Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Chapter 4: New Beginnings: Cities and States

Worksheet – Chapter 4: New Beginnings: Cities and States

Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

The Harappan Civilization existed approximately during:

a) 1500–500 BCE

b) 2600–1900 BCE

c) 700–300 BCE

d) 1000–500 CE

India’s Second Urbanisation began around:

a) 1900 BCE

b) 1200 BCE

c) 600 BCE

d) 300 BCE

The word Janapada means:

a) Land of kings

b) Place where people settled

c) Kingdom of traders

d) Land of mountains

Which among these was a republic?

a) Magadha

b) Kosala

c) Vajji

d) Avanti

Which metal became widely used during the Mahajanapada period?

a) Gold

b) Silver

c) Bronze

d) Iron

The first coins in India were:

a) Gold coins

b) Copper coins

c) Punch-marked silver coins

d) Paper currency

Which route connected northwestern India with the Ganga plains?

a) Silk Route

b) Dakshinapatha

c) Uttarapatha

d) Ocean Route

Who were mainly responsible for preserving knowledge and rituals?

a) Kshatriyas

b) Vaishyas

c) Shudras

d) Brahmins

Which kingdom was famous for maritime trade?

a) Cholas

b) Mallas

c) Gandhara

d) Anga

Which religion emerged during the Mahajanapada period?

a) Christianity

b) Islam

c) Buddhism

d) Sikhism

Section B: Fill in the Blanks

  • The Harappan cities declined around __________ BCE.
  • __________ was India’s first urban civilisation.
  • Mahajanapadas were __________ states.
  • Iron tools helped in the growth of __________.
  • __________ coins were the earliest coins in India.
  • The assembly bodies mentioned in Vedas were __________ and __________.
  • The Cholas were located in present-day __________.
  • Jāti was mainly based on __________.
  • __________ connected northern and southern India.
  • The Mauryan Empire emerged after the decline of __________.

Section C: Match the Following

Column A                                     Column B

1. Harappan Civilization                         a. Occupational community

2. Jāti                                                 b. Silver coins

3. Punch-marked coins                         c. First Urbanisation

4. Uttarapatha                                         d. Northern trade route

5. Cholas                                                 e. Maritime trade

Section D: True or False

  • Harappan cities had proper drainage systems. (______)
  • India’s Second Urbanisation started around 600 CE. (______)
  • Mahajanapadas were smaller than Janapadas. (______)
  • Republics had elected rulers. (______)
  • Iron tools improved agriculture. (______)
  • The Varna system had five main groups. (______)
  • Dakshinapatha connected northern and southern India. (______)
  • Southern India had no trade links with foreign countries. (______)
  • Buddhism and Jainism emerged during this period. (______)
  • Punch-marked coins helped trade grow. (______)

Section E: Very Short Answer Questions What was the Harappan Civilization?

  • Define Mahajanapada.
  • What were sabhā and samiti?
  • What are punch-marked coins?
  • What is Jāti?
  • Name two Mahajanapadas.
  • What was Uttarapatha?
  • Name two religions that developed during this period.

Section F: Short Answer Questions

  • Differentiate between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas.
  • Explain the importance of iron technology.
  • How did punch-marked coins help trade?
  • Explain the role of sabhā and samiti.
  • Why were trade routes important?
  • Write any two features of Harappan cities.

Section G: Long Answer Questions

  • Explain the transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas.
  • Describe the political systems of monarchies and republics during the Mahajanapada period.
  • Explain the Varṇa–Jāti system and its features.
  • Describe the developments in southern India during this period.

Section H: Case Study Questions

Case Study – 1: Harappan Cities

The Harappan Civilization was India’s first urban civilisation. Cities like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro had well-planned streets, drainage systems, public buildings, and specialised craft production. Traders, potters, metalworkers, and weavers lived in these cities. The civilization had a writing system and an organized administration. Around 1900 BCE, many cities declined, and people gradually moved to villages and rural settlements.

Questions:

  • Name two Harappan cities.
  • Mention one feature of Harappan cities.
  • Name two occupations found in Harappan cities.
  • Around when did Harappan cities decline?
  • Where did people move after the decline?

Case Study – 2: Republics and Monarchies

During the Mahajanapada period, different systems of governance existed. Some states followed monarchies where rulers inherited power from their fathers. Other states like Vajji and Malla followed republican systems where assemblies played an important role. Leaders could be elected, and decisions were often taken through discussion and voting.

