📘 Question Bank – New Beginnings: Cities and States

Section A – Multiple Choice Questions (30)

Q1. The period of the Indus/Harappan Civilisation is also known as:
a) Second Urbanisation
b) First Urbanisation
c) Vedic Age
d) Mauryan Age
Ans: b) First Urbanisation

Q2. The Second Urbanisation began mainly in:
a) Deccan Plateau
b) Gangetic Plains
c) Himalayas
d) Thar Desert
Ans: b) Gangetic Plains

Q3. The word ‘Janapada’ means:
a) Foot of the king
b) Where the people have settled
c) Village land
d) Fortified city
Ans: b) Where the people have settled

Q4. How many mahājanapadas are usually listed in texts?
a) 10
b) 12
c) 16
d) 20
Ans: c) 16

Q5. The capital of Magadha was:
a) Mathura
b) Ujjain
c) Rajagriha
d) Takshashila
Ans: c) Rajagriha

Q6. Which mahājanapada had its capital at Ujjain?
a) Avanti
b) Kosala
c) Vatsa
d) Vajji
Ans: a) Avanti

Q7. Vajji and Malla had what type of political system?
a) Monarchy
b) Democracy (gana-sangha)
c) Dictatorship
d) Aristocracy
Ans: b) Democracy (gana-sangha)

Q8. Early assemblies of janapadas were called:
a) Sabha and Samiti
b) Sangha
c) Parishad
d) Panchayat
Ans: a) Sabha and Samiti

Q9. Which innovation in metallurgy contributed to Second Urbanisation?
a) Copper
b) Bronze
c) Iron
d) Silver
Ans: c) Iron

Q10. The first coins in India were made of:
a) Gold
b) Silver
c) Copper
d) Iron
Ans: b) Silver

Q11. The earliest Indian coins are called:
a) Engraved coins
b) Punch-marked coins
c) Cast coins
d) Trade coins
Ans: b) Punch-marked coins

Q12. The word ‘moat’ refers to:
a) Fort wall
b) Water-filled ditch around a fort
c) Trade route
d) City market
Ans: b) Water-filled ditch around a fort

Q13. Which among the following was NOT a mahājanapada?
a) Magadha
b) Kosala
c) Maurya
d) Avanti
Ans: c) Maurya

Q14. The Vajji sangha is often called:
a) Empire
b) Early republic
c) Dynasty
d) Confederacy
Ans: b) Early republic

Q15. The Dakṣiṇapatha route connected:
a) Northwest to East India
b) Ganga plains to South India
c) West coast to East coast
d) Himalayas to Deccan
Ans: b) Ganga plains to South India

Q16. Which three southern kingdoms emerged around 400 BCE?
a) Mauryas, Guptas, Satavahanas
b) Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas
c) Pallavas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas
d) Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa
Ans: b) Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas

Q17. The term ‘varna’ originated from:
a) Jain texts
b) Buddhist texts
c) Vedic texts
d) Mauryan inscriptions
Ans: c) Vedic texts

Q18. Who were expected to preserve knowledge and perform rituals?
a) Kshatriyas
b) Brahmins
c) Vaishyas
d) Shudras
Ans: b) Brahmins

Q19. Which mahājanapada had Takṣaśilā as its capital?
a) Avanti
b) Gandhara
c) Vatsa
d) Matsya
Ans: b) Gandhara

Q20. Which resource was crucial for warfare and tools in this period?
a) Copper
b) Iron
c) Bronze
d) Gold
Ans: b) Iron

Q21. Who wrote the Arthaśāstra?
a) Panini
b) Kautilya
c) Patanjali
d) Bhasa
Ans: b) Kautilya

Q22. The word ‘caste’ comes from:
a) Latin
b) Sanskrit
c) Portuguese
d) Persian
Ans: c) Portuguese

Q23. Which janapada’s capital was Mathura?
a) Surasena
b) Vajji
c) Magadha
d) Panchala
Ans: a) Surasena

Q24. Iron tools helped in:
a) Trade
b) Agriculture and warfare
c) Literature
d) Religion
Ans: b) Agriculture and warfare

Q25. The Varna-jati system later became:
a) Flexible
b) Rigid
c) Non-existent
d) Abolished
Ans: b) Rigid

Q26. Śhiśhupalgarh was capital of:
a) Gandhara
b) Kalinga
c) Matsya
d) Panchala
Ans: b) Kalinga

Q27. Which of these was a function of a king in mahājanapadas?
a) Collect taxes
b) Build forts
c) Maintain army
d) All of these
Ans: d) All of these

Q28. The Uttarapatha route connected:
a) South India to North India
b) Northwest to Ganga plains
c) East coast to West coast
d) Deccan to Himalayas
Ans: b) Northwest to Ganga plains

Q29. Which of the following shows social mobility in early times?
a) Farmers became traders
b) Brahmins turned to military
c) Communities changed occupations
d) All of these
Ans: d) All of these

Q30. By 300 BCE, the mahājanapadas:
a) Expanded into empires
b) Ceased to exist
c) Converted into republics
d) Were destroyed by foreign invasions
Ans: b) Ceased to exist

Section B – Very Short Answer Questions (20)

  1. What is meant by Second Urbanisation?
    → The revival of urban life in India during the 1st millennium BCE, especially in the Ganga plains.

