NCERT Class 7 Social Science Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit): Chapter 4 — नगराणि राज्यानि च
This chapter, "नगराणि राज्यानि च" (Cities and Kingdoms) from NCERT Class 7 Social Science, explores the transition from the decline of the Indus-Harappan civilization to the rise of early Indian history. It discusses the concept of "first urbanization" and its subsequent decline, leading to a period where urban life became scarce. The chapter highlights the importance of factors like fertile land, resources, water management, trade routes, and strong governance for the establishment and sustenance of kingdoms and cities. It introduces the significance of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas in early Indian history and how they developed their administrative systems, setting the stage for the "second urbanization" in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — नगराणि राज्यानि च |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 240 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of India's first and second urbanization.
- Learn about the decline of the Indus-Harappan civilization and its impact.
- Identify the key elements necessary for the establishment of kingdoms and cities.
- Recognize the importance of Janapadas and Mahajanapadas in early Indian history.
- Understand how early kingdoms developed their governance and administrative systems.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| नगरीकरणम् | Urbanization |
| जनपद | Janapada (territory/kingdom) |
| महाजनपद | Mahajanapada (great kingdom) |
| शासनव्यवस्था | System of governance/administration |
| नदी | River |
| तडाग | Pond/Tank |
| जलस्रोत | Water source |
| राजमार्ग | Royal road/highway |
| जलमार्ग | Waterway |
| अर्थव्यवस्था | Economy |
| शरणार्थी | Refugee |
| भग्नावशेष | Ruins |
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Practice questions
- भारतस्य 'प्रथम-नगरीकरणम्' इति किम् उच्यते? Answer: सिन्धु-हडप्पा-सरस्वती-सभ्यतायाः नगराणि भारतस्य 'प्रथम-नगरीकरणम्' इति उच्यन्ते।
- महाजनपदानां वृद्धिं कः प्रदेशः साहाय्यं कृतवान्? Answer: गङ्गा-समतलप्रदेशः महाजनपदानां वृद्धिं साहाय्यं कृतवान्।
- राज्यस्य रक्षणं कथं भवति? Answer: राजधान्याः सीमान्तनगराणां च सुदृढीकरणेन राज्यस्य रक्षणं भवति।
- नगराणि किं किं धारयन्ति स्म? Answer: नगराणि जनसम्मर्दयुक्ता वीथिः, व्यस्त-विपणयः, वि.शि.ष्टव्यवसाययुक्ताः समुदायाः, लेखन-व्यवस्थाथा, स्वच्छता-व्यवस्थाथा च धारयन्ति स्म।
Frequently asked questions
What is meant by India's 'first urbanization'?
India's 'first urbanization' refers to the cities of the Indus-Harappan-Saraswati civilization.
What happened after the decline of the first urbanization?
After the decline of the first urbanization, many cities were abandoned, and people returned to a rural lifestyle. Urban life became scarce for nearly a thousand years.
What factors are essential for a kingdom's strength and protection?
A kingdom's strength and protection depend on the fortification of its capital and border towns, fertile land, resources like minerals and wood, water sources, and efficient trade routes.
What role did the Ganga plains play in early Indian history?
The fertile Ganga plains played a significant role in the growth and prosperity of the Mahajanapadas.
What were Janapadas and Mahajanapadas?
Janapadas were early kingdoms or territories, and Mahajanapadas were larger, more significant kingdoms that developed later in early Indian history.
How did early kingdoms develop their governance?
Early kingdoms developed their governance systems through the fortification of capitals and border towns, management of resources, and establishment of administrative structures.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Social Science — Exploring Society India and Beyond Part-I (Sanskrit) — Chapter 4 — नगराणि राज्यानि च. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.