Class 7 History Notes
Janapadas, Mahajanapadas and Second
Urbanisation
These notes explain how India changed after the decline of the Harappan Civilisation. New kingdoms, cities, trade
routes and social systems developed during this period. This phase is called the Second Urbanisation.
1. Decline of the Harappan Civilisation
Definition: Harappan Civilisation was one of the earliest urban civilisations of India, also called the Indus Valley
Civilisation.
Important Points:
• Around 2000 BCE, the Harappan civilisation started declining.
• Many cities were abandoned.
• People moved back to village life.
• Urban life disappeared for nearly 1000 years.
Remember: Important urban features like drainage systems, writing and planned cities disappeared.
2. Second Urbanisation
Definition: A new phase of city development during the 1st millennium BCE mainly in the Ganga plains.
Important Points:
• New cities and towns developed.
• Trade and agriculture increased.
• Roads connected different regions.
Remember: Archaeological excavations and ancient texts provide evidence of this phase.
3. Janapadas
Definition: Territories where groups of people settled permanently.
Important Points:
• Each janapada had a Raja or ruler.
• People shared common customs and language.
• Trade and agriculture helped janapadas grow.
Remember: The word Janapada comes from ‘Jana’ meaning people and ‘Pada’ meaning foot/place.
4. Mahajanapadas
Definition: Large and powerful states formed by combining janapadas.
Important Points:
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas.
• They developed around 8th–7th century BCE.
• Most were located in northern India.
Remember: Magadha became the most powerful Mahajanapada.
5. Fortified Cities
Definition: Cities protected by strong walls and defenses.
Important Points:
• Cities had strong fort walls.
• Moats were built for protection.
• Gateways were narrow for security.
Remember: Many ancient capitals are still living cities today.
6. Sabha and Samiti
Definition: Assemblies or councils where important decisions were discussed.
Important Points:
• The Raja took advice from assemblies.
• Elders and ministers helped in governance.
• Some rulers could be removed if incompetent.
Remember: These assemblies show early democratic traditions in India.
7. Iron Technology
Definition: The use of iron tools and weapons during the Second Urbanisation.
Important Points:
• Iron tools improved agriculture.
• Iron weapons were stronger than bronze.
• Food production increased.
Remember: Iron technology helped cities and kingdoms grow rapidly.
8. Coins and Trade
Definition: The beginning of coin usage in India.
Important Points:
• Punch-marked coins were used.
• Trade connected different regions.
• Roads helped movement of goods.
Remember: Trade made cities rich and powerful.
9. Varna–Jati System
Definition: A social system dividing society into groups based on work and duties.
Important Points:
• Jati was linked with occupation.
• Varna system had four groups.
• Skills passed from one generation to another.
Remember: Over time, this system became rigid and unequal.
10. Important Trade Routes
Definition: Roads connecting different parts of India.
Important Points:
• Uttarapatha connected north India.
• Dakshinapatha connected north and south India.
• Goods, ideas and culture travelled through these routes.
Remember: Trade routes helped unite the Indian subcontinent.
11. Timeline of Important Events
Time Event
Around 2000 BCE Decline of Harappan Civilisation
End of 2nd Millennium BCE Rise of Janapadas
8th–7th Century BCE Formation of Mahajanapadas
1st Millennium BCE Second Urbanisation
Around 300 BCE Decline of Mahajanapadas
12. Quick Revision Points
• Harappan cities declined around 2000 BCE.
• Second Urbanisation began in the Ganga plains.
• There were 16 Mahajanapadas.
• Magadha became the strongest kingdom.
• Iron technology improved farming and warfare.
• Sabha and Samiti were important assemblies.
• Punch-marked coins were used for trade.
• Uttarapatha and Dakshinapatha were major trade routes.
13. Fun Facts
• Many ancient cities still exist today.
• The first Indian coins were made of silver.
• Trade routes connected India with other countries.
• Iron tools helped farmers grow more crops.