanisation → ~600 BCE, iron tools, surplus food → cities
Janapada → small → Mahājanapada → 16 large states
Government: Monarchy (raja) or Gana (assembly)
Magadha: Most powerful – fertile land, iron, elephants
Kautilya: Ideal kingdom – forts, fertile land, good roads

Key Terms & Definitions – Complete Glossary (Chapter 4)

All important terms with detailed explanation, examples, exam tips & golden lines.

Second Urbanisation

Definition: The re-emergence of cities and towns in the Ganga valley around 600 BCE after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation.

Time Period: 600 BCE – 200 BCE

Causes: Use of iron tools → surplus food → population growth → trade → cities

Major Cities: Pataliputra, Ujjain, Taxila, Vaishali, Rajagriha

Exam Golden Line: “Second Urbanisation began around 600 BCE due to iron technology and surplus agriculture.”

Janapada

Definition: “Jana” (people) + “pada” (foot) = The land where a tribe/people settled.

Features: Small territory, ruled by tribal chief, mostly villages, no strong central government.

Exam Tip: Janapadas were the early stage before powerful kingdoms.

Mahājanapada

Definition: “Great janapada” – 16 large and powerful states that emerged around 600 BCE.

Famous 4: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti

Most Powerful: Magadha (capital Rajagriha → later Pataliputra)

Exam Golden Line: “By 600 BCE, 16 mahājanapadas became powerful in northern India.”

Monarchy (Rajya)

Definition: Government ruled by a king (raja) – power passed from father to son (hereditary).

Examples: Magadha (Bimbisara, Ajatashatru), Kosala

Features: King had supreme power, standing army, collected taxes.

Gana or Sangha (Republic)

Definition: Government without a single king – ruled by an assembly of people.

Examples: Vajji (Lichchhavis in Vaishali), Shakya (Buddha’s clan), Malla

Features: Decisions by voting in assembly (sabha), more democratic.

Exam Tip: “Gana-sanghas were republics in ancient India.”

Arthashāstra

Definition: Famous book on statecraft, economy and military strategy written by Kautilya (Chanakya).

Written for: Chandragupta Maurya

Describes: How a perfect kingdom should be – strong forts, fertile land, good roads, taxes, army.

Exam Golden Line: “Kautilya’s Arthashāstra is a guide for ideal administration.”

Fortified Capital

Definition: City protected by strong walls, moats, and gates for defence.

Examples: Rajagriha (Magadha), Kaushambi (Vatsa), Ujjain (Avanti)

Purpose: Protection from enemies.

Standing Army

Definition: Permanent, professional army paid by the king (not tribal warriors).

Included: Infantry, cavalry, chariots, elephants

Exam Tip: First time in mahājanapadas.

Taxes (Bhaga)

Definition: Farmers had to give 1/6th of their produce to the king as tax.

Other taxes: On crafts, trade, animals.

Purpose: To run the kingdom and pay army.

Punch-Marked Coins

Definition: Earliest coins in India made of silver/copper with symbols punched on them.

Used for: Trade and paying taxes.

Exam Tip: “First coins appeared during mahājanapada period.”

Rajagriha (Rajgir)

Definition: Ancient capital of Magadha mahājanapada (modern Rajgir, Bihar).

Features: Surrounded by five hills, strong fort walls (Fig. 4.1).

Kautilya (Chanakya)

Definition: Great scholar and teacher who helped Chandragupta Maurya build the Mauryan Empire.

Famous Work: Arthashāstra

Exam Quick Tips & Mnemonics

Second Urbanisation: “Iron → Surplus → Cities”
16 Mahājanapadas Mnemonic: “Maha 16 – Magadha Most Powerful”
Government Types: “Monarchy = Raja | Gana = Assembly”
Magadha Advantages: “Fertile land + Iron mines + Elephants + Rivers”
Golden Line for 5 Marks:
“The period around 600 BCE is called Second Urbanisation because cities re-emerged in the Ganga valley due to iron tools and surplus food. Sixteen mahājanapadas developed, of which Magadha became most powerful. There were two types of government – monarchy (ruled by king) and gana-sangha (ruled by assembly).”

