AP 7th Social Textbook Solutions – 4. New Beginnings: Cities and States (2026-27)

4 New Beginnings: Cities and States

QUESTIONS, ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS

• 1. What was special about the Vajji and Malla political system?
  A. They selected their ruler through a group decision

  B. They always made the ruler the eldest son in line

  C. They took major decisions by discussion and voting

  D. They allowed the ruler to act without any council
  Answer: C. They took major decisions by discussion and voting
• 2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?
  In the Vajji and Malla mahajanapadas (which functioned as ganas or sanghas), the sabha or samiti had more power and took important decisions through discussion and, if necessary, through vote, which surprisingly included the selection of the raja.
• 3. Why was the development of iron metallurgy so important for the growth of urbanism in the 1st millennium BCE? You may use points from the chapter but also from your knowledge or imagination.
  Iron metallurgy was important because iron tools became widespread by the late 2nd millennium BCE, facilitating agriculture on a bigger scale in the fertile plains. Additionally, iron made better, lighter, and sharper weapons (such as swords, spears, arrows, and shields) and tools that supported the growth of specialized crafts and urban settlements.
• 4. Consider the quotation at the start of the chapter and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kauailya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?
  According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, a kingdom should be protected by fortifying the capital and frontier towns, be capable of sustaining its population and outsiders during calamities, be endowed with productive resources like cultivable land, mines, timber and elephant forests, have good roads and waterways, and possess a productive economy with a wide variety of commodities. Today, while the terminology has shifted toward national security, sustainable resource management, trade logistics, and economic infrastructure, the core principles of self-sufficiency, security, and economic productivity remain vital for modern nations.
• 5. Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to learn more about the mahajanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.
  As a historian, I would use two main sources: (1) archaeological excavations, which confirm the existence of ancient urban centres, fortifications, and artifacts like punch-marked coins and metal tools, and (2) ancient literature, including late Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain texts, which contain full references, descriptions, and political details of these new urban centres.

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