Question 5 of 6advanced⚖️ EvaluateLong Answer5 marks

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

Correct Answer

Once city life began, several new institutions emerged that required coordination and authority. Among these, the institution that would have most depended on the initiative of the king was the military organisation.

The context mentions that military power of kings made labour compulsory. This suggests that the king used military authority to mobilise and command labour for various urban projects. In a city where multiple activities needed coordination, the king's military power ensured that people followed commands.

Additionally, the system of command and obedience depended on royal initiative. The text states that "some people give commands that others obey" in urban economies. This hierarchical structure, essential for city functioning, would have been established and maintained by the king's authority.

The maintenance of written records also required royal initiative. As urban economies needed documentation for trade, storage, and distribution, the king would have supported the development of writing and record-keeping institutions.

Finally, organised trade and storage systems, including the procurement of fuel, metal, stones, and wood from different places, would have depended on the king's initiative to coordinate such large-scale operations across regions.

Exercise: EXERCISES - ANSWER IN A SHORT ESSAY | Q: 5 | (Page 28)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The question asks students to identify which institutions required royal initiative. Based on the context, the military power of kings is explicitly mentioned as making labour compulsory. The text also describes how urban economies required command structures, written records, and organised trade - all of which would need centralised authority. The king's role was crucial in establishing these coordinating institutions that made complex city life possible.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Identify new institutions mentioned in the context - military power, command structures, written records, organised trade and storage

  2. Step 2: Analyse which of these required centralised authority and initiative

  3. Step 3: Connect military power of kings to compulsory labour mobilisation

  4. Step 4: Explain how coordination of multiple urban activities depended on royal command

  5. Step 5: Conclude with the institutions most dependent on king's initiative

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