Activities & 25+ Questions and Answers - New Beginnings: Cities and States

Let Us Enhance Our Learning – Fully Solved

1. Fill in the blanks.

(a) The period of the second urbanisation began around 600 BCE.

(b) There were 16 mahājanapadas in ancient India.

(c) Magadha became the most powerful mahājanapada.

(d) In a gana-sangha, decisions were taken by discussion in an assembly.

(e) Kautilya wrote the book Arthashāstra.

2. State whether the following statements are True or False.

(i) Cities first developed in the Indus Valley around 2500 BCE. → True

(ii) The use of iron began around 600 BCE. → True

(iii) All mahājanapadas were ruled by kings. → False (Some were republics/gana-sanghas)

(iv) Taxes were collected only from farmers. → False (Also from craftsmen, traders, herders)

(v) Punch-marked coins were made of gold. → False (Made of silver and copper)

3. Match the following.

(a) Rajagriha	(iii) Capital of Magadha
(b) Vajji	(i) A gana-sangha
(c) Kautilya	(iv) Author of Arthashāstra
(d) Iron tools	(ii) Helped in surplus production
(e) Fortified city	(v) Protected from enemies

4. Give reasons.

(a) Magadha became the most powerful mahājanapada.
Magadha had fertile land in the Ganga valley, iron mines nearby, forests with elephants for army, and rivers for trade and transport. Strong rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru also helped.

(b) Cities developed during the second urbanisation.
Iron tools led to surplus food → population growth → specialisation of work (crafts, trade) → need for cities as centres of administration, trade, and culture.

5. Short Answer Questions

(a) What is meant by ‘second urbanisation’?
After the decline of Indus Valley cities, new cities re-emerged in the Ganga valley around 600 BCE. This is called second urbanisation.

(b) Name any four mahājanapadas and their capitals.
• Magadha – Rajagriha (later Pataliputra)
• Kosala – Shravasti
• Vatsa – Kaushambi
• Avanti – Ujjain

(c) What is the difference between monarchy and gana-sangha?
Monarchy: Ruled by a king (hereditary).
Gana-sangha: No single king, ruled by an assembly of people (more democratic).

6. Long Answer Questions

(a) Describe the features of a mahājanapada.
• Large territory with fixed boundaries
• Fortified capital city
• Standing army (paid soldiers)
• Tax collection (1/6th of produce)
• Use of iron tools and coins
• Growth of trade and crafts

(b) What kind of governance did the mahājanapadas have?
There were two types:
1. Monarchy: King had supreme power, passed to son (e.g., Magadha).
2. Gana-sangha: No king, decisions by assembly (sabha) through discussion and voting (e.g., Vajji).

7. On an outline map of India, mark and label any six mahājanapadas.

Common ones: Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, Avanti, Anga, Kashi, Vajji, Kuru, Panchala, Surasena.

8. Project/Activity

Make a chart comparing monarchy and gana-sangha with examples from the chapter.

Practice 25+ - Solved Questions

1. What is Second Urbanisation?

Cities re-emerged after Indus Valley.

2. Why janapadas/mahajanapadas important?

First states, urban centres, governance.

Extra Practice Questions (Exam Booster)

3. Kautilya quote?

Ideal kingdom self-sufficient.

4. Rajagriha?

Magadha capital.

5. 16 mahajanapadas?

Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, etc.

6. Monarchies?

Ruled by raja.

7. Ganas?

Republics with assemblies.

8. Arthashāstra?

Kautilya on statecraft.

9. Iron role?

Tools for agriculture, cities.

10. Trade?

Grew with cities.

11. Magadha rise?

Resources, location.

12. Governance evolution?

From tribes to states.

