4. New Beginnings: Cities and States
A. MCQs
1. The Harappan Civilization is also known
as:
A. Vedic Civilization
B. Mauryan Civilization
C. Indus Valley
Civilization
D. Gupta Civilization
2. India’s “First Urbanisation” refers to:
A. Magadha Kingdom
B. Gupta Empire
C. Vedic villages
D. Harappan
Civilization
3. The Harappan Civilization declined
around:
A. 500 BCE
B. 2000 BCE
C. 1000 CE
D. 1500 CE
4. After the decline of the Harappan
Civilization, people mostly shifted to:
A. Nomadic life
B. Hunting
C. Village life
D. Sea trade
5. Which of the following disappeared after
the Harappan decline?
A. Agriculture
B. Villages
C. Mountains
D. Urban
administration
6. India’s “Second Urbanisation” began in:
A. 3rd millennium BCE
B. 5th century CE
C. 1st millennium BCE
D. 2nd century CE
7. The Second Urbanisation first developed
mainly in:
A. Deccan Plateau
B. Himalayan region
C. Ganga plains
D. Thar Desert
8. Which sources provide information about
ancient urban centres?
A. Only inscriptions
B. Only literature
C. Only coins
D. Archaeology and
literature
9. The word “Janapada” means:
A. City market
B. Place where people
settled
C. Military camp
D. Religious centre
10. The ruler of a janapada was called:
A. Monk
B. Minister
C. Chief priest
D. Rājā
11. Janapadas grew stronger mainly because
of:
A. Forests
B. Rivers
C. Trade networks
D. Temples
12. Larger states formed by merging
janapadas were called:
A. Empires
B. Republics
C. Villages
D. Mahājanapadas
13. Ancient texts frequently mention:
A. 8 Mahājanapadas
B. 10 Mahājanapadas
C. 16 Mahājanapadas
D. 25 Mahājanapadas
14. Gandhāra was located in:
A. South India
B. Eastern India
C. Central India
D. Northwest region
15. The capital cities of Mahājanapadas were
usually:
A. Small villages
B. Fortified cities
C. Ports only
D. Forest settlements
16. A moat is:
A. Religious building
B. Market area
C. Water-filled ditch
around a fort
D. Army camp
17. Narrow gateways in cities helped:
A. Decoration
B. Farming
C. Festivals
D. Control movement of
people and goods
18. The assemblies in janapadas were
called:
A. Sabha and Senā
B. Sabhā and Samiti
C. Sangha and Sena
D. Parishad and Sabha
19. The words “Sabhā” and “Samiti” first
appear in:
A. Jain texts
B. Buddhist texts
C. Arthashastra
D. Vedas
20. Members of assemblies were probably:
A. Foreign traders
B. Soldiers only
C. Clan elders
D. Farmers only
21. In monarchies, the king’s position was
usually:
A. Elected
B. Temporary
C. Religious
D. Hereditary
22. Which Mahājanapada was located in
present-day Bihar?
A. Avanti
B. Kosala
C. Magadha
D. Gandhāra
23. Vajji and Malla are known for:
A. Sea trade
B. Iron mining
C. Temple building
D. Early democratic
systems
24. Gaṇas
and Sanghas are often called:
A. Empires
B. Colonies
C. Monarchies
D. Early republics
25. In Gaṇas
and Sanghas, rulers were selected by:
A. Foreign kings
B. Priests only
C. Assemblies
D. Merchants
26. Which religions spread during this
period?
A. Islam and Christianity
B. Sikhism and Jainism
C. Buddhism and
Jainism
D. Zoroastrianism and Buddhism
27. Iron technology became important
during:
A. Harappan period
B. Gupta period
C. Mughal period
D. Second Urbanisation
28. Iron tools helped improve:
A. Dance
B. Writing
C. Navigation
D. Agriculture
29. Iron weapons were better than bronze
weapons because they were:
A. Heavier only
B. Decorative
C. Stronger and
sharper
D. More colourful
30. The earliest Indian coins were mainly
made of:
A. Gold
B. Copper
C. Iron
D. Silver
31. Early Indian coins are called:
A. Gupta coins
B. Royal coins
C. Trade coins
D. Punch-marked coins
32. Jāti refers to:
A. Religion
B. Kingdom
C. Occupational
community
D. Fortification
33. The varṇa
system came from:
A. Buddhist teachings
B. Jain literature
C. Foreign travellers
D. Vedic traditions
34. Which varṇa
was associated with warfare?
