New Beginnings: Cities and States – Very Short Answer Type Questions
Class 7
Social Science — Chapter 3: New Beginnings: Cities and States
50 Very Short Answer (VSA) Questions & Answers — NCERT-aligned for CBSE Class 7
CBSE Board Examination — Presentation (suggested)
- Section A — Very Short Answer Questions (1 mark each)
- Section B — Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks)
- Section C — Long Answer / Case-Based (5–6 marks)
Use these concise VSA questions for quick revision and practice. Each Q&A is strictly based on NCERT Chapter 3.
Topic: Janapadas & Mahajanapadas
1. What is a janapada?
A janapada is an early territorial unit or region inhabited by a people sharing common customs and administration.
2. What does the term 'mahajanapada' mean?
Mahajanapada means a large state or big kingdom that had more territory and power than a janapada.
3. Name two examples of mahajanapadas.
Examples include Magadha and Kosala.
4. Around which century did mahajanapadas emerge?
Mahajanapadas emerged around the 6th century BCE.
5. Give one reason why some janapadas grew into mahajanapadas.
They grew due to fertile land, control of trade routes, and resources like iron.
6. What role did rivers play in the growth of janapadas?
Rivers provided water for agriculture, transport routes and supported trade, helping settlements grow.
7. What is meant by the term 'state' in this chapter?
A state refers to an organised political unit with rulers or assemblies that control a region and its people.
8. How did the presence of iron influence the power of some mahajanapadas?
Iron tools improved agriculture and weapons, giving an economic and military advantage to regions with iron resources.
Topic: Towns, Trade and Crafts
9. What activities were towns mainly known for?
Towns were centres of trade, craft production, markets and administrative activities.
10. Name two crafts practised in early towns.
Common crafts included pottery and metalworking (smithing).
11. What is meant by 'specialisation' in crafts?
Specialisation means people focused on specific trades or skills, like weaving or tool-making.
12. How did trade contribute to the growth of towns?
Trade brought wealth, goods and contacts with other regions, encouraging urban growth and markets.
13. Which routes were important for trade?
River routes, roads and overland paths were important for trade and movement of goods.
14. What are 'markets' called in the chapter context?
Markets were places in towns where people bought, sold and exchanged goods and produce.
15. Why were some towns fortified?
Towns were fortified to protect people, goods and wealth from raids and conflicts.
16. How did craftsmen get raw materials?
They obtained raw materials through trade, local resources and exchanges with nearby villages.
Topic: Varna and Jati (Social Divisions)
17. What are the four varnas?
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras.
18. Who were the Brahmins?
Brahmins were priests and scholars responsible for religious rituals and learning.
19. Who were the Kshatriyas?
Kshatriyas were warriors and rulers responsible for protection and governance.
20. Who were the Vaishyas?
Vaishyas were traders, farmers and merchants involved in commerce and agriculture.
21. Who were the Shudras?
Shudras performed service and labor tasks supporting society (artisans, workers).
22. What does 'Jati' mean?
Jati refers to many sub-groups or communities often linked to specific occupations and birth-based identity.
23. Which was more important in daily life: Varna or Jati?
Jati was more important in daily life as it governed occupations, marriage and community rules.
24. Can people change their occupation easily under the jati system?
Generally it was difficult, as occupations were often inherited, but social mobility did occur in some situations.
Topic: Early Democratic Traditions and Innovations
25. What were the 'Sabha' and 'Samiti'?
They were early assemblies where people met to discuss important matters and make decisions.
26. What is a 'gana' or 'sangha'?
A gana or sangha was a group or republic-like assembly where leaders were chosen and collective decisions were made.
27. Did all regions have kings during this period?
No. Some regions had kings while others had assemblies and republican forms of governance.
28. Give one function of early assemblies.
They discussed war, leadership, alliances and local disputes.
29. Who could be members of assemblies?
Members included elders, clan leaders or representatives; membership varied by community.
30. Why are these assemblies important historically?
They show that ancient Indian political life included consultative and democratic practices, not only monarchy.
31. How were leaders chosen in some ganas?
Leaders were often chosen by group consensus, elections among elites, or selection by assemblies.
32. What term is used for a republic-like state in ancient India?
Gana or sangha is used for republic-like states.
Topic: Sources of Information (Archaeology, Texts)
33. Name one archaeological source mentioned in this chapter.
Pottery (ceramics) or seals found in excavations are archaeological sources.
34. Give one written source used to study this period.
Buddhist and Jain literature, and later inscriptions, are important written sources.
35. What can coins tell historians?
Coins provide information about rulers, trade, economy and artistic motifs of the time.
36. Why are inscriptions useful?
Inscriptions record official events, donations, rulers' names and administrative details useful for history.
37. How do archaeologists date finds?
They use methods like stratigraphy, carbon dating, and comparison with known artefacts to estimate dates.
38. What information do household objects give about daily life?
They show food habits, cooking methods, tools used and domestic activities of people.
39. How does literature complement archaeology?
Literature provides names, terms and social customs that help interpret archaeological evidence.
Topic: Everyday Life, Occupations & Key Terms
40. What were common occupations in early janapadas?
Common occupations included farming, herding, craft-making, trading and priestly duties.
41. What was the role of the family in society?
The family was the basic social unit responsible for economic production, socialisation and rituals.
42. Define 'sabha' in one line.
A sabha was an assembly or council where elite members met to discuss important matters.
43. What does 'janapada' literally mean?
Janapada literally means the land of a people or where a jana (people) live.
44. Give one example of a craft produced in towns.
Weaving cloth was a common craft in towns.
45. What is 'varna' based on originally?
Varna was originally based on broad occupational roles and social functions.
46. Name one festival or ritual activity mentioned in the chapter context.
Rituals performed by priests and community festivals linked to harvests are mentioned generally; specific names vary by region.
47. How did trade links affect cultural exchange?
Trade brought goods, ideas and cultural practices from other regions, leading to exchange and influence.
48. What is a 'gana sangha' in simple words?
A gana sangha is a republic-like group where decisions were made by collective leaders rather than a single king.
49. Why is understanding janapadas important for studying history?
They show how small communities organised into larger political units, helping us trace the origin of states and societies.
50. Mention one exam tip for this chapter.
Learn definitions, key terms and examples (Magadha, Kosala, sabha); use short examples and mention sources like archaeology for answers.
Note: These 50 Very Short Answer questions are aligned with NCERT Class 7 Chapter 3 (New Beginnings: Cities and States) and tailored for quick revision and CBSE-style examination practice.