NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11: From Barter to Money

2. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

1. How does the barter system take place and what kinds of commodities were used for exchange under the system?

Answer: The barter system takes place when people directly exchange goods or services for other goods and services without using money. Commodities used for exchange included food grains, handmade objects, beads, stones, vegetables, fruits, and other useful products.

2. What were the limitations of the barter system?

Answer: The main limitations of the barter system were difficulty in finding the double coincidence of wants, a lack of a common measure of value, issues with divisibility, difficulties in portability, and problems related to the durability of goods.

3. What were the salient features of ancient Indian coins?

Answer: Ancient Indian coins were called kārṣhāpaṇas or paṇas. They were often alloys of metals like gold, silver, and copper with punched symbols called rūpas. The process of making coins was called minting, and coins carried various motifs and symbols.

4. How has money as a medium of exchange transformed over time?

Answer: Money has evolved from the barter system to the use of shells, metallic coins, paper currency, and now digital forms like cards and UPI, making transactions more convenient and secure over time.

3. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

5. What steps might have been taken in ancient times so that Indian coins could become the medium of exchange across countries?

Answer: To ensure Indian coins became an accepted medium of exchange across countries, ancient rulers may have standardized coin designs, weights, and metal content for wide acceptability. Powerful kingdoms established trade networks through maritime activities, leading to foreign merchants trusting and accepting Indian coins. The use of symbols, motifs, and rulers’ emblems indicated authenticity and authority. Coins made of valuable metals enhanced trust. International trade contacts, such as those with the Roman Empire, spread the usage of Indian coins abroad. Regular minting under government supervision ensured uniformity, and acceptance by traders in various markets further strengthened their acceptability across borders.

6. Read the following lines from the Arthaśhāstra.
“An annual salary of 60 paṇas could be substituted by an āḍhaka of grain per day, enough for four meals...” (One āḍhaka = about 3 kg.)
The fine for failing to help a neighbour was 100 paṇas.
What do these indicate about the value of a paṇa and the encouragement of human values?

Answer: The references show that the paṇa had a fixed and significant value in ancient India, allowing salaries and fines to be set in monetary terms or exchanged for essential goods like grain. Assigning a high fine for failing to help a neighbor reflects an emphasis on social responsibility and encourages strong human values and community cooperation. This system recognized both material value and ethical obligations.

7. Write and enact a skit to show how people may have persuaded each other to use cowrie shells (or other items) as the medium of exchange.

Answer: (Sample script) Person A: "Carrying wheat is difficult. Why don't we use these cowrie shells instead? Everyone can recognize and accept them easily!" Person B: "But can I trade these shells with others?" Person A: "Yes, if everyone agrees. They're small, easy to carry, and don’t spoil. Let's tell others and start using cowrie shells for all exchanges."

8. The RBI is the only legal source that prints and distributes paper currency in India. To prevent illegal printing of notes and their misuse, the RBI has introduced many security features. Find out what some of these measures are and discuss them in class.

Answer: The RBI adds several security features to currency notes, such as watermarks, security threads, micro-lettering, optically variable ink, see-through registration devices, and tactile marks for the visually impaired. These features make counterfeiting difficult and help people verify genuine currency notes.

9. Interview some family members and local shopkeepers: do they prefer cash or UPI? Why?

Answer: Many family members and shopkeepers may prefer UPI because it’s quick, convenient, and doesn’t require physical cash. Some still favor cash for small transactions or where digital infrastructure is not available. Preferences can depend on ease, trust, and technology access.

From Barter to Money: Understanding Economic Life

Mastering the journey from barter to money is essential for Class 7 Social Science. Dive deep into the chapter with NCERT Solutions Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11 From Barter to Money (2025-26) to strengthen your foundation for exams and everyday understanding.

This chapter explains how exchange systems evolved—from simple barter to modern digital payments. Learning the basic functions of money can help you answer questions clearly and develop strong reasoning in economic concepts.

Revise key terms like barter system, portability, durability, and digital money. Practice with NCERT exercises to boost accuracy and confidence during exams. A clear grasp of these fundamentals ensures higher scores and practical knowledge for real-life situations.