Questions:

  • What were the two forms of government?
  • Name one republic.
  • How did kings get power in monarchies?
  • How were decisions taken in republics?
  • Which idea of democracy existed in republics?

Case Study – 3: Trade and Economic Growth

Trade expanded during the Mahajanapada period because people exchanged goods across regions. Barter became difficult, so punch-marked coins were introduced. Major routes like Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha connected different parts of India. Southern kingdoms such as Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas also traded spices, pearls, gold, and precious stones with foreign regions.

Questions:

  • Why did barter become difficult?
  • Which coins were introduced?
  • Name two trade routes.
  • Name two southern kingdoms.
  • Mention two items traded by southern kingdoms.

Answer Key 
Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
  • b) 2600–1900 BCE
  • c) 600 BCE
  • b) Place where people settled
  • c) Vajji
  • d) Iron
  • c) Punch-marked silver coins
  • c) Uttarapatha
  • d) Brahmins
  • a) Cholas
  • c) Buddhism
Section B: Fill in the Blanks
  • 1900
  • Harappan Civilization
  • larger and powerful
  • agriculture
  • Punch-marked
  • Sabhā and Samiti
  • Tamil Nadu
  • occupation
  • Dakshinapatha
  • Mahajanapadas
Section C: Match the Following
  • Harappan Civilization → c. First Urbanisation
  • Jāti → a. Occupational community
  • Punch-marked coins → b. Silver coins
  • Uttarapatha → d. Northern trade route
  • Cholas → e. Maritime trade
Section D: True or False
  • True
  • False
  • False
  • True
  • True
  • False
  • True
  • False
  • True
  • True
Section E: Very Short Answer Questions
  • The Harappan Civilization was India's first urban civilisation known for planned cities and drainage systems.
  • Mahajanapada was a large and powerful state formed from Janapadas.
  • Sabhā and Samiti were assemblies that advised rulers and participated in decision-making.
  • Punch-marked coins were silver coins with symbols punched on their surface.
  • Jāti is an occupational community usually based on hereditary professions.
  • Magadha and Kosala (any two: Vajji, Malla, Anga, Avanti)
  • Uttarapatha was an important northern trade route connecting northwestern India with the Ganga plains.
  • Buddhism and Jainism
Section F: Short Answer Questions
1. Difference between Janapadas and Mahajanapadas
Janapadas: Small territories where groups of people settled.
Mahajanapadas: Larger and stronger kingdoms formed by combining or expanding Janapadas.

2. Importance of Iron Technology
Improved agricultural tools
Helped clear forests
Made stronger weapons
Increased production and trade

3. How punch-marked coins helped trade
Punch-marked coins replaced barter, making buying and selling easier and promoting long-distance trade.

4. Role of Sabhā and Samiti
Sabhā and Samiti acted as decision-making assemblies that advised rulers and discussed important matters.

5. Importance of Trade Routes
Trade routes helped in the movement of goods, ideas, religions, and people across regions.

6. Two features of Harappan cities
Planned streets and drainage systems
Public and private buildings

Section G: Long Answer Questions
1. Transition from Janapadas to Mahajanapadas
Janapadas were small settlements ruled by chiefs. Over time, some Janapadas expanded or merged to form larger and more powerful Mahajanapadas. These states had stronger armies, capitals, and administrative systems.

2. Political systems during Mahajanapada period
Monarchies: Kings ruled by hereditary succession and maintained armies and administration.

Republics: Power was shared through assemblies where leaders were elected and decisions were taken collectively.

3. Varṇa–Jāti System and features
Varṇa divided society into four groups:

Brahmins – priests and scholars
Kshatriyas – warriors and rulers
Vaishyas – traders and farmers
Shudras – artisans and service providers
Jāti was based on occupations and customs.

4. Developments in Southern India
Southern India saw the rise of Cholas, Cheras, and Pandyas. Trade increased with foreign regions. Cities developed and resources like spices, gold, pearls, and precious stones were exported.

Section H: Case Study Answers
Case Study – 1: Harappan Cities
  • Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro
  • Planned drainage system
  • Potters and metalworkers (or weavers/traders)
  • Around 1900 BCE
  • Villages and rural settlements
Case Study – 2: Republics and Monarchies
  • Monarchy and Republic
  • Vajji
  • Through hereditary succession
  • Through discussions and voting
  • Collective decision-making
Case Study – 3: Trade and Economic Growth
  • Because trade increased and barter became inefficient
  • Punch-marked coins
  • Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha
  • Cholas and Cheras (or Pandyas)
  • Spices and pearls (also gold/precious stones)

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