Understanding the key concepts of Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 – New Beginnings: Cities and States is crucial for exam success. To make your revision easier, we have created chapterwise mcq questions with Answers for class 7 Social Science based on the latest syllabus and exam pattern. It is a part of MCQ Questions for CBSE Class 7 Social Science Series.
These multiple-choice questions will help you assess your knowledge, improve accuracy, and boost confidence for your exams. Whether you are preparing for school tests, online tests or competitive exams, these New Beginnings: Cities and States MCQs will strengthen your conceptual clarity.
| Chapter | New Beginnings: Cities and States |
| Book | Exploring Society: India and Beyond |
| Type of Questions | MCQ 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 MCQ Questions |
MCQ Questions on New Beginnings: Cities and States Class 7 Social Science – Exploring Society
MCQs
Q1. What is referred to as India’s ‘Second Urbanisation’?
(a) The rise of the Harappan civilisation
(b) The rebuilding of cities after British rule
(c) The emergence of new urban centres in the 1st millennium BCE
(d) The development of metro cities in the 21st century
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Second Urbanisation refers to the rise of new towns and cities in the Ganga plains and surrounding regions during the 1st millennium BCE.
Q2. What is the meaning of the term ‘Janapada’?
(a) A type of fort
(b) An area ruled by a king
(c) A place where people have settled
(d) A forest region
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Janapada means ‘where the people (jana) have set foot (pada),’ referring to settled territories of early clans.
Q3. How many mahājanapadas are most commonly listed in ancient texts?
(a) 12
(b) 10
(c) 16
(d) 20
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Sixteen mahājanapadas are commonly listed in ancient Buddhist and Jain literature.
Q4. Which of these mahājanapadas had a republican form of governance?
(a) Magadha
(b) Avanti
(c) Vṛijji and Malla
(d) Kosala
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Vṛijji and Malla had assemblies that made decisions, including selecting their rulers, making them early republics.
Q5. What was the role of the sabhā or samiti in janapadas?
(a) Trade management
(b) Religious ceremonies
(c) Decision-making in the clan
(d) Building cities
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The sabhā or samiti was an assembly of elders who advised the rājā and took part in important decisions.
Q6. Which resource greatly contributed to the agricultural expansion during Second Urbanisation?
(a) Bronze
(b) Iron
(c) Silver
(d) Stone
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Iron tools allowed farmers to cultivate land more effectively, contributing to urban growth.
Q7. What is a punch-marked coin?
(a) A coin with a king’s photo
(b) Coin used only in trade with China
(c) Coin stamped with symbols
(d) A decorative object
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Punch-marked coins were the earliest coins in India, stamped with symbols instead of portraits.
Q8. Why were cities often built with moats and narrow gateways?
(a) For decoration
(b) To store water
(c) For defence and control
(d) For trade purposes
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Fortified cities with moats and narrow gates helped in defense and regulating movement of people and goods.
Q9. What does the Arthaśhāstra recommend for building a strong kingdom?
(a) Relying only on rainfall
(b) Avoiding forests
(c) Fortifying towns and building infrastructure
(d) Ignoring trade
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Arthaśhāstra recommends building forts, roads, water sources, and ensuring economic self-sufficiency.
Q10. What is a gaṇa or saṅgha in the context of ancient India?
(a) A type of temple
(b) A trade route
(c) A non-monarchic political system
(d) A religious ritual
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Gaṇa or saṅgha referred to a form of republic where decisions were made collectively by the assembly.
Q11. What was a major difference between Harappan and mahājanapada urban centres?
(a) Use of bricks
(b) Presence of trade
(c) Use of writing
(d) Political structure and coinage
Show Answer
Answer: (d)
Explanation: Mahājanapadas had political assemblies and coin-based economies, unlike Harappan cities.
Q12. What did the Dakṣiṇapatha and Uttarapatha routes connect?
(a) Oceans
(b) Mountains
(c) Regions across India for trade and travel
(d) Villages only
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: These routes were important north-south and east-west trade and pilgrimage pathways in ancient India.
Q13. Which southern kingdoms rose around 400 BCE?
