New Beginnings: Cities and States Class 7 SST Notes

New Beginnings: Cities and States focuses on the important period in ancient Indian history following the decline of the Harappan Civilisation and leading up to the rise of major kingdoms and empires. It explores the changes in society, the emergence of new political structures like the Janapadas and Mahajanapadas, and major innovations that shaped the future of India.

The Rise of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

The reorganisation of cultures in North India led to the formation of clans. These clans, sharing a common language and customs, started to associate with specific territories known as Janapadas.

As trade networks expanded, connecting these Janapadas, many of them merged to form larger and more powerful political units called Mahajanapadas.

A list of 16 Mahajanapadas has been established. Important Mahajanapadas included Magadha, Kosala, Avanti, and Vrijji. The capital cities of the Mahajanapadas often featured Fortifications, Moats, and Narrow Gateways for defence.

Governing Janapadas and Mahajanapadas

Janapadas were ruled by a King (Raja). The Raja was advised by a council known as the Sabha/Samiti. It was made up of a select few wise and elderly people. The Raja of a Janapada usually held ultimate authority. Decisions were made through discussion and voting. Vrijji and Malla were examples of Republics.

His position was sometimes hereditary. The trade networks expanded, and then, Janapadas and Mahajanapadas came together. This union helped in improving trade and technology development in India.

• The transition from using bronze to iron metallurgy.
• It helped in making strong weapons.
• The introduction of the silver punch-marked coins.
• Coins helped in the trade and improvement in the economic life.
• Society was structured as the Varna-Jati System.
• Varna grouped people by Vedic texts (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras)
• Jati grouped people by occupation, like agriculture or commerce.

Mahajanapadas and Their Capitals

Janpadas and Mahajanapadas came into existence in India after the decline of the Harappan civilisation. The table has been provided with the Mahajanapadas and their capitals.

Mahajanapadas and Their Capitals
No.	Mahajanapada	Capital
1	Magadha	Rājagriha (Later Pātaliputra)
2	Kosala	Shrāvastī
3	Avanti	Ujjainī or Mahishmati
4	Vatsa	Kaushāmbī
5	Aṅga	Champā
6	Kāśī	Vārānasī
7	Kuru	Indraprastha
8	Pāñchāla	Ahichchhatra and Kāmpilya
9	Matsya	Virātanagara
10	Śūrasena	Mathurā
11	Chedi	Suktimati
12	Malla	Kuśinārā and Pāvā
13	Vajji	Vaiśālī
14	Asmaka (Assaka)	Potana/Paithan
15	Gandhāra	Takshashilā
16	Kamboja	Rajapura