New Beginnings: Cities and States – Short Answer Type Questions
Class 7
Social Science — Chapter 3: New Beginnings: Cities and States
50 Short Answer Questions & Answers — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 7
CBSE Board Examination — Presentation (suggested)
- Section A — Very Short Answer (1 mark)
- Section B — Short Answer (2–3 marks)
- Section C — Long Answer / Case-Based (5–6 marks)
These short answer questions are organised topic-wise to help focused revision and answer practice. Each answer is concise and NCERT-aligned.
Topic: Janapadas & Mahajanapadas
1. Explain the meaning of 'janapada'.
A janapada is an early political territory or region inhabited by a community (jana) sharing common customs and a sense of identity. It was made up of villages and often had local chiefs or councils.
2. What is a 'mahajanapada' and how did it differ from a janapada?
A mahajanapada was a large and powerful state that emerged from several janapadas. It had greater territory, resources, and political organisation, often ruled by stronger kings or organised assemblies.
3. Name four prominent mahajanapadas mentioned in texts.
Prominent mahajanapadas included Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti.
4. Why did some regions become powerful mahajanapadas?
Regions became powerful due to fertile land, control of trade routes, iron resources, strategic locations and strong leadership that allowed them to expand influence.
5. How did control over trade routes help janapadas grow?
Control of trade routes brought wealth, access to goods and contacts with distant regions, enabling economic growth and political consolidation.
6. Give an example of how geography influenced the growth of a mahajanapada.
Magadha's proximity to fertile plains, rivers and iron-bearing areas helped it grow economically and militarily, contributing to its prominence.
7. Describe the administrative centre of a janapada.
The administrative centre was usually a town or large village where rulers or councils met, markets existed, and religious activities took place — it acted as a local hub.
8. How did agricultural surplus affect political structures?
Surpluses supported non-farming specialists, allowed trade, funded armies and enabled the development of organised political units and urban centres.
Topic: Towns, Trade and Crafts
9. What roles did towns play in early states?
Towns served as centres for trade, craft production, administrative offices, religious gatherings and markets linking rural and urban economies.
10. Explain the term 'specialisation' with an example.
Specialisation refers to people focusing on specific crafts or trades, such as potters making pottery or blacksmiths forging tools, enhancing skill and production efficiency.
11. How did artisans and craftsmen obtain raw materials?
They got raw materials from nearby villages, through trade networks, or from resources like forests and mines, often supplied by merchants.
12. Why were some towns fortified?
Towns were fortified to protect inhabitants, goods and wealth from invasions, raids or rival groups, ensuring safety and stability for trade.
13. What evidence shows that trade existed between regions?
Archaeological finds like seals, coins, foreign goods, and literary references indicate long-distance trade and exchange of commodities and ideas.
14. Describe one way in which trade promoted cultural exchange.
Traders carried not only goods but also ideas, religious beliefs and art styles, leading to cultural influences across regions and diffusion of technologies.
15. Give one example of a craft mentioned in the chapter.
Pottery and metalwork (such as forging tools and weapons) are common crafts discussed in the chapter.
16. How did markets support both farmers and craftsmen?
Markets allowed farmers to sell surplus produce and craftsmen to sell their goods, creating economic interdependence and providing access to diverse products.
Topic: Varna and Jati (Social Divisions)
17. Define 'Varna' and list the four varnas briefly.
Varna is a broad social classification dividing society into four groups: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors/rulers), Vaishyas (traders/farmers), and Shudras (service providers/labourers).
18. What is 'Jati' and how is it different from Varna?
Jati refers to many birth-based occupational communities; unlike the broad Varna categories, Jati governed daily life, occupation, marriage rules and social interactions more closely.
19. How did Jati influence marriage and occupation?
Jati often restricted marriage within the community (endogamy) and determined the usual occupations inherited across generations, shaping social and economic life.
20. Was social mobility possible in ancient society? Explain briefly.
Social mobility was limited but possible in some cases through trade, wealth acquisition, adoption of new occupations or changing political circumstances that altered status.
21. How did Varna act as an organising principle in society?
Varna provided a simple hierarchical framework for social roles, assigning broad duties and responsibilities which organised religious, political and economic functions.
22. Can Jati be linked to occupation? Give an example.
Yes. For example, a particular jati might be associated with weaving, so most members practiced weaving as their primary occupation.
23. How did towns affect social divisions?
Towns brought varied communities together, allowing interaction between jatis and occasionally creating opportunities for new occupations and social contacts.
