Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 HOTS Questions - New Beginnings: Cities and States

Q1: How did the growth of mahajanapadas in India lead to changes in the social and political structure?
Ans:

• The rise of mahajanapadas marked a shift from small clans (janapadas) to larger, more organized states, leading to the establishment of formal governance systems.
• Powerful mahajanapadas like Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti had monarchies with centralized control, where the raja was supported by ministers and an assembly.
• This political change allowed for more structured societies with fortifications, armies, and tax systems.
• At the same time, democratic republics like Vajji and Malla, where councils or assemblies had more power, introduced early democratic traditions in India.

Q2: Compare the governance structures of monarchies and ganas/sanghas in ancient India. How were they different in terms of decision-making?
Ans:

• Monarchies in ancient India, like those in Magadha and Kosala, were led by a raja whose power was largely hereditary.
• The raja made decisions with the advice of ministers and an assembly, but his authority was central, and decisions were often made by him.
• In contrast, ganas or sanghas, found in states like Vajji and Malla, operated more democratically.
• These republics allowed the council or assembly to play a key role in decision-making, with members voting or discussing important matters, including the selection of the raja.
• This form of governance was more participatory compared to the monarchies.

Q3: How would you use the history of iron metallurgy in India to explain the growth of agriculture and warfare during the Second Urbanisation period?
Ans:

• The advent of iron metallurgy significantly boosted both agriculture and warfare in ancient India.
• Iron tools made farming more efficient by improving the quality of plows, making it easier to clear land and grow crops.
• This led to increased agricultural productivity, especially in the fertile Ganga plains.
• At the same time, iron weapons such as swords and spears strengthened the military, enabling mahajanapadas to expand their territories and defend themselves.
• The use of iron thus played a pivotal role in both the economic and military growth of these early states.

Q4: If you were tasked with organizing trade routes during the Second Urbanisation, how would you connect the Ganga plains to the Deccan Plateau for effective trade?
Ans:

• To organize trade routes between the Ganga plains and the Deccan Plateau, I would focus on creating safe, well-marked paths that facilitated the movement of goods such as agricultural products, iron tools, and spices.
• The Uttarapatha route, which connected the north to the east, could be extended to link the Ganga plains to the Dakshinapatha, which ran from central India to the south.
• These routes would be secured with forts or resting stations for travelers and traders.
• Additionally, I would ensure that roads near riverbanks were prioritized for transportation, as rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna provided a natural pathway for trade.

Q5: Why do you think the concept of janapadas and mahajanapadas played such a key role in the political and social development of ancient India?
Ans:

• Janapadas and mahajanapadas were foundational in the development of India's political and social structure.
• Janapadas represented early settlements and the beginning of organized societies with leaders, often seen as the precursors to more advanced systems.
• The consolidation of janapadas into larger states known as mahajanapadas marked the shift to more complex governance, with fortified cities, armies, and tax systems.
• This allowed for greater control over territories and resources, facilitating the growth of trade, culture, and administration.
• The expansion of these states also introduced concepts like democracy in republics, setting the stage for later political developments.

Q6: How might the use of punch-marked coins have impacted trade and economy during the period of Second Urbanisation?
Ans:

• The use of punch-marked coins during the period of Second Urbanisation had a significant impact on trade and the economy.
• Coins provided a standardized medium of exchange, making trade easier and more efficient.
• Merchants and traders could now engage in transactions across regions, without the need for bartering.
• The introduction of punch-marked coins also symbolized the development of a more organized economy, where trade was not just limited to goods but extended to currency, helping states collect taxes and stimulate economic growth.
• These coins became an important tool for both local and international trade.

Q7: Design a social welfare program for the people of a mahajanapada based on the society described in this chapter. What features would the program include?
Ans:

• A social welfare program in a mahajanapada would focus on improving the lives of the common people, especially in the areas of health, education, and agriculture.
• The program would include free healthcare at local clinics, which could also provide traditional remedies as well as new practices brought in by traveling scholars.
• It would promote education for all, especially for the children of artisans and traders, ensuring knowledge was passed down through generations.
• The program would also support agricultural communities with tools and resources to make farming more productive, especially through the distribution of iron tools and better irrigation techniques.
• It could also include a fair distribution system for goods, ensuring that no one in the society was left behind.