13. Urban centres?

Pataliputra, Ujjain.

14. First Urbanisation?

Indus Valley.

15. Second Urbanisation?

~600 BCE, Ganga plain.

16. Janapada meaning?

Land of people.

17. Mahajanapada?

Great janapada.

18. Raja?

King in monarchy.

19. Sabha?

Assembly in ganas.

20. Army?

Standing armies in mahajanapadas.

21. Taxes?

On crops, crafts.

22. Kautilya?

Advisor to Chandragupta.

23. Arthashāstra?

Book on economy, state.

24. Fortified cities?

Protected capitals.

25. Ideal kingdom?

Fertile, resources, waterways.

Key Concepts - In-Depth Exploration (Chapter 4)

Core ideas explained with examples, common confusions, and exam connections for "New Beginnings: Cities and States".

Second Urbanisation

Concept: Cities re-emerged ~600 BCE.
Example: Pataliputra.
Exam Note: Iron tools.
Confusion: First was Indus.

Mahajanapada

Concept: Large states.
Example: Magadha.
Exam Trick: 16 in number.

Exam Master Tips:

Mnemonics: "16 Maha" for mahajanapadas
Governance: Monarchy vs Gana
Most Asked: Importance of mahajanapadas

Historical & Social Insights – How Mahājanapadas Shaped India

Historical Insights

Foundation of Indian State System: Mahājanapadas were the first proper states with fixed boundaries, capital cities, standing armies, and tax systems – the model for later kingdoms and modern India.
Rise of Two Great Religions: Both Buddhism and Jainism were born in mahājanapada period:
- Gautama Buddha → Shakya republic (Lumbini, Kapilavastu)
- Mahavira → Vajji confederacy (Vaishali)
Birth of Democracy: Gana-sanghas (Vajji, Lichchhavis) were among the world’s earliest republics – decisions by voting in assembly (sabha). Modern democracy has roots here.
Magadha → Mauryan Empire: Magadha’s power led to Chandragupta Maurya → India’s first large empire (321 BCE).
First Use of Coins: Punch-marked coins started here → revolutionised trade.
Urban Planning Began: Fortified cities, wide roads, drainage (ring wells), brick houses – pattern continued in later Indian cities.
Kautilya’s Arthashāstra: World’s oldest book on statecraft, economics, espionage, war strategy – still studied today.

Social Insights

From Tribes to Cities: People moved from small tribal villages to large urban centres → new jobs: craftsmen, traders, soldiers, priests, administrators.
Beginning of Social Classes: Four varnas became clearer – priests, warriors, traders/farmers, workers.
Women in Gana-Sanghas: Some republics allowed women in assemblies (rare in ancient world.
Trade & Cultural Exchange: Cities became meeting points → spread of new ideas, languages, food, clothes.
Tax System Started: Farmers paid 1/6th produce (bhaga) → beginning of organised taxation.
Education Centres: Taxila, Vaishali became famous universities → students from all over Asia came to study.
Animal Use in War: Elephants from Magadha forests → became symbol of royal power.

Modern Connections – You Can Still See Today!

Patna = ancient Pataliputra → capital of Magadha → capital of Bihar today
Vaishali = world’s first republic → now a major Buddhist-Jain pilgrimage site
Ujjain = Avanti capital → still hosts Kumbh Mela every 12 years
Democracy in India → inspired by ancient gana-sanghas
Indian Foreign Policy → “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” idea grew in this cosmopolitan period
Arthashāstra → still taught in defence and management colleges

Important Archaeological Sites

Rajagriha (Rajgir, Bihar) → Cyclopean walls, hot springs, Bimbisara’s jail
Vaishali (Bihar) → Ashokan pillar, Ananda stupa, ancient assembly hall
Kaushambi (UP) → Huge fortifications, Ghoshitarama monastery
Hastinapur & Indraprastha → Mahabharata connections

