Chapter 6 Second Urbanisation in India
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History of Second Urbanisation in India
The Second Urbanisation in India refers to a period of
significant socio-economic and cultural development that took place between
approximately 600 BCE and 200 BCE. This era marked the resurgence of urban centers
and the growth of new cities in the Indian subcontinent following the decline
of the Indus Valley Civilization around 1900 BCE.
The Second Urbanisation is particularly noted for its
association with the rise of kingdoms and the spread of new socio-economic
practices. Key aspects of this period include:
1.
Emergence of Mahajanapadas
• Mahajanapadas:
Sixteen large states, known as Mahajanapadas, emerged during this period. These
included prominent ones like Magadha, Kosala, Vatsa, and Avanti. They played a
crucial role in the political and economic landscape of ancient India.
• Political
Organization: These states were either monarchies or oligarchies, with
centralized administrative systems that facilitated urban growth and trade.
2.
Economic Transformation
• Agriculture:
Advancements in agricultural techniques, including the use of iron tools, led
to increased agricultural productivity. This surplus supported larger
populations and the growth of cities.
• Trade and
Commerce: There was a significant expansion in trade, both internal and
external. Cities became centers of trade, with merchants and artisans playing a
crucial role in the economy.
• Currency:
The use of coinage began, facilitating trade and economic transactions.
3. Urban
Centers and Cities
• New Urban
Centers: Cities like Rajgir, Ujjain, Pataliputra, and Kaushambi developed into
major urban hubs. These cities featured advanced infrastructure, including
roads, drainage systems, and public buildings.
• Population
Growth: The increase in agricultural production and trade led to significant
population growth in these urban areas.
4. Social
and Cultural Developments
• Caste
System: The period saw the further development of the caste system, which
organized society into distinct hierarchical groups.
• Religious
Movements: This era witnessed the rise of new religious and philosophical
movements, most notably Buddhism and Jainism, which challenged the existing
Vedic traditions and offered alternative paths to spiritual liberation.
• Education
and Learning: Centers of learning, such as Taxila and Nalanda, flourished,
attracting students from various parts of the world.
5. Art
and Architecture
• Stupas
and Viharas: The construction of stupas (Buddhist reliquary mounds) and viharas
(monastic complexes) became prevalent.
• Cultural
Exchange: Increased interaction with other cultures, facilitated by trade, led
to the exchange of artistic and architectural ideas.
6.
Political and Military Conflicts
• Power
Struggles: The period was marked by frequent conflicts among the Mahajanapadas
for territorial dominance, with Magadha eventually emerging as a powerful state
under rulers like Bimbisara and Ajatashatru.
• External
Threats: There were also invasions by foreign powers, such as the Persian invasion
of the northwest Indian subcontinent.
Key
Takeaways:
• The
Second Urbanisation marked a period of significant urban growth, economic
prosperity, and cultural development in ancient India.
• It laid
the foundation for future political entities and set the stage for the rise of
the Maurya Empire, which would unify much of the Indian subcontinent.
This period is a critical phase in Indian history, representing a transition from small tribal communities to larger, more complex urban societies.