New Beginnings: Cities and States

 New Beginnings: Cities and States 

Question 1.
What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation of India’?
Answer:
In the early 2nd millennium BCE, India’s first
civilization started disintegrating. In the 1st mil-lennium BCE a vibrant new phase of urbanisation began in the Ganga plains, parts of the Indus basin and neighbouring regions, gradually spreading to other parts of the Subcontinent. This is often called India’s ‘Second Urbanisation’ which, incidentally, has continued right up to today.

Question 2.
Why were the janapads and mahajanapadas an im¬portant development in India’s early history?
Ans The emergence of janapadas and mahajanapadas was crucial in shaping early Indian

 history due to their advancements in agriculture, trade, and political organization. These entities facilitated increased production and distribution of goods, contributing to economic growth and the rise of urban centers.

Question 3.
What kind of system of governance did they evolve?
Answer:
Mahajanapadas, which were called ganas or sang- has, were not monarchies. Their functioning might be called democratic, since members of the assembly were the ones who selected the ruler and took major decisions. Mahajanapadas, which emerged from the consolidated Janapadas, maintained a largely monarchical structure but there were some where the rise of republics was seen which was indeed one of the earliest such systems in the world.

Question 1.
The most powerful of these new states were Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa and Avanti. Looking at the below map, can you identify their capitals? Also, how many can you match with Indian cities of today? (page 70)

Answer:

1. Magadha had its capital at Rajagriha, which was later shifted to Pataliputra. Today, Rajagriha is known as Rajgir, and Pataliputra is Patna, the capital of Bihar.
2. Kosala had its capital at Shravasti, located near the Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh. The area is still known as Sravasti and is important for Buddhist pilgrims.
3. Vatsa had its capital at Kaushambi, which is near modern-day Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
4. Avanti had its capital at Ujjayini, which is now the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, a place of great religious significance even today.

Question 2.
Compare this map (see Fig. 4.3 in the chapter) with the map of the regions mentioned in the Mahabharata (see Fig. 5.4 in the chapter ’India, That Is Bharat’ in Grade 6) and list the names common to both maps. What do you think this implies? (page 70)
Answer:
Do it yourself

Question 3.
Fill up the following table with a Yes (or tick mark) or No (or cross mark) in each square, which provides an interesting comparison between these two phases of Indian civilisation. (page 70)

	First Urbanisation	Second Urbanisation
Ganga plains
Monasteries
Literature
Trade
Warfare
Copper/bronze
Iron

Answer:

	First Urbanisation	Second Urbanisation
Ganga plain	No	Yes
Monasteries	No	Yes
Literature	No	Yes
Trade	Yes	Yes
Warfare	Yes	Yes
Copper/bronze	Yes	Yes
Iron	No	Yes

Question 4.
Why should a complex society divide itself into such groups? Think about several possible factors why this happens. (page 76)
Answer:
With the rise of civilization, a complex society divides itself in order to organize itself based on class, occupation and other criteria. There could be different groups concerned with governance, administration, religion, education, trade, town-planning, farming, crafts, arts and all kinds of other professions.

Question 5.
List other such professions you expect in a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE. (page 76)
Answer:
In a complex society of the 1st millennium BCE, there could be a diverse range of professions. This would include specialized crafts, trade and administration, as well as roles related to warfare, religion, writing and record-keeping. Specific examples might include skilled metalworkers, stone masons, scribes, priests, soldiers, and merchants.

III. Think About It

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? (page 78)
Answer:
Yes, inequalities within society can exist in many forms such as economic status, caste, gender, religion, language, or even appearance. Many people have experienced or witnessed such inequalities in different ways.

Here’s a sample response:
Yes, I have seen incidents where people were made to feel different because of their background or appearance. For example, a friend of mine who came from a small town was sometimes laughed at in school for having a different accent. This made him feel left out and uncomfortable. I believe equality is very desirable in a society, because everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, no matter where they come from or what they look like. When people are treated equally, they feel valued and are more confident to contribute to society. I have also seen some positive examples, like schools offering scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds, or community groups helping people get access to education and healthcare. These initiatives help reduce the gap between rich and poor and create a fairer, more inclusive society.

Very Short Question Answer

Question 1.
What is the meaning of the term ‘Janapada’?
Answer:
Janapada means the land where a tribe or ‘jana’ settles.