  2. What ended the First Urbanisation?
    → Decline of Harappan civilisation around 2000 BCE.

  3. What does Janapada literally mean?
    → Where people (jana) have set foot (pada), i.e., settled territory.

  4. How many mahājanapadas were there?
    → 16.

  5. Name two powerful mahājanapadas.
    → Magadha and Kosala.

  6. Which was the capital of Avanti?
    → Ujjain.

  7. Which assembly could remove an incompetent ruler?
    → Sabha or Samiti.

  8. Which mahājanapadas had democratic traditions?
    → Vajji and Malla.

  9. What were early republics called?
    → Ganas or Sanghas.

  10. Which innovation in metallurgy boosted agriculture?
    → Iron tools.

  11. What were the earliest coins called?
    → Punch-marked coins.

  12. Coins were first made of which metal?
    → Silver.

  13. What is a moat?
    → Water-filled ditch around fortifications.

  14. Name the southern kingdoms around 400 BCE.
    → Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas.

  15. What does Varna mean?
    → A social division based on duties.

  16. Who were Kshatriyas?
    → Warriors and rulers responsible for defence.

  17. Which city was capital of Vatsa?
    → Kaushambi.

  18. Which trade route linked Ganga plains to South India?
    → Dakṣiṇapatha.

  19. Name one eastern city with planned streets.
    → Śhiśhupalgarh.

  20. When did mahājanapadas decline?
    → Around 300 BCE.

📘 Section C – Short Answer Questions (with Answers)

Q1. Explain the difference between Janapada and Mahājanapada.
Ans:

  • Janapada: Small territorial states, usually ruled by a rājā, formed around clans.

  • Mahājanapada: Larger, merged territories (16 in number), more organised with fortified cities and strong economies.

Q2. Why were the Ganga plains favourable for Second Urbanisation?
Ans:

  • Fertile soil supported large-scale agriculture.

  • Abundant water from rivers.

  • Iron ore deposits nearby.

  • Easy trade routes and transport.

Q3. What role did iron play in this new urban phase?
Ans:

  • Iron ploughs enabled intensive farming.

  • Iron weapons gave military strength.

  • Boosted economic surplus → growth of towns and trade.

Q4. Describe the role of assemblies in janapadas.
Ans:

  • Assemblies were called sabha and samiti.

  • Advised the rājā in governance.

  • Discussed clan matters.

  • Sometimes could remove an incompetent ruler.

Q5. How were republics like Vajji different from monarchies?
Ans:

  • Monarchies: Hereditary kings, absolute power with council support.

  • Republics (gana-sanghas): Collective rule, rulers chosen by assemblies, decisions made by voting.

Q6. What were punch-marked coins and why were they important?
Ans:

  • Earliest Indian coins made of silver with symbols punched on them.

  • Facilitated trade and exchange across regions.

  • Represented economic growth.

Q7. Mention the duties of kings in mahājanapadas.
Ans:

  • Collect taxes.

  • Maintain law and order.

  • Build forts and fortifications.

  • Maintain armies and wage wars if necessary.

Q8. Write a short note on the Varna system.
Ans:

  • Society divided into four varnas:

    • Brahmins: Priests, teachers.

    • Kshatriyas: Warriors, rulers.

    • Vaishyas: Traders, farmers.

    • Shudras: Artisans, labourers.

  • Based on duties, mentioned in Vedic texts.

Q9. How did the jāti system differ from varṇa?
Ans:

  • Varṇa: Broad division of society into four groups.

  • Jāti: Smaller communities based on occupation and customs.

  • More flexible in early times, often allowed occupational mobility.

Q10. Why were fortifications and moats necessary?
Ans:

  • Protection from enemy attacks.

  • Control movement of goods and people.

  • Symbol of political power and security.

Q11. Write a short note on the Uttarapatha trade route.
Ans:

  • Connected northwest India to the Ganga plains.

  • Extended up to eastern regions.

  • Facilitated trade, military movement, and cultural exchange.

Q12. How did southern kingdoms benefit from trade?
Ans:

  • Rich in spices, stones, and gold.

  • Traded with northern India and foreign countries.

  • Became wealthy and politically strong.

Q13. Give an example of social mobility in this period.
Ans:

  • Farmers shifting to trade during droughts.

  • Brahmins engaging in trade or military service.

  • Communities changing occupations when needed.

Q14. Why do we call Vajji and Malla early republics?
Ans:

  • Decisions taken collectively by assemblies.

  • Kings selected by members, not hereditary.

  • Functioned with democratic principles → hence called early republics.

