Exploring Society Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 New Beginnings: Cities and States Case Study Questions

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Hello students, we are providing case study questions for class 7 Social Science. Case study questions are the new question format that is introduced in CBSE board. The resources for case study questions are very less. So, to help students we have created chapterwise case study questions for class 7 Social Science. In this article, you will find case study questions for cbse class 7 Social Science chapter 4 New Beginnings: Cities and States.

Chapter	New Beginnings: Cities and States
Book	Exploring Society: India and Beyond
Type of Questions	Case Study Questions
Nature of Questions	Competency Based Questions
Board	CBSE
Class	7
Subject	Social Science
Useful for	Class 7 Studying Students
Answers provided	Yes
Difficulty level	Mentioned
Important Link	Class 7 Social Science Chapterwise Case Study

Table of Contents

Case Study Questions on New Beginnings: Cities and States

Case Study Question 1:

Passage: Rise of Mahājanapadas and Urban Life

Customised Study Materials for Teachers, Schools and Coaching Institute

From the 1st millennium BCE, India entered a new phase called the Second Urbanisation, beginning in the Ganga plains. Earlier urban life had faded after the decline of the Harappan civilisation. The re-emergence of cities was now based on agricultural expansion, trade routes, iron tools, and political organization. Regional clans formed janapadas, which later expanded into larger states called mahājanapadas. Sixteen mahājanapadas emerged across northern and central India, with capitals like Rājagriha, Śhrāvastī, and Kauśhāmbī. These cities had protective moats, narrow gateways for security, and complex governance systems. Some states, like Magadha, were monarchies, while others like Vajji functioned as early republics through assemblies.

Q1. What was the major difference between janapadas and mahājanapadas?
Answer: Mahājanapadas were larger and more powerful political units than janapadas.
Explanation: Janapadas were early territorial units led by local clans, while mahājanapadas formed as these units expanded through trade, military, and alliances.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Q2. What does the Second Urbanisation in India primarily refer to?
Answer: The re-emergence of cities based on agriculture, trade, and iron tools
Explanation: After Harappan decline, cities reappeared in the Ganga plains, fueled by improved farming and trade.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Q3. How were capitals of mahājanapadas protected?
Answer: With walls, moats, and narrow gateways
Explanation: Fortifications included water-filled moats and guarded entrances to control movement and prevent invasion.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Q4. What makes Vajji and Malla different from other mahājanapadas like Magadha?
Answer: They had assemblies that selected the rājā and took decisions
Explanation: Vajji and Malla were early republics (gaṇas/sanghas) where decisions were made collectively, not through monarchs.
Difficulty Level: Tough

Case Study Question 2:

Passage: Iron Tools, Coins, and Economic Change

The rise of cities during the mahājanapada era was supported by new technological and economic innovations. Iron tools replaced bronze, helping farmers clear dense forests and cultivate fertile plains. Iron also improved weapon-making for armies. Trade flourished with the use of punch-marked silver coins, the first of their kind in India. These coins facilitated commerce not just within but also beyond the subcontinent. Roads like the Uttarapatha and Dakṣiṇapatha connected major regions. Urban centres like Śhiśhupalgarh and Kodumanal became hubs for crafts, gemstone work, and long-distance trade.

Q1. What was a major technological innovation during the Second Urbanisation?
Answer: Widespread use of iron tools and weapons
Explanation: Iron made farming more efficient and allowed production of stronger, lighter weapons.
Difficulty Level: Easy

Q2. Why were punch-marked silver coins important in this period?
Answer: They enabled trade and economic exchange between regions
Explanation: The coins were used as currency across different mahājanapadas and helped unify economic systems.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Q3. What role did roads like the Uttarapatha and Dakṣiṇapatha play in this era?
Answer: They connected regions for trade, pilgrimage, and administration
Explanation: These long-distance routes facilitated movement of goods, people, and ideas.
Difficulty Level: Moderate

Q4. What do urban centres like Kodumanal and Śhiśhupalgarh reveal about this period?
Answer: Urban planning, craft industries, and trade connections were advanced
Explanation: Archaeological evidence shows organized layouts, workshops, and trade links in these cities.
Difficulty Level: Tough

We hope the given case study questions for New Beginnings: Cities and States Class 7 helps you in your learning.

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Topics from which case study questions may be asked

Early cities
States formation
Social structures

The rise of cities marked a turning point in Indian history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on New Beginnings: Cities and States Case Study Questions

Q1: What are case study questions in CBSE Class 7 Social Science?

A1: Case study questions present a real-life scenario or passage followed by multiple-choice questions to test students’ understanding of concepts and their ability to apply knowledge in context.

Q2: Are case study questions part of the new CBSE exam pattern for Class 7?

A2: Yes, as per the NEP 2020 and CBSE’s competency-based learning approach, case study or passage-based questions are now included to promote critical thinking and concept application.

Q3: How should I prepare for case study questions in Class 7 Social Science?

A3: Focus on understanding concepts from the NCERT textbook thoroughly. Practice reading comprehension and analyze how social science concepts apply to real-life situations.

Q4: Where can I find chapterwise case study questions for Class 7 Social Science?

A5: You can access chapterwise CBSE-style case study questions with answers and explanations on educational websites like xamcontent.com and editablematerials.in, specially designed for practice and school exams.