A. Brahmins
B. Vaishyas
C. Shudras
D. Kshatriyas
35. Vaishyas were mainly connected with:
A. Rituals
B. Warfare
C. Trade and
agriculture
D. Administration only
36. Uttarapatha was an important:
A. River valley
B. Kingdom
C. Coin system
D. Trade route
37. Dakṣiṇapatha
connected northern India with:
A. Tibet
B. Sri Lanka only
C. Southern India
D. Afghanistan
38. Śhiśhupalgarh was the capital of:
A. Kosala
B. Magadha
C. Kalinga
D. Avanti
39. Which kingdoms emerged in south India
around 400 BCE?
A. Mauryas and Guptas
B. Kushanas and Satavahanas
C. Cholas, Cheras, and
Pāṇḍyas
D. Palas and Cholas
40. By 300–200 BCE, the Indian Subcontinent
had become:
A. Isolated
B. Deserted
C. Divided completely
D. A connected and
interconnected region
B.
Short Answer Questions
1.
Why did the Harappan urban system decline?
Answer:
·
Many
Harappan cities were abandoned after 2000 BCE.
·
Urban
features like markets, drainage, and administration disappeared.
·
Specialised
occupations declined.
·
People
gradually shifted to village-based rural life.
2.
What is meant by India’s “Second Urbanisation”?
Answer:
·
A
new phase of city development began in the 1st millennium BCE.
·
It
started mainly in the Ganga plains and nearby regions.
·
New
towns and trade centres developed.
·
This
urban growth continued into later Indian history.
3.
What are the main sources of information about Mahājanapadas?
Answer:
·
Archaeological
excavations provide remains of cities and tools.
·
Ancient
literature gives information about rulers and society.
·
Buddhist
and Jain texts mention important cities and kingdoms.
·
Coins
and inscriptions also help historians.
4.
What is a Janapada?
Answer:
·
Janapada
means “place where people settled.”
·
It
was a territory occupied by a clan or group.
·
People
shared common customs and language.
·
Each
Janapada was ruled by a rājā or king.
5.
What are Mahājanapadas?
Answer:
·
Mahājanapadas
were large kingdoms formed by merging Janapadas.
·
They
developed around the 8th–7th century BCE.
·
Ancient
texts mention sixteen Mahājanapadas.
·
They
became important political centres.
6.
Describe the capitals of Mahājanapadas.
Answer:
·
Capitals
were large and fortified cities.
·
Strong
walls and moats protected them.
·
Narrow
gateways controlled movement of people and goods.
·
Many
of these ancient cities still exist today.
7.
What were Sabhā and Samiti?
Answer:
·
Sabhā
and Samiti were assemblies in ancient India.
·
They
discussed political and social matters.
·
Elders
and important clan members participated in them.
·
Kings
often took advice from these assemblies.
8.
Why are Vajji and Malla called early republics?
Answer:
·
Assemblies
had greater power in these states.
·
Important
decisions were taken through discussion and voting.
·
Rulers
were selected by assemblies.
·
Their
political system showed early democratic ideas.
9.
What were the main duties of kings in Mahājanapadas?
Answer:
·
Kings
collected taxes from people.
·
They
maintained law and order.
·
They
built forts and maintained armies.
·
They
protected the kingdom from enemies.
10.
Why was iron technology important?
Answer:
·
Iron
tools improved agriculture.
·
Forests
could be cleared more easily.
·
Iron
weapons were stronger and sharper than bronze weapons.
·
It
supported urban growth and warfare.
11.
What are punch-marked coins?
Answer:
·
They
were the earliest Indian coins.
·
Most
were made of silver.
·
Symbols
were punched onto the coins.
·
They
helped in trade and exchange.
12.
Explain the meaning of jāti.
Answer:
·
Jāti
refers to a community linked with a specific occupation.
·
Examples
include farmers, traders, and craftspeople.
·
Skills
were usually passed from generation to generation.
