New-Beginnings-Cities-and-States.pdf/7th class social/4th chapterFor online classes contact 9391865302/Notes by Sandeep swamy
- 1. New Beginnings: Cities and States This presentation explores the Second Urbanisation of India, examining the rise of janapadas and mahjanapadas as crucial developments in India's early history. by sandeep swamy
- 2. The Second Urbanisation Urban Revival The emergence of new cities after the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization. Historical Timeline Occurred approximately between 600-200 BCE in the Gangetic plains. New Settlements Formation of organized urban centers with political and economic significance.
- 3. Janapadas: Early States Definition Territorial units with distinct cultural and political identities. Formation Evolved from tribal settlements into more organized political entities. Significance Marked the transition from nomadic to settled agricultural communities.
- 4. Mahjanapadas: Great States Political Evolution Larger kingdoms formed through conquest and alliance of smaller janapadas. Social Structure Complex hierarchical society with specialized occupations. Economic Growth Development of trade networks and early monetary systems. Cultural Centers Hubs of religious and philosophical developments.
- 5. The Sixteen Mahjanapadas The Buddhist and Jain texts mention sixteen major mahjanapadas that dominated northern India. Each had unique geographical features and resources.
- 6. Magadha: The Powerful Kingdom Strategic Location Situated in modern-day Bihar with natural defenses of hills and rivers. Access to iron ore deposits gave military advantage. Capital Cities Rjagr#iha (Rajgir) served as the initial capital. Later shifted to Pt #aliputra (modern Patna). Ruins of a major structure at Rjagr#iha, the early capital of Magadha.
- 7. Systems of Governance Monarchies Hereditary kingship with centralized authority. Ga_a-Sa_ghas Oligarchic republics governed by assemblies of elite families. Administrative Systems Development of bureaucracy, taxation, and judicial processes.
- 8. Kauilya's Ideal Kingdom Security Fortified capital and frontier towns for protection. Resources Cultivable land, mines, forests, and pastures. Infrastructure Good roads, waterways, and water management systems. Economy Productive economy with diverse commodities.
- 9. Urban Planning Site Selection Based on natural defenses, water sources, and trade routes. Layout Design Grid patterns with designated areas for different functions. Fortification Construction of walls, moats, and watchtowers. Water Management Reservoirs, wells, and drainage systems.
- 10. Economic Foundations Agriculture Advanced farming techniques supporting urban populations. Crafts Production Specialized artisans creating goods for trade. Trade Networks Extensive commercial connections between regions.
- 11. Agricultural Innovations Iron Plows Iron technology allowed for deeper tilling and cultivation of harder soils. Irrigation Systems Advanced water management reduced dependence on rainfall. Rice Cultivation Paddy farming techniques supported larger populations.
- 12. Trade and Commerce Luxury Goods Precious stones, fine textiles, and spices. Animal Trade Horses, elephants, and other valuable animals. Everyday Items Pottery, tools, and household goods. Agricultural Products Grains, cotton, and other farm produce.
- 13. Monetary Systems 500 BCE Approximate date of earliest punch- marked coins in India. 16 Mahjanapadas Many issued their own distinctive coinage. 11 Metals Different metals used including silver, copper, and gold.
- 14. Social Stratification 0 20 40 60 Brahmins Kshatriyas Vaishyas Shudras The varna system became more rigid during this period. Social mobility decreased as occupations became more hereditary and specialized.
- 15. Religious Developments Vedic Traditions Established rituals and practices continued but faced challenges. Buddhism Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, questioning social hierarchies. Jainism Led by Mahavira, emphasizing non- violence and asceticism. Ajivika Fatalistic philosophy founded by Makkhali Gosala.
- 16. Intellectual Ferment Philosophical Debates Various schools of thought emerged questioning traditional beliefs. Educational Centers Institutions like Taxila became hubs of learning and intellectual exchange. Literary Developments Composition of important texts in philosophy, politics, and medicine.
- 17. Artha[hstra: Political Science Author Kaut #ilya (also known as Chanakya) Period Around 4th century BCE Content Statecraft, economic policy, military strategy Significance One of the earliest comprehensive treatises on governance
- 18. Defensive Architecture City Walls Massive fortifications protected urban centers from invasion. Fortified Gates Controlled access points with multiple security features. Moats Water barriers provided additional protection against attackers.
- 19. Archaeological Evidence Urban Remains Excavations reveal city planning with fortifications and drainage systems. Sites like Ujjain, Kaushambi, and Rajgir show sophisticated urban layouts. Material Culture Northern Black Polished Ware pottery marks this period. Iron implements, coins, and seals provide insights into daily life. Ongoing excavations continue to reveal new aspects of urban centers from this period.
- 20. Legacy and Significance Political Foundations Established governance systems that influenced later Indian states. Economic Networks Created trade routes and commercial patterns lasting centuries. Cultural Developments Fostered religious and philosophical traditions still relevant today. Urban Traditions Established patterns of city planning that influenced later developments.