Question 2.
Name any two Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
Magadha and Kosala.

Question 3.
What was the capital of the Vajji confederacy?
Answer:
Vaishali.

Question 4.
Which metal’s use led to agricultural expansion during the Mahajanapada period?
Answer:
Iron.

Question 5.
How many Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Buddhist texts?
Answer:
Sixteen.

Question 6.
What type of government existed in the Vajji Mahajanapada?
Answer:
Republican or Gana-sangha system.

Question 7.
What was the role of a Kshatriya in the Varna system?
Answer:
Kshatriyas were expected to defend the society and the land, and to engage in warfare if necessary.

Question 8.
What is ‘Jati’?
Answer:
Jati refers to group based on birth and occupation. 9. Name one early Tamil kingdom mentioned in Sangam literature.
Answer:
Chola.

Question 10.
Name any one ancient southern kingdom that traded with other countries.
Answer:
Avanti.

Short Question Answer

Question 1.
What are Janapadas?
Ans.
Janapadas were the earliest territorial units in ancient India where people (jana) settled. These were formed as tribes became more settled and began to control land. Each Janapada had its own ruler and army.

Question 2.
What led to the emergence of Mahajanapadas?
Answer:
With the use of iron tools, agriculture flourished, and small Janapadas expanded into larger political units called Mahajanapadas. Increased trade, urbanization, and population growth also contributed to this transformation.

Question 3.
Name any four Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, and Vajji were among the sixteen Mahajanapadas mentioned in ancient texts like the Anguttara Nikaya.

Question 4
Describe one feature of the Vajji confederacy’s political system.
Answer:
Vajji was a republican Mahajanapada, where decisions were made by an assembly of representatives or elders, not by a single monarch. It is an early example of collective decision-making.

Question 5.
How did the use of iron affect ancient Indian society?
Answer:
Iron tools, especially iron ploughshares, improved farming efficiency. This led to food surpluses, population growth, and the rise of cities and states like the Mahajanapadas.

Question 6.
What is the difference between Vama and Jati? Ans. Vama was the ancient division of society based on
duties (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra), while Jati refers to a more rigid system of sub-castes based on birth and occupation that evolved later.

Question 7.
What were the main occupations of the four Vamas?
Answer:

1. Brahmins: Priests and teachers
2. Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers
3. Vaishyas: Traders and farmers
4. Shudras: Servants and laborers

Question 8.
Why were the southern kingdoms able to trade with other countries?
Answer:
The southern regions were rich in precious stones, gold, and spices. So, they traded profitably with other parts of India and with overseas kingdoms.

Question 9.
What kind of economy existed in the Mahajanapadas?
Answer:
The Mahajanapadas had an agricultural economy supported by trade, craft production, and the use of coins. Urban centers emerged, and taxes were collected to maintain armies and administration.

Question 10.
How were decisions made in republican Mahajanapadas like Malla and Vajji?
Answer:
In republican Mahajanapadas, decisions were made collectively in councils or assemblies of elders or elected representatives, rather than by a single king.

Long Question Answer

Question 1.
Explain the political evolution from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
The Janapadas were the earliest territorial units in ancient India formed as Vedic tribes settled in specific areas. Over time, as agriculture improved especially with the use of iron tools populations increased and societies became more complex. This led to the rise of larger and more organized political units known as Mahajanapadas around the 6th century BCE. There were sixteen such Mahajanapadas,. These states had capital cities, standing armies, and systems of taxation. While most were monarchies, some like Vajji and Malla developed republican forms of governance, making decisions through councils. This period laid the foundation for later empires like Magadha and the Mauryas.

Question 2.
How were the rulers selected and how did the assemblies work in ancient Indian janapada and mahajanapadas? Explain with examples.
Answer:
In ancient India, each janapada had a group of elders called sabha or samiti, who discussed important matters.

1. The raja (king) was not supposed to rule alone. He had to take advice from the sabha, ministers, and other leaders.
2. In mahajanapadas (bigger kingdoms), many kings ruled with help from their ministers and collected taxes, built forts, and kept armies.
3. Some powerful mahajanapadas were Magadha, Kosala, and Avanti.
4. But in Vajji and Malla, the people in the sabha chose their ruler and took decisions by discussion or voting.
5. These places were not ruled by kings alone, so they are called early republics similar to democracy today. This system shows that some parts of ancient India had a very special way of choosing leaders and taking decisions together.