24. Mention one criticism of rigid varna-based discrimination.
Rigid varna-based discrimination limited opportunities for many by fixing occupations and social status from birth, preventing equal access to resources or roles.
Topic: Early Democratic Traditions and Innovations
25. What were 'Sabha' and 'Samiti' according to early texts?
Sabha and Samiti were assemblies mentioned in texts where people (often elites) gathered to discuss important matters like war, succession and community decisions.
26. Explain the terms 'Gana' and 'Sangha'.
Gana and Sangha referred to republican or collective political groups where leaders were chosen and decisions were taken collectively, resembling early forms of local republics.
27. Give one example of decision-making in assemblies.
Assemblies discussed matters such as choosing leaders, declaring war or forming alliances; decisions were often made by consensus or elite vote.
28. Did assemblies include all people? Briefly explain.
Not usually; membership varied and typically included elders, clan leaders or notable persons; large sections of society (women, lower jatis) were often excluded.
29. How do these assemblies show political diversity in ancient India?
They show that alongside monarchies there were republic-like systems and consultative bodies, indicating a range of political arrangements across regions.
30. Why is the study of early assemblies important for students?
It reveals that democratic practices and collective decision-making have ancient roots and helps understand the evolution of political systems.
31. How were leaders in some ganas chosen?
Leaders could be chosen by assemblies through consensus, selection by elders, or limited election methods among elites, varying by community.
32. What roles did elders and clan heads play?
Elders and clan heads often represented communities in assemblies, advised on decisions, and helped resolve disputes and manage community affairs.
Topic: Sources of Information — Archaeology and Texts
33. What kinds of archaeological evidence help us understand early towns?
Evidence includes ruins of houses, pottery, seals, tools, coins and remains of workshops which reveal daily life and economic activities.
34. Name one literary source used to study mahajanapadas.
Buddhist and Jain literature, as well as later historical texts and inscriptions, are used to study the period.
35. How do inscriptions assist historians?
Inscriptions record events, donations, rulers' names and administrative actions, providing concrete historical data and dates.
36. What information can coins provide?
Coins indicate rulers' names, economic activity, trade links and artistic motifs, helping date and contextualise historical periods.
37. Why is it important to use both texts and archaeology?
Using both helps cross-check evidence: archaeology shows material culture while texts provide names, social practices and political terms, giving a fuller picture.
38. What is stratigraphy in archaeology?
Stratigraphy is the study of soil layers; older layers lie deeper and help archaeologists date finds relative to one another.
39. Give an example of a household find and its significance.
A cooking pot shows diet and cooking methods; its presence helps reconstruct food habits and daily routines.
Topic: Everyday Life, Occupations & Historical Importance
40. List three common occupations in early janapadas.
Farming, craft-making (pottery, metalwork) and trading were common occupations.
41. How was family life organised?
Family was the basic social unit, often extended families living together, sharing work, rituals and responsibilities.
42. What role did religion play in towns and states?
Religion organised social life through rituals, festivals and temples, and often legitimised rulers and social structures.
43. How did festivals and rituals reinforce community bonds?
Festivals brought people together for shared rituals, food and ceremonies, strengthening cultural identity and social ties.
44. Why is the study of janapadas relevant to understanding modern states?
Studying janapadas shows early processes of political organisation — territory, administration and identity — which are foundations of modern states.
45. Mention one way traders contributed to urban growth.
Traders created demand for services, markets and storage facilities, encouraging artisans to settle in towns and expanding urban economies.
46. What is one reason craftspeople settled in towns?
Towns provided markets for their goods, access to raw materials and customers, making it easier to run workshops and earn a livelihood.
47. How did political changes affect common people?
Political changes could affect taxes, security, land rights and trade, influencing livelihoods and social stability for common people.
48. What lessons do early assemblies teach about governance?
Early assemblies show that governance included consultation and collective decision-making, indicating a variety of political practices beyond kingship.
49. Suggest one way students can remember key terms from this chapter.
Create flashcards with definitions and examples (e.g., janapada: Kosala) and regularly test yourself to reinforce memory.
50. Give an exam tip for answering short questions on this chapter.
Start with a clear definition, give one or two examples, and if relevant mention sources (archaeology/texts) to support your answer concisely.
Note: These 50 Short Answer questions and answers follow NCERT Class 7 Chapter 3 (New Beginnings: Cities and States) and are ideal for focused revision and CBSE-style exam preparation.