Consider the following statements about the emergence of urban centres

Consider the following statements about the emergence of urban centres in India from circa 6th Century BCE :

  1. All of them developed away from the capitals of mahajanpadas.
  2. Major towns were located along routes of communication.
  3. Many were bustling centres of commercial, cultural and political activity.

How many of the above statements is/are correct ?

1
2
3
None
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2024
Two of the provided statements about the emergence of urban centres in India from circa 6th Century BCE are correct.
Statement 1 is incorrect. Many major urban centres of this period, which marked the ‘Second Urbanization’ (e.g., Pataliputra, Rajagriha, Sravasti, Kausambi, Ujjayini), were indeed the capitals of the prominent *mahajanapadas* (great kingdoms).
Statement 2 is correct. Major towns and cities often developed along important trade routes and communication arteries, particularly river valleys like the Ganges, which facilitated transport and connectivity.
Statement 3 is correct. These emerging urban centres were not just administrative hubs but also vibrant centres of economic activity (trade, craft production), cultural exchange, and political power.
The 6th century BCE saw significant socio-economic changes in the Gangetic plain, including increased agricultural surplus due to the use of iron tools, the rise of powerful states (*mahajanapadas*), and the growth of trade networks, all of which contributed to the development of urban centres. Statements 2 and 3 accurately describe characteristics of these cities.
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