Impact on Indian History

Laid foundation for Mauryan, Gupta, Mughal empires
Started urban culture that continues today
Showed two models of governance – monarchy republics – both exist in world today
Proved India could have large, organised states without foreign rule

Exam Quick Tips & Golden Lines

Best Historical Example: “Magadha’s rise led to India’s first empire under Chandragupta Maurya.”
Best Social Example: “Gana-sanghas like Vajji were early republics where decisions were taken by voting in assembly.”
Golden Line for Long Answer:
“The mahājanapada period was a turning point in Indian history. It saw the second urbanisation, rise of cities, first use of coins, standing armies, tax systems, and two forms of government – monarchy and republic. Magadha’s power paved the way for the Mauryan Empire, and gana-sanghas gave the world one of the earliest examples of democracy.”

Real-Life Examples – How Second Urbanisation & Mahājanapadas Shaped India

Powerful Mahājanapadas & Their Capitals

Magadha → Rajagriha (Rajgir, Bihar) → later Pataliputra (Patna)
Kosala → Shravasti (Uttar Pradesh)
Vatsa → Kaushambi (near Allahabad)
Avanti → Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh)
Vajji → Vaishali (Bihar) – famous gana-sangha
Anga → Champa (Bihar)

Remains You Can Visit Today

Rajagriha (Rajgir, Bihar) → Cyclopean walls, hot springs, Bimbisara’s jail
Vaishali (Bihar) → Ashokan pillar, Buddhist stupa, assembly hall ruins
Kaushambi (UP) → Huge fortifications, Ashokan pillar
Ujjain (MP) → Ancient observatory, Mahakal temple
Taxila (Pakistan) → University city of mahājanapada period

Gana-Sanghas (Republics) in Action

Vajji Confederacy → 8 clans, Lichchhavis most powerful, capital Vaishali
Shakya Republic → Kapilavastu → Gautama Buddha born here
Malla Republic → Kushinagar & Pava → Buddha attained Mahaparinirvana in Kushinagar

Real Kings from Mahājanapadas

Bimbisara (Magadha) → First powerful king, married princesses from Kosala, Vaishali for alliances
Ajatashatru (Magadha) → Son of Bimbisara, used war machines (rathamusala, mahashilakantaka)
Prasenajit (Kosala) → Contemporary of Buddha
Udayin → Shifted capital from Rajagriha to Pataliputra

Archaeological Evidence

Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) → Shiny black pottery found in cities
Punch-marked coins → First coins in India (silver, symbols punched)
Ring wells → Drainage system in houses
Burnt brick houses → Rich people’s houses

Modern Connections

Patna (Pataliputra) → Was Magadha’s new capital → today Bihar’s capital
Vaishali → World’s first republic → now a major Buddhist site
Ujjain → Ancient capital → today hosts Kumbh Mela every 12 years
Democracy in India → Inspired by ancient gana-sanghas (assemblies)

Famous Personalities from This Period

Gautama Buddha → Born in Shakya republic
Mahavira → Born in Vajji confederacy
Kautilya (Chanakya) → Wrote Arthashāstra for Chandragupta Maurya

War & Technology

Ajatashatru used two new weapons against Vajji:
- Rathamusala → Chariot that threw stones
- Mahashilakantaka → Giant catapult

Exam Quick Tips

Always give **place names** – Rajagriha, Vaishali, Pataliputra
Best examples: Magadha (monarchy), Vajji (gana-sangha)
Golden Line: “Magadha became powerful due to fertile land, iron mines, elephants and strong rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.”

🧠 Interactive Quiz (10 Questions)

📚 Test Your Knowledge!

10 MCQs | Instant Score | Perfect Exam Practice

Quick Revision Notes & Mnemonics

Topic	Key Points
Second Urbanisation	~600 BCE, iron age
Janapada	Small territory
Mahajanapada	16 large states

Mnemonic

“16 Maha-Jana” for mahajanapadas