Question 3.
What was the Vama system, and how did it evolve into the Jati system?
Answer:
The Varna system was a theoretical framework for social organization in early Vedic society. It divided people into four categories based on duties: Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas (traders), and Shudras (laborers). Initially, Vama was flexible and allowed movement between groups based on karma (action) and guna (qualities). However, over time, this evolved into the more rigid Jati system, where one’s birth determined social status, occupation, and marriage rules. The Jati system included thousands of sub-castes, each with its own rules and customs. This shift from a fluid to a fixed hierarchy contributed to social inequalities and rigid social structure that persisted for centuries.

Question 4.
Discuss the economic and technological developments that led to the rise of Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
The rise of Mahajanapadas was closely linked to technological and economic advancements. The introduction of iron tools especially the iron plough improved agricultural productivity, allowing people to settle permanently and support larger populations. This led to the emergence of cities and trade centers. The use of coins like punch-marked silver coins facilitated trade, taxation, and market transactions. Artisans, merchants, and farmers played cmcial roles in the economy. Trade routes connected the Indian subcontinent to Central Asia and beyond. This economic prosperity required organized administration, prompting the formation of stronger and larger states the Mahajanapadas with standing armies and bureaucracies to manage these growing societies.

Question 5.
Describe how trade and travel connected different parts of India in ancient times.
Answer:

1. In the 1st millennium BCE, many important roads were built for trade, travel, and military campaigns.
2. Two main trade routes were the Uttarapatha (north) and the Dakshinapatha (south).
3. Cities like Sisupalgarh became important centres of trade and had well-planned layouts.
4. In the south, kingdoms like the Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas grew rich from trade.
5. Goods and culture moved across India and even reached other parts of Asia.
6. This made ancient India a vibrant and connected land.

Question 6.

Give the difference between janapada and mahajanapadas
Answer:

	Janapad	Mahajanapad
Size and Ter-ritory	Janapadas were smaller. Generally tribal regions.	Mahajanapadas had larg¬er territories with numer¬ous towns and cities.
Governance	Janapadas had relatively simple tribal governance systems.	Here there more cen-tralized administrative structures, with clearly defined hierarchies and roles.
Economy	Primarily agrarian, relying heavily on agriculture	Boasted diversified economies.
Military	Very small	Larger, more organized armies
Urbanisation	Limited urban development, with few established towns	Had significant urban-ization, with the emer-gence of important urban centers for trade, culture, and administration
Cultural Influence	Distinct cultural practices	They were the centers of learning and intellectual exchange.

Read the below passage and answer the following questions:
In several regions of India, the techniques of extracting and shaping iron were actually perfected from the early 2nd millennium BCE, but it took a few centuries for iron to become a part of daily life. By the late 2nd millennium BCE, iron tools had become widespread, facilitating agriculture on a bigger scale. Iron also made better weapons than bronze, lighter and sharper-swords, spears, arrows, shields, etc.

(i) Which metal tools became common by the late 2nd millennium BCE?
Answer: Iron tools became common by the late 2nd millennium BCE.

(ii) Name two weapons made of iron mentioned in the passage.
Answer:
Swords and spears.

(iii) How did the use of iron tools affect agriculture and warfare in ancient India?
Answer:
Iron tools helped in fanning on a larger scale and made better weapons like swords and spears. These weapons were lighter and sharper than bronze ones, improving warfare.

 New Beginnings Cities and States Class 7 Picture Based Questions

Examine the given image and answer the following.
(i) What can be seen in the given image?
Answer:
The image of Shishupalgarh shows a gateway with fortifications, a water-filled moat, and a narrow passage to control movement.

(ii) What is Shishupalgarh?
Answer:
Shishupalgarh is an ancient site near Bhubaneswar, first excavated in 1948.

(iii) What can be seen outside the gateway of Shishupalgarh?
Answer:
A water-filled moat is visible outside the gateway.

(iv) Why is the gateway of Shishupalgarh narrow?
Answer:
The narrowing of the gateway was meant to control the movement of people and goods.

