New Beginnings: Cities and States
Class 7 · Social Science Part 1 · 10 Questions
What is meant by 'Second Urbanisation of India'?
Why were the janapadas and mahājanapadas an important development in India's early history?
What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Why should a complex society divide itself into such groups? Think about several possible factors why this happens.
List other such professions you expect in a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE.
Inequalities within society can exist in many forms. Have you encountered any incident where you or anyone you know might have been made to feel different from others? Do you think equality is desirable in a society? If so, why? Have you come across people or initiatives that lessened inequalities?
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?
According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
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.
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.