Class 11 History Chapter 1 NCERT Solutions: Writing and City Life

Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

81. Why do we say that it was not natural fertility and high levels of food production that were the causes of early urbanisation?

Answer: Natural fertility and high levels of food production paved the way for settled agriculture, animal husbandry, and permanent settlements, leading to the growth of cities. These factors were necessary for urbanisation but not the sole causes; growth of trade, writing, and administration also played vital roles.

82. Which of the following were necessary conditions and which the causes, of early urbanisation, and which would you say were the outcome of the growth of cities:

• (a) highly productive agriculture,
• (b) water transport,
• (c) the lack of metal and stone,
• (d) the division of labour,
• (e) the use of seals,
• (f) the military power of kings that made labour compulsory?

Answer:
Necessary conditions for urbanisation:

• Highly productive agriculture
• Water transport
• The division of labour

• The lack of metal and stone
• The use of seals
• The military power of kings that made labour compulsory

• Development of trade
• Development of transport system
• Development of artistic culture

83. Why were mobile animal herders not necessarily a threat to town life?

Answer: Mobile animal herders exchanged animals, leather, meat, and cheese with village farmers for grains and metal tools. Their trade supported rather than threatened town life, providing resources and maintaining a symbiotic relationship with settled communities.

84. Why would the early temple have been much like a house?

Answer: Early temples in Mesopotamia were made of unbaked bricks and served as residences for gods. They contained several rooms around courtyards, stores for offerings, and spaces for community, economic, and administrative activities—much like a large house supporting multiple purposes.

85. Of the new institutions that came into being once city life had begun, which would have depended on the initiative of the king?

Answer: Temples, commerce, stamp making, sculpture, and the practice of writing are examples of new institutions that emerged with urban life and depended largely upon the initiative and authority of the king.

86. What do ancient stories tell us about the civilisation of Mesopotamia?

Answer: Ancient stories and archaeological finds from sites such as Uruk and Mari reveal the richness of Mesopotamian civilisation. Artifacts, buildings, seals, and texts, as well as stories like the biblical flood and the story of Noah, reflect religious beliefs, social structure, and continuity of life.

NCERT Solutions Class 11 History Chapter 1 Writing And City Life (2025-26): Key Concepts

Mastering Class 11 History Chapter 1 Writing And City Life helps students understand the rise of early civilizations. With clear NCERT solutions for 2025-26, grasp the link between writing, trade, and the birth of cities for excellent exam results.

This chapter covers the significance of writing and city life in Mesopotamia. Focus on how agriculture, temple life, and administration contributed to urbanisation for a solid conceptual base in History.

Revise important topics, use the exercise-based solutions effectively, and connect concepts across units. This approach will boost confidence and increase your chances of scoring high in your 11th History exams.