New Beginnings Cities and States Class 7 Map Skill Questions

Question 1.
Mark the following major Mahajanapadas on the given map of India: On the political map of India, locate and label the following Mahajanapadas:
(i) Kuru
(ii) Malla
(iii) Avanti
Answer:

Extra Questions for Practice

I. Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1.
Which of the following was the capital of Magadha?
(a) Vaishali
(b) Ujjayini
(c) Rajagriha
(d) Varanasi

Question 2.
The Varna system was originally based on:
(a) Birth
(b) Wealth
(c) Occupation and qualities
(d) Region

Question 3.
Which Mahajanapada had a republican form of government?
(a) Avanti
(b) Vajji
(c) Magadha
(d) Kashi

Question 4.
How many Mahajanapadas are mentioned in the Buddhist text Anguttara Nikaya?
(a) 10
(b) 12
(c) 14
(d) 16

Question 5.
There are two statements marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose your answer as per the options given below:
Assertion (A): The Vajji Mahajanapada had a democratic system of governance.
Reason (R): It was ruled by an elected king who had absolute power.
(a) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A
(b) Both A and R are true, but R is not the correct explanation of A
(c) A is true, but R is false
(d) A is false, but R is true

II. Very Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What does the word ‘Janapada’ mean?

Question 2.
Name one ruler of Magadha.

Question 3.
What was the capital of Avanti?

Question 4.
Who were Shudras in the Varna system?

Question 5.
Which metal was widely used during the Second Urbanisation?

III. Short Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
What were Mahajanapadas?

Question 2.
Name any four Mahajanapadas and their capitals.

Question 3.
What was the Varna system?

Question 4.
What is meant by ‘Second Urbanisation’ in Indian history?

Question 5.
What were punch-marked coins, and why were they important?

IV. Long Answer Type Questions

Question 1.
Describe the main features of republican Mahajanapadas like Vajji.

Question 2.
How did agricultural and technological changes contribute to the rise of Mahajanapadas?

Question 3.
Discuss the role of Kautilya’s Arthashashtra in understanding the features of an ideal kingdom and city in ancient India.

Question 4.
Explain how the janapada evolved into mahajanapadas. What were the main factors that contributed to this transformation?

Question 5.
Describe the key features of the Second Urbanisation in India during the 1st millennium BCE. How did it differ from the First Urbanisation of the Harappan civilisation?

Question Answer (Exercise)

Question 1.
Consider the quotation given below and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kautilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?
The kingdom shall be protected by fortifying the capital and the towns at the frontiers. The land should not only be capable of sustaining the population but also outsiders in times of calamities. …… It should be beautiful, being endowed with cultivable land, mines, timber forests, elephant forests, and good pastures rich in cattle. It should not depend [only on] rain for water. It should have good roads and waterways. It should have a productive economy, with a wide variety of commodities….
_ Kautilya, Arthashastra
Answer:
Kautilya’s vision in the Arthashastra is impressively forward-thinking and surprisingly relevant even today. When we break down his recommendations, we see a holistic approach to governance, development, and sustainability that could easily apply to a modem state.
Let’s compare his ideas with today’s context:

(i) Fortifying the capital and frontier towns:
Then: Protection through physical defense structures and strategic planning.
Now: We focus on national security, border management, smart cities, and disaster preparedness. Cybersecurity is the modern frontier. The core idea security for stability remains unchanged.

(ii) The land must sustain both the population and outsiders in times of calamity:
Then: Preparedness for famine, war, or displacement. Now: We talk about food security, refugee support systems, emergency relief funds, and disaster management authorities. The value of resilience still stands strong.

(iii) Natural wealth cultivable land, forests, pastures, mines, water, etc.:
Then: A kingdom’s strength came from self-sufficiency and natural resources.
Now: Nations still invest heavily in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and biodiversity. Climate change and sustainability efforts echo Kautilya’s foresight about not depending solely on rain.

(iv) Good roads and waterways:
Then: Infrastructure as a backbone for trade and connectivity.
Now: The same transportation networks, logistics systems, digital infrastructure. Connectivity equals growth.

(v) A productive economy with diverse commodities: Then: Economic diversification to ensure stability and growth.
Now: Economists still preach this. A country with multiple strong sectors—agriculture, industry, services, tech is more stable and resilient to global shocks.

