NCERT Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I: Chapter 6 — The Age of Reorganisation
This chapter, 'The Age of Reorganisation,' from NCERT's Class 7 Social Science book 'Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I,' delves into the period following the Maurya empire. It explains why this era is termed the 'Age of Reorganisation' due to the emergence of numerous new kingdoms from the breakup of the Maurya empire. The chapter highlights the significant changes in the political map of India and the lives of its people. It also touches upon the weakening of the northwest region, making it vulnerable to foreign invasions. The narrative uses a fictional journey of Bhavisha and Dhruv to introduce the concept of diverse art pieces belonging to multiple kingdoms, setting the stage for exploring this transformative period in Indian history. Students will learn about the political fragmentation and the subsequent reorganisation of states, crucial for understanding ancient Indian history.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I |
| Chapter | Chapter 6 — The Age of Reorganisation |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 1 minute |
| Word count | 175 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the reasons for the period after the Maurya empire being called the 'Age of Reorganisation'.
- Identify the political fragmentation and emergence of new kingdoms.
- Recognize the significance of changes in the Indian subcontinent's map.
- Appreciate the cultural diversity reflected in art pieces from this era.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Rejuvenescence | The action or process of making something look or feel younger, fresher, or more lively. |
| Tributary kingdoms | A kingdom that pays tribute to a larger, more powerful kingdom or empire. |
| Overlordship | Supreme lord or master; dominance. |
| Subcontinent | A large, distinguishable part of a continent, such as India. |
| Artefacts | Objects made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest. |
| Assassinated | Murder (an important person) in a surprise attack for political or religious reasons. |
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Practice questions
- Why is the period after the Maurya empire sometimes called the 'Age of Reorganisation'? Answer: It is called the 'Age of Reorganisation' because the existing regions were reorganised into new kingdoms that constantly competed to become powerful after the breakup of the Maurya empire.
- Who assassinated the last Maurya emperor and when? Answer: The last Maurya emperor was assassinated around 185 BCE by his commander-in-chief, Puṣhyamitra Śhunga.
- What happened to the northwest region during this period? Answer: The northwest region became weak, exposing it to invasions from outside the subcontinent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'Age of Reorganisation'?
The 'Age of Reorganisation' refers to the period following the Maurya empire, characterized by the breakup of the empire and the emergence of many new, competing kingdoms.
When did the Maurya empire end?
The Maurya empire ended around 185 BCE when the last emperor was assassinated.
What was a significant consequence of the Maurya empire's breakup?
The breakup led to the emergence of many new kingdoms and a significant change in the political map of India.
What does the chapter suggest about the art from this period?
The chapter suggests that art pieces from this period were quite different from each other, possibly belonging to multiple kingdoms rather than just one.
What historical period does the timeline activity cover?
The timeline activity covers the period from the first year of the 2nd century BCE to the last year of the 3rd century CE.
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Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I — Chapter 6 — The Age of Reorganisation. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.