Q15. How did Second Urbanisation differ from First Urbanisation?
Ans:

  • First Urbanisation: Harappan civilisation, based on bronze, planned cities, writing system.

  • Second Urbanisation: Based on iron, centred in Ganga plains, expansion of agriculture, rise of janapadas and mahājanapadas, emergence of coins and trade.

📘 Section D – Long Answer Questions (with Answers)

Q1. Describe the main features of India’s Second Urbanisation.
Ans:

  • Started in 1st millennium BCE, mainly in Ganga plains.

  • Rise of janapadas and mahājanapadas (16 major states).

  • Growth of fortified cities and capitals.

  • Use of iron for agriculture and warfare.

  • Beginning of coinage (punch-marked coins).

  • Expansion of trade networks and roads.

  • New political systems: monarchies and republics.

Q2. Discuss the political systems of the mahājanapadas with examples.
Ans:

  • Monarchies: Magadha, Kosala – hereditary kings, collected taxes, maintained armies.

  • Republics (Ganas/Sanghas): Vajji, Malla – rulers selected by assemblies, collective decision-making.

  • Both types had fortified capitals and councils for advice.

Q3. Explain the democratic traditions of Vajji and Malla.
Ans:

  • Decisions taken in sabhā or samiti.

  • Rulers chosen by members through discussion or vote.

  • Collective governance instead of hereditary monarchy.

  • Hence, called early republics, among the world’s first democratic systems.

Q4. How did iron metallurgy transform agriculture and warfare?
Ans:

  • Iron ploughs increased cultivation in fertile Ganga plains.

  • Tools cleared forests for expansion of farmland.

  • Iron weapons (swords, arrows, shields) stronger and lighter than bronze.

  • Boosted military power and helped states expand.

Q5. Describe the importance of trade and coins in this period.
Ans:

  • Expansion of trade routes (Uttarapatha, Dakṣiṇapatha).

  • Goods like spices, metals, textiles exchanged.

  • Punch-marked coins introduced for standard exchange.

  • Coins facilitated long-distance and international trade.

Q6. Explain the varna-jati system and its role in society.
Ans:

  • Varna: 4 broad divisions – Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras.

  • Jati: Subdivisions based on occupations and customs.

  • Organised social and economic life.

  • Initially flexible, later rigid and led to inequality.

Q7. What were the key differences between First and Second Urbanisation?
Ans:

  • First (Harappan): Bronze tools, planned cities, writing, drainage.

  • Second (Ganga plains): Iron technology, forts, coins, new trade networks, assemblies.

  • Harappan cities declined; Second Urbanisation spread widely and led to rise of empires.

Q8. Describe the role of assemblies like Sabha and Samiti.
Ans:

  • Discussed clan and state matters.

  • Advised rulers on governance.

  • Could approve or remove rulers.

  • Played key role in republics and democracies.

Q9. Explain the significance of fortifications in mahājanapadas.
Ans:

  • Defence against invasions.

  • Controlled entry and exit of goods.

  • Display of power.

  • Moats around forts increased security.

Q10. Write a detailed note on Magadha as a powerful state.
Ans:

  • Location in fertile Ganga plains.

  • Rich iron ore and forests.

  • Strong army and fortifications.

  • Capitals: Rajagriha, later Pataliputra.

  • Expanded through wars, alliances.

  • Became centre of empire-building.

Q11. How did trade routes connect different parts of India?
Ans:

  • Uttarapatha: From northwest to Ganga plains to east.

  • Dakṣiṇapatha: From Kaushambi to south India.

  • Linked ports, coasts, and inland towns.

  • Helped in exchange of goods, culture, and ideas.

Q12. Explain the rise of southern kingdoms and their economic prosperity.
Ans:

  • By 400 BCE, Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas emerged.

  • Rich in spices, gold, precious stones.

  • Active trade with north India and foreign countries.

  • Gained wealth and cultural prominence.

Q13. Describe the social inequalities in the varna-jati system.
Ans:

  • Higher varnas (Brahmins, Kshatriyas) enjoyed more power and respect.

  • Lower varnas (Shudras, excluded groups) faced discrimination.

  • Initially flexible system became rigid over time.

  • Led to social inequality and restrictions.

Q14. Discuss the impact of Second Urbanisation on Indian civilisation.
Ans:

  • Re-emergence of cities and states after Harappan decline.

  • Expansion of agriculture and economy.

  • Rise of trade, coins, and networks across India.

  • Political innovations: monarchies and republics.

  • Laid the foundation for Mauryan Empire.

Q15. Explain the role of archaeological and literary sources in understanding mahājanapadas.
Ans:

  • Archaeology: Excavations of forts, coins, tools reveal urban life.

  • Literature: Vedic, Buddhist, Jain texts describe political and social systems.

  • Inscriptions: Evidence of laws, rulers, trade.

  • Foreign Accounts: Add external perspectives.

  • Together, they give a full picture of life in the period.

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