It is not different today. The core principles that Kautilya laid out are still very much in use  just adapted to our times with modem tools and language. What stands out is how timeless his ideas are. His emphasis on balance between economy, environment, defense, and social welfare is a model for sustainable development even now.

Question 2.
According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
Answer:
In early Vedic society, rulers were not always hereditary kings. In early Vedic society leaders or rulers (often referred to as raja) were likely chosen by the community, particularly among the Kshatriya class. The position of a raja was often based on qualities like bravery, leadership, wisdom, and ability to protect the tribe, rather than just birthright. The sabha and samiti, which were early tribal assemblies, played a role in the selection and support of the ruler. These assemblies represented the collective will of the people. Brahmins (priests) often legitimized the ruler’s position through rituals, but they did not necessarily determine who became king. So, early Vedic leadership had a more democratic or merit-based element compared to later periods, where dynastic succession became the norm.

Question 3.
Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to leam more about the mahajana- padas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.
Answer:
As a historian studying ancient India especially the Mahajanapadas I would rely on a mix of literary, archaeological, numismatic, and epigraphic sources to build a well-rounded understanding.
(i) Literary Sources: These include ancient texts, religious scriptures, and historical accounts. They provide names, values, administrative styles, and sometimes even conflicts between different Mahajanapadas.

(ii) Archaeological Sources: Excavations at ancient sites reveal much about the culture. For example mins of cities like Rajgir, Ujjain, Taxila give us clues about urban planning, defense (forts), religious buildings, and daily life. Artifacts like pottery, tools, ornaments show levels of craftsmanship, trade links, and domestic life. These sources bring physical evidence of the existence, lifestyle, and technological level of the Mahajanapadas.

(iii) Numismatic Sources (Coins): Coins issued by different Mahajanapadas, especially Punch-marked coins often bear information about the rulers of that period. They reveal economic practices, trade, state authority, and interactions with other regions.
By using all these sources together, we can gather much clearer, multi-dimensional picture of the Mahajanapadas how they functioned, interacted, and shaped the early history of the Indian subcontinent.

Question 4.
Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for the growth of urbanism in the 1 st mil¬lennium BCE? You may use points from the chapter but also from your knowledge or imagination.
Answer:
The development of iron metallurgy during the 1 st millennium BCE was a game-changer for early societies in India and it played a key role in the rise of urbanism (the growth of towns and cities). Here’s why it was so important:

(i) Stronger Tools and Weapons: Iron tools like ploughs, axes, and sickles were stronger and more durable than their earlier stone or copper counterparts. This led to more efficient agriculture, forestry, and construction. Greater agricultural productivity could support larger populations, which is essential for towns and cities to emerge.

(ii) Craft and Trade Specialization: Iron tools boosted various crafts like carpentry, masonry, and metalwork. As agriculture stabilized, more people could take up non-farming occupations (blacksmiths, traders, builders). These craftspeople and traders often lived in urban centers, where their goods could be exchanged or sold.

(iii) Growth of Trade and Infrastructure: Iron was also used to make transport tools (wheels, carts), helping in trade and connectivity. Urban centers often developed along trade routes, benefiting from increased mobility and commerce. Cities grew as commercial and administrative hubs.

MCQ Questions with Answers

Question 1.

What was a Janapada in ancient India?
(a) A religious center
(b) A small tribal village
(c) A territory or kingdom ruled by a king or a clan
(d) A market town
Answer:
(c) A territory or kingdom ruled by a king or a clan

Question 2.
What major development helped the growth of urban centers during the 1st millennium BCE?
(a) The discovery of copper
(b) The rise of Buddhism
(c) Iron metallurgy and use of iron tools
(d) Arrival of foreign traders
Answer:
(c) Iron metallurgy and use of iron tools

Question 3.
Which Mahajanapada had its capital at Raj agriha and later at Pataliputra?
(a) Avanti
(b) Kosala
(c) Magadha
(d) Vatsa
Answer:
(c) Magadha

Question 4.
How were some rulers chosen in the early Yedic period before hereditary monarchy became common?
(a) By divine selection
(b) By war
(c) By elections or decisions made in tribal assemblies
(d) By priests only
Answer:
(c) By elections or decisions made in tribal assemblies