·
Many
jātis later divided into sub-jātis.
13.
What were the four varṇas?
Answer:
·
Brahmins
were associated with knowledge and rituals.
·
Kshatriyas
protected society and fought wars.
·
Vaishyas
worked in trade and agriculture.
·
Shudras
worked as artisans and labourers.
14.
How was the early varṇa-jāti system flexible?
Answer:
·
People
could sometimes change occupations.
·
Farmers
became traders during difficult times.
·
Some
Brahmins joined military activities.
·
Occupations
were not completely fixed in early periods.
15.
Why did trade grow during the Mahājanapada period?
Answer:
·
Important
trade routes connected regions.
·
Cities
became centres of commerce.
·
Coins
made exchange easier.
·
Goods
were traded within India and outside.
16.
What were the Uttarapatha and Dakṣiṇapatha?
Answer:
·
They
were important trade and communication routes.
·
Uttarapatha
connected northwest India with eastern India.
·
Dakṣiṇapatha
connected northern India with southern regions.
·
These
routes supported trade and cultural exchange.
17.
Write a short note on Śhiśhupalgarh.
Answer:
·
Śhiśhupalgarh
was an ancient city in present-day Odisha.
·
It
was the capital of Kalinga.
·
The
city had broad streets and strong fortifications.
·
It
followed a square city plan.
18.
Name the important southern kingdoms of this period.
Answer:
·
The
Cholas, Cheras, and Pāṇḍyas emerged in south India.
·
Ancient
Tamil literature mentions these kingdoms.
·
They
became important centres of trade.
·
They
traded with other Indian and foreign regions.
19.
How did Buddhism and Jainism spread?
Answer:
·
Monks
and nuns travelled across India.
·
Pilgrimages
helped spread teachings.
·
Scholars
shared religious ideas and literature.
·
Trade
routes also helped cultural exchange.
20.
How did India become an interconnected region by 300–200 BCE?
Answer:
·
Trade
routes connected different regions.
·
Goods
and ideas travelled widely.
·
Ports
linked India with foreign lands.
·
Cultural
and economic contacts increased across the Subcontinent.
C.
Long Answer Questions
1.
Explain the decline of the Harappan Civilization.
Answer:
·
The
Harappan Civilization began declining around 2000 BCE.
·
Many
cities were abandoned, while some people shifted to village life.
·
Urban
features like planned streets, drainage systems, and markets disappeared.
·
Specialised
occupations such as weaving, pottery, and metalwork declined.
·
The
writing system and administrative structure also collapsed.
·
For
nearly 1000 years, large urban centres remained mostly absent in India.
2.
What is meant by the “Second Urbanisation” in India?
Answer:
·
The
Second Urbanisation began during the 1st millennium BCE.
·
New
cities developed mainly in the Ganga plains and nearby regions.
·
Urban
life gradually spread to other parts of India.
·
Archaeological
excavations provide evidence of ancient cities.
·
Buddhist,
Jain, and late Vedic texts also describe urban centres.
·
This
period marked the revival of trade, administration, and city life.
3.
Explain the rise of Janapadas.
Answer:
·
Towards
the end of the 2nd millennium BCE, people formed clans and groups.
·
These
groups shared common language, customs, and traditions.
·
Each
group settled in a territory called a Janapada.
·
The
word Janapada means “place where people settled.”
·
Every
Janapada was ruled by a rājā or king.
·
Expansion
of trade networks helped Janapadas grow stronger and more organised.
4.
Describe the Mahājanapadas and their capitals.
Answer:
·
Several
Janapadas merged to form larger states called Mahājanapadas.
·
Ancient
texts frequently mention sixteen Mahājanapadas.
·
Their
capitals were large and strongly fortified cities.
·
Moats
and strong walls protected the cities from enemies.
·
Narrow
gateways helped control movement of people and goods.
·
Many
of these ancient capitals still exist as modern cities today.
5.
Explain the early democratic traditions in ancient India.
Answer:
·
Janapadas
had assemblies called Sabhā and Samiti.
·
These
assemblies included elders and important clan members.
·
Important
matters were discussed collectively.
·
Kings
were expected to take advice from assemblies and ministers.
