Important Questions and Answers for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings Cities and States 2025-26

Q1. What does the term ‘Second Urbanisation’ in India refer to?

(a) Development of the Harappan cities

(b) Rise of cities in the Ganga plains during 1st millennium BCE

(c) Formation of modern cities after Independence

(d) Establishment of colonial towns

Answer: (b) Rise of cities in the Ganga plains during 1st millennium BCE

Q2. Which two mahājanapadas are known to have had early democratic systems?

(a) Magadha and Kosala

(b) Vatsa and Avanti

(c) Vajji and Malla

(d) Anga and Gandhāra

Answer: (c) Vajji and Malla

Q3. The first coins in India were made of which metal?

(a) Gold

(b) Silver

(c) Copper

(d) Iron

Answer: (b) Silver

2. Very Short Answer (VSA).

Q1. What is a janapada?

Answer: A janapada was a settlement or territory where people belonging to a clan lived under the leadership of a rājā in ancient India.

Q2. Name any two powerful mahājanapadas.

Answer: Two powerful mahājanapadas were Magadha and Kosala.

Q3. What is a moat?

Answer: A moat is a deep, wide ditch filled with water, built around a fort or city for protection against invaders.

Q4. Define ‘varṇa’ as per Vedic tradition.

Answer: In Vedic tradition, varṇa is a category dividing society into four groups based on occupation: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

3. Short Answer Questions.

Q1. Explain how iron technology contributed to the Second Urbanisation in India.

Answer: Iron technology allowed for stronger tools and weapons, improving large-scale agriculture and enhancing military power. This led to economic surplus, growth of new cities, development of fortified capitals, and supported trade, all of which fueled the Second Urbanisation.

Q2. What were the main differences between janapadas and mahājanapadas?

Answer: Janapadas were small territories led by clan rulers, while mahājanapadas were larger states formed by merging janapadas. Mahājanapadas had fortified cities, wider trade networks, and witnessed the first organized states and administrative systems.

Q3. Briefly describe the two-fold system of society in ancient India.

Answer: Ancient Indian society was organized into the varṇa–jāti system. Varṇa referred to four broad occupational groups, while jāti represented specific professional communities. Together, they structured society and economic activities.

4. Long Answer Questions.

Q1. Discuss the major features and significance of the mahājanapadas in early Indian history.

Answer: The mahājanapadas were large, organized states that emerged by the 8th–6th centuries BCE, especially in the Ganga plains. They had fortified capitals, collected taxes, and maintained armies. Some developed democratic traditions, while most had monarchies. Their growth supported the spread of Second Urbanisation, increased trade, the use of coins, and contributed to the rise of later kingdoms and empires.

1. Emergence of large states — mahājanapadas.
2. Development of fortified capitals and military power.
3. Expansion of trade and introduction of coins.
4. Democratic and monarchical forms of governance.

Q2. Evaluate the impact of the varṇa–jāti system on Indian society.

Answer: The varṇa–jāti system shaped Indian society by organizing communities based on occupation and social status. While it brought some stability and order, it also led to growing inequalities and rigid divisions over time. In the early period, the system was more flexible, but eventually became more rigid, restricting social mobility and leading to discrimination.

1. Defined occupational roles in society.
2. Provided structure and stability.
3. Created social inequalities and discrimination.
4. Became more rigid with time.

4. True or False Questions.

Q1. The first Indian coins were made of gold.

Answer: False

Q2. Some mahājanapadas had early republican or democratic systems.

Answer: True

Q3. The term ‘janapada’ literally means ‘where the people have set foot’ or settled down.

Answer: True

5. Match the Following Questions.

Q1. Match the following.

Answer: 1 - A, 2 - B, 3 - C

3. Fill in the Blanks Questions.

Q1. The janapadas eventually united to form larger states called ________.

Answer: mahājanapadas

Q2. The earliest Indian coins were known as ________ coins.

Answer: punch-marked

Q3. The word ‘caste’ comes from the ________ language.

Answer: Portuguese

How New Beginnings: Cities and States Helps You in Social Science Class 7

Studying New Beginnings Cities and States Class 7 extra Questions helps students understand how ancient Indian societies transformed. Learn about mahājanapadas, janapadas, and the origins of social groups. These Class 7 Important Questions and Answers make history relatable and enjoyable for everyone.

Practicing New Beginnings: Cities and States Class 7 question answer builds memory and confidence. You find New Beginnings: Cities and States extra Question Answer and high-quality New Beginnings Cities and States Class 7 MCQ. Each topic is explained with easy steps, covering all exam topics so you feel ready, positive, and excited to learn!