(a) Magadha and Kosala
(b) Harappans
(c) Cholas, Cheras and Pāndyas
(d) Guptas
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Cholas, Cheras and Pāndyas emerged as powerful kingdoms in southern India around this period.
Q14. What raw materials contributed to south India’s overseas trade?
(a) Silk and wool
(b) Copper and clay
(c) Gems, gold, and spices
(d) Grains and sugar
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: South India traded its rich natural resources like spices, gems, and gold with other countries.
Q15. What did the Varṇa system define in ancient society?
(a) Weather
(b) Territory
(c) Social functions and roles
(d) City layout
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: The Varṇa system classified people into four groups based on their societal roles and duties.
Q16. What were jātis based on?
(a) Geography
(b) Language
(c) Occupation and profession
(d) Festivals
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Jātis were community groups based on hereditary occupation and social roles.
Q17. What is true about jātis in the early period?
(a) Fixed professions only
(b) No social mobility
(c) People sometimes changed occupations
(d) Only four jātis existed
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: People could change professions due to necessity, showing flexibility in the early varṇa-jāti system.
Q18. Why did the varṇa-jāti system become more rigid later?
(a) Because of new rulers
(b) Due to British rule and social practices
(c) Decline in trade
(d) Climatic change
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: The system became increasingly rigid over centuries, especially under colonial rule.
Q19. Which city had a square layout with gateways and wide roads?
(a) Magadha
(b) Sisupalgarh (Śhiśhupalgarh)
(c) Mathura
(d) Takshashila
Show Answer
Answer: (b)
Explanation: Sisupalgarh was a planned city with clear fortifications, streets, and gateways.
Q20. What replaced the mahājanapadas after 300 BCE?
(a) Colonial states
(b) Republics
(c) New empires and kingdoms
(d) Tribal communities
Show Answer
Answer: (c)
Explanation: Around 300 BCE, the mahājanapadas gave way to larger political structures and empires.
We hope the given mcq questions with Answers for New Beginnings: Cities and States Class 7 helps you in your learning.
Also check
- Understanding Markets – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 12 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- From Barter to Money – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 11 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- The Constitution of India – An Introduction – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 10 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- From the Rulers to the Ruled: Types of Governments – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 9 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- How the Land Becomes Sacred – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 8 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- The Gupta Era: An Age of Tireless Creativity – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- The Age of Reorganisation – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 6 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- The Rise of Empires – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 5 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- New Beginnings: Cities and States – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- Climates of India – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 3 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- Understanding the Weather – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 2 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
- Geographical Diversity of India – Class 7 Social Science Chapter 1 MCQ Questions with Answers | Exploring Society Book
🚀 Boost Your Exam Prep: Get MCQ Questions for all subjects (Class 6-12) now!
👉 Explore more resources on CBSE Class 7
Topics from which mcq questions may be asked
- Early human settlements
- Urbanization
- Role of rivers
Cities and states are the building blocks of civilization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on New Beginnings: Cities and States MCQ Questions
Q1: Why should I practice Class 7 Social Science Chapter 4 MCQs?
A1: Practicing MCQs helps in quick revision, improves problem-solving speed, and enhances conceptual understanding of important topics in Class 7 Social Science.
Q2: Are these Class 7 Social Science MCQs based on the latest syllabus?
A2: Yes, all the MCQs are designed as per the latest CBSE syllabus and exam pattern to help students prepare effectively.
Q3: Where can I find more MCQs for Class 7 Social Science?
A3: You can find more chapter-wise MCQs on our website. These are designed to cover important concepts and prepare you for exams.
Q4: Are the answers provided for all MCQs?
A4: Yes, each MCQ is accompanied by the correct answer and explanations to help students understand and learn better.
Q5: How can I improve my performance in Class 7 Social Science MCQs?
A5: To improve your performance, practice regularly, revise key concepts, and take mock tests to assess your knowledge.
Q6: Do these MCQs help in school exams?
A6: Yes, these MCQs are aligned with school exam patterns and help in scoring well by strengthening conceptual clarity.
Q7: Can I download these MCQs for offline practice?
A7: Yes, you can download or print these MCQs for convenient offline practice.