Question 5.
Which two Mahajanapadas are known for their early democratic or republican traditions?
(a) Kashi and Kosala
(b) Magadha and Avanti
(c) Vajji and Malla
(d) Anga and Gandhara
Answer:
(c) Vajji and Malla

Question 6.
In early Vedic society, the term ‘Varna’ referred to:
(a) The different occupations people could choose
(b) A fixed caste system based on hereditary roles
(c) The ideal division of society based on function and qualities
(d) A term used for warriors only
Answer:
(c) The ideal division of society based on function and qualities

Question 7.
What major innovation contributed to the rise of the Mahajanapadas?
(a) The introduction of iron tools and weapons
(b) The discovery of writing
(c) The use of horses in warfare
(d) The establishment of Buddhist monasteries
Answer:
(a) The introduction of iron tools and weapons

Assertion-Reason Type Questions

There are two statements in each question marked as Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Choose your answer as per the options given below:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
(b) Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.
(d) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.

1. Assertion (A): The Vajji confederacy is considered one of the earliest examples of a republican form of government.
Reason (R): It was ruled by a monarch with absolute powers.
Answer:
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

2. Assertion (A): In the early Vedic period, the Varna system was more flexible.
Reason (R): People could change their vama based on their karma (actions) and guna (qualities).
Answer:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

3. Assertion (A): The introduction of iron tools contributed to the growth of the Mahajanapadas. Reason (R): Iron tools increased agricultural productivity and supported larger settlements.
Answer:
(a) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

4. Assertion (A): All Mahajanapadas followed hereditary monarchies.
Reason (R): Democracy was unknown in ancient India.
Answer:
(d) (A) is wrong but (R) is correct.

5. Assertion (A): The Sangam literature provides evidence of urban centers and trade in ancient South India.
Reason (R): It was written during the later Vedic period in North India.
Answer:
(c) (A) is correct but (R) is wrong.

Fill in the blanks

1. The word Janapada literally means “the land where a ______ lives.”
Answer:
Jana (tribe)

2. ______ was one of the most powerful Mahajanapadas and later became the core of the Mauryan Empire.
Answer:
Magadha

3. The capital of the Vajji confederacy, known for its democratic governance, was ______.
Answer:
Vaishali

4. In the Later Vedic period, society was divided into four main Vamas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and ______
Answer:
Shudras

5. The use of ______ tools in agriculture helped increase food production and led to the growth of settled societies.
Answer:
Iron

6. The Jati system, unlike the Vama system, was based more on ______ and hereditary occupation.
Answer:
Birth

7. The Mahajanapada of Kosala had its capital at ______
Answer:
Shravasti

Question 8.
In early republics like Vajji, decisions were often made through assemblies called ______
Answer:
Sabha or Samiti

Question 9.
______ connected the northwest regions to the Ganga plains, all the way to eastern India.
Answer:
Uttarapatha

True or False

Question 1.
The term Mahajanapada means a small village or hamlet.
Answer:
False

Question 2.
The Vajji confederacy is considered one of the earliest examples of a democratic republic.
Answer:
True

Question 3.
In the Vama system, people’s status was originally based on birth, not on their abilities or duties.
Answer:
False

Question 4.
The use of iron tools helped increase agricultural production in the later Vedic period.
Answer:
False

Question 5.
Mahajanapadas were governed only by kings with no input from councils or assemblies.
Answer:
False

Question 6.
The Janapadas existed before the Mahajanapadas.
Answer:
True

Question 7.
Shudras were the warrior class in the Vama system.
Answer:
False

Question 8.
The Mahajanapada of Magadha was located in the region of present-day Bihar.
Answer:
True

Question 9.
The capital of the Mahajanapada of Avanti was Ujjayini.
Answer:
True

Match the following

Column A	Column B
1. Magadh	(a) Madhya Pradesh
2. Kosala	(b) Prayagraj
3. Avanti	(c) Bhubaneshwar
4. Kaushambi	(d) Uttar Pradesh
5. Shishupalgarh	(e) Bihar

Answer:

Column A	Column B
1. Magadh	(e) Bihar
2. Kosala	(d) Uttar Pradesh
3. Avanti	(a) Madhya Pradesh
4. Kaushambi	(b) Prayagraj
5. Shishupalgarh	(c) Bhubaneshwar