·
Some
texts suggest that incompetent rulers could be removed.
·
States
like Vajji and Malla followed early democratic systems.
6.
Write a note on Gaṇas and Sanghas.
Answer:
·
Gaṇas
and Sanghas were political systems different from monarchies.
·
Vajji
and Malla were important examples.
·
Assemblies
held greater power in these states.
·
Important
decisions were taken through discussions and voting.
·
Rulers
were selected by assembly members.
·
Scholars
describe them as early republics and democratic systems.
7.
Describe the duties and powers of kings in Mahājanapadas.
Answer:
·
Kings
were the supreme authority in monarchies.
·
Their
position was generally hereditary.
·
They
collected taxes and maintained law and order.
·
Kings
built forts and maintained armies.
·
They
protected the kingdom from enemies.
·
Kings
also fought wars and expanded territories when necessary.
8.
Explain the importance of iron technology during the Second Urbanisation.
Answer:
·
Iron
tools improved agriculture and increased food production.
·
Forests
could be cleared more easily for farming.
·
Iron
weapons were stronger and sharper than bronze weapons.
·
Better
tools and weapons strengthened kingdoms.
·
Iron
technology supported trade and urban growth.
·
It
played an important role in the rise of cities and states.
9.
Describe the growth of trade and use of coins during this period.
Answer:
·
Trade
increased greatly during the Mahājanapada period.
·
Important
trade routes connected different regions.
·
The
first Indian coins were made of silver.
·
Symbols
were punched on these coins, so they are called punch-marked coins.
·
Coins
made buying and selling easier.
·
Trade
developed within India as well as with foreign regions.
10.
Explain the varṇa system in ancient Indian
society.
Answer:
·
The
varṇa system developed from Vedic
traditions.
·
Society
was divided into four varṇas.
·
Brahmins
preserved knowledge and performed rituals.
·
Kshatriyas
protected society and engaged in warfare.
·
Vaishyas
worked in trade, agriculture, and business.
·
Shudras
worked as artisans, workers, and servants.
11.
What was the jāti system? Explain its features.
Answer:
·
Jāti
referred to groups linked with specific occupations.
·
Examples
include farmers, traders, and metalworkers.
·
Occupational
skills passed from one generation to another.
·
Many
jātis later divided into sub-jātis.
·
Each
sub-jāti developed its own customs and traditions.
·
The
system helped organise society and economic activities.
12.
How did the varṇa-jāti system change over time?
Answer:
·
In
early periods, occupations were more flexible.
·
People
sometimes changed professions according to circumstances.
·
Natural
calamities and migration caused occupational changes.
·
Over
time, the system became rigid.
·
Social
inequalities and discrimination increased.
·
Lower
jātis and excluded groups suffered unfair treatment.
13.
Explain the importance of Sabhā and Samiti.
Answer:
·
Sabhā
and Samiti were assemblies in ancient India.
·
They
discussed political, social, and administrative matters.
·
Elders
and important members took part in discussions.
·
Kings
consulted these assemblies before making decisions.
·
Assemblies
helped control arbitrary rule by kings.
·
They
reflected early democratic traditions in India.
14.
Describe the important trade routes of ancient India.
Answer:
·
Two
major routes were Uttarapatha and Dakṣiṇapatha.
·
Uttarapatha
connected northwest India with eastern regions.
·
Dakṣiṇapatha
connected northern India with southern India.
·
These
routes were used for trade and travel.
·
Pilgrims,
scholars, and armies also used these routes.
·
Trade
routes increased cultural and economic exchange.
15.
Write a note on Śhiśhupalgarh.
Answer:
·
Śhiśhupalgarh
was an important ancient city in present-day Odisha.
·
It
was the capital of the Kalinga region.
·
The
city followed a square ground plan.
·
Broad
streets and strong fortifications protected the city.
·
It
became an important urban centre in eastern India.
·
Archaeological
remains provide information about city planning.
16.
Describe the rise of southern kingdoms during this period.
Answer:
·
Around
400 BCE, important kingdoms emerged in south India.
·
These
kingdoms were the Cholas, Cheras, and Pāṇḍyas.
·
Ancient
Tamil literature mentions these kingdoms and rulers.
