Social chapter 4

Second urbanisation

The period (around 1st millennium BCE) when new cities developed after the decline of the Harappan cities

Painted Grey Ware

A type of pottery with smooth surfaces and geometric patterns found in early settlements.

Janapada

An early settlement or region where people lived together under a common leader.

Mhajanapadas

A large and powerful Janapada that became an organised state with a fixed capital, army, and tax system

Republics (Ganarajya)

A state where leaders were chosen from a group and decision were made by discussion and voting

Monarchy

A system of rule where a single king or queen governed, often supported by ministers and armies.

Varna-Jati system

A social structure that grouped people based on occupation, birth, and customs

Uttarapatha

A major trade route in northern India that connected the Northwest to the eastern region

Dakshinapatha

A major southern route connecting northern India to southern trading areas

Shishupalgarh

An ancient planned city in present-day Odisha that shows early examples of urban design