New Beginnings: Cities and StatesClass 7 Social Science NCERT Solutions
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Q1Questions and activities
Consider the quotation at the start of the chapter and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kauṭilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?
Solution
Kauṭilya, in the Arthaśhāstra, recommends that a kingdom should be protected by fortifying the capital and frontier towns. The land should be capable of sustaining its population and outsiders during calamities. It should be beautiful, with cultivable land, mines, timber forests, elephant forests, and good pastures. The kingdom should not depend solely on rain for water and should have good roads and waterways. It should also have a productive economy with a wide variety of commodities.
While some aspects of Kauṭilya's recommendations remain relevant today, such as the importance of a strong economy, infrastructure, and security, others are different. Modern states prioritize the welfare of their citizens through social programs and international cooperation, which are not explicitly mentioned in Kauṭilya's recommendations. Also, the focus on elephant forests and specific resources reflects the priorities of that era, which may not be as central today.
Q2Questions and activities
According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Solution
According to the text, in early Vedic society, each janapada had an assembly or council, called sabhā or samiti, where matters concerning the clan would be discussed. The rājā was not expected to rule independently or arbitrarily. A good ruler was supposed to take the advice from those assemblies, apart from the ministers and administrators. According to some texts, an incompetent ruler could be removed by the assembly. In some mahājanapadas, specifically the ganas or sanghas like Vajji and Malla, the sabhā or samiti had more power and selected the rājā through discussion and voting.
Q3Questions and activities
Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to learn more about the mahājanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.
Solution
As a historian studying ancient India, I would use both archaeological and literary sources to learn more about the mahājanapadas. Archaeological sources, such as excavations of urban centers, provide physical evidence of the mahājanapadas' existence and material culture. These excavations reveal information about their fortifications, infrastructure, trade, and daily life. For instance, the ruins of Kauśhāmbī, the capital of the Vatsa mahājanapada, offer insights into the urban planning and architecture of the time. Coins, tools, and pottery found at these sites also provide valuable information about the economy and technology of the mahājanapadas.
Literary sources, including late Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain texts, offer valuable descriptions of the mahājanapadas. These texts provide information about their political systems, social structures, religious beliefs, and economic activities. The Arthaśhāstra of Kauṭilya, for example, provides insights into statecraft and governance during this period. These literary sources help to contextualize the archaeological findings and provide a more complete understanding of the mahājanapadas.
Q4Questions and activities
Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for the growth of urbanism in the 1st millennium BCE? You may use points from the chapter but also from your knowledge or imagination.
Solution
The development of iron metallurgy was crucial for the growth of urbanism during the first millennium BCE for several reasons. Iron tools facilitated agriculture on a larger scale, leading to increased food production and supporting larger populations. Iron also made better weapons than bronze, which led to more warfare, alliances, and the rise of new kingdoms and empires. The availability of iron ore in the mountains and hills near the Ganga plains contributed to the concentration of mahājanapadas in this region.
Iron tools enabled the clearing of dense forests and the cultivation of fertile lands, leading to agricultural surplus. This surplus supported specialized labor and trade, which are essential for urban development. The use of iron in warfare led to the consolidation of power and the expansion of territories, creating larger and more stable political entities. This stability fostered economic growth and urbanization.