·
South
India was rich in spices, gold, and precious stones.
·
Southern
kingdoms traded with Indian and foreign regions.
·
Trade
increased their prosperity and importance.
17.
How did Buddhism and Jainism influence Indian society?
Answer:
·
Buddhism
and Jainism emerged during this period.
·
Their
teachings spread through monks, nuns, and scholars.
·
Pilgrimages
and trade routes helped spread ideas.
·
They
encouraged moral and ethical living.
·
Religious
literature developed greatly during this period.
·
These
religions influenced Indian culture and society deeply.
18.
Explain how urbanisation changed Indian society.
Answer:
·
Urbanisation
led to the growth of cities and markets.
·
Trade
and specialised occupations increased.
·
Administration
and political systems became stronger.
·
Communication
routes connected different regions.
·
New
social and religious ideas spread across India.
·
Urban
growth helped in the rise of kingdoms and empires.
19.
Explain how Mahājanapadas became powerful states.
Answer:
·
Mahājanapadas
developed from stronger Janapadas.
·
Trade
and agriculture increased their wealth.
·
Iron
technology improved farming and warfare.
·
Kings
maintained armies and fortifications.
·
Cities
became important political and trade centres.
·
Some
Mahājanapadas expanded through wars and alliances.
20.
How did India become an interconnected region by 300–200 BCE?
Answer:
·
Trade
routes connected different regions of India.
·
Goods,
culture, and ideas travelled widely.
·
Ports
linked India with foreign lands.
·
Religious
teachers and pilgrims moved across regions.
·
Southern
and northern kingdoms developed trade relations.
·
India
also established contacts with Central Asia and Southeast Asia.
D.
Assertion and Reason Questions
Directions:
Choose the correct option:
A. Both Assertion and Reason are
true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct
explanation of Assertion.
C. Assertion is true, but Reason is false.
D. Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
1.
Assertion:
The Harappan Civilization is called
India’s First Urbanisation.
Reason:
The Harappans developed planned
cities, drainage systems, and organised urban life.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
2.
Assertion:
After the decline of the Harappan
Civilization, urban life disappeared for many centuries.
Reason:
People shifted mainly to
village-based rural life.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
3.
Assertion:
The Second Urbanisation began during
the 1st millennium BCE.
Reason:
New cities developed mainly in the
Ganga plains and nearby regions.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
4.
Assertion:
Janapadas were territories occupied
by clans or groups.
Reason:
People in a janapada generally
shared common customs and language.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
5.
Assertion:
Mahājanapadas were smaller than
Janapadas.
Reason:
Several Janapadas merged together to
form Mahājanapadas.
Answer:
D.
Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
6.
Assertion:
The capitals of Mahājanapadas were
strongly fortified.
Reason:
Moats and fort walls protected
cities from enemies.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
7.
Assertion:
Kings in ancient India always ruled
independently without advice.
Reason:
Assemblies like Sabhā and Samiti
existed in Janapadas.
Answer:
D.
Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
8.
Assertion:
Vajji and Malla are considered early
republics.
Reason:
Assemblies selected rulers and took
important decisions.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
9.
Assertion:
Iron technology played an important
role in urban growth.
Reason:
Iron tools improved agriculture and
iron weapons strengthened kingdoms.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
10.
Assertion:
Punch-marked coins were made mainly
of silver.
Reason:
Growing trade created the need for
coins.
Answer:
B.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation
of Assertion.
11.
Assertion:
The varṇa
system emerged from Vedic traditions.
Reason:
Society was divided into four varṇas
based on functions and occupations.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
12.
Assertion:
Occupations in early Indian society
were completely rigid.
Reason:
People sometimes changed professions
because of circumstances.
Answer:
D.
Assertion is false, but Reason is true.
13.
Assertion:
Uttarapatha and Dakṣiṇapatha
were important trade routes.
Reason:
These routes connected different
regions of India.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
14.
Assertion:
Śhiśhupalgarh was an important city
of Kalinga.
Reason:
It had broad streets and strong
fortifications.
Answer:
A.
Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of
Assertion.
15.
Assertion:
By 300–200 BCE, India had become an
interconnected region.
Reason:
Trade, communication routes, and
cultural exchanges linked different regions.