NCERT Solutions-Class 7 Chapter 4-New Beginnings: Cities and States- Social Science

NCERT Solutions for Class 9 Social Science Chapter 8: Building Blocks in Economics – The Problem of Choice (Question Answers) The Big Questions: 1. What does economics deal with? Answer: Economics deals with how individuals, enterprises and governments make choices. It helps in the efficient use of limited resources to satisfy unlimited needs and wants . It explains how consumers, producers, governments and financial institutions interact in an economy. It studies the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. It helps in making informed economic decisions using data and analysis. 2. What are the key questions in economics? Answer: What to Produce? – Decide which goods and services should be produced and in what quantity. How to Produce? – Decide which methods, resources and technologies should be used for production. For Whom to Produce? – Decide who will receive the goods and services and how they will be distributed. 3. How do differe...

NCERT Solutions-Class 7 Chapter 4-New Beginnings: Cities and States- Social Science

Exercise Question Answers Chapter 3 New Beginnings: Cities and States (History) Subject Social Science Class 7

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1. Consider the quotation at the start of the chapter and discuss in several groups. Compare your observations and conclusions on what Kauṭilya recommends for a kingdom. Is it very different today?

Answer: Kauṭilya recommends for a kingdom:

A good kingdom should have forts, fertile land, forests, mines, and pastures.
It should not depend only on rain, but have good water sources.
Roads and waterways must be well-built for easy movement.
A strong economy with a variety of goods is important.
Comparison: Even today, countries focus on good infrastructure, strong economy, agriculture, and security — so Kauṭilya’s ideas are still very relevant!

2. According to the text, how were rulers chosen in early Vedic society?

Answer: Rulers were chosen in early Vedic society because:

Rulers (rājās) were selected from among the elders of the clan.
Assemblies like sabha and samiti gave advice to the rājā.
The rājā was expected to rule with consultation, not absolute power.
In some regions, the assembly could remove a bad ruler.
Later, in many places, kingship became hereditary (passed from father to son).

3. Imagine you are a historian studying ancient India. What types of sources (archaeological, literary, etc.) would you use to learn more about the mahājanapadas? Explain how each source might contribute to your understanding.

Answer:

Archaeological evidence: Excavations of ancient cities, forts, coins, and tools.
Ancient texts: Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain literature describing kings, cities, and laws.
Inscriptions: Stone writings about rulers, battles, and administration.
Foreign travelers' accounts: Later travelers' writings give clues about old times.
Monuments: Remains like moats, gates, and fortifications tell about city planning.

4. 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.

Answer: