Which of the following factors contributed to the growth of villages and kingdoms around 2500 years ago? 1. Use of iron ploughshare. 2. Transplantation of paddy. 3. Development of irrigation works like canals and tanks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (d). Explanation Around 2500 years ago (c. 6th Century BCE), the Ganga-Yamuna doab and surrounding regions witnessed significant economic changes. These changes created an agricultural surplus, which served as the foundation for the Second Urbanisation and the consolidation of large territorial states (Mahajanapadas). Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The introduction of the iron ploughshare was a technological breakthrough. It allowed farmers to turn over the heavy, clay-rich soil of the Gangetic plains more effectively than wooden ploughs. This led to a substantial increase in grain production. - Statement 2 is Correct: Agriculture shifted from scattering seeds to the transplantation of paddy. In this method, saplings were grown separately and then planted in the fields. This significantly increased the survival rate of plants and boosted overall yields, despite being labor-intensive. - Statement 3 is Correct: To support intensive agriculture and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall, systematic irrigation works were developed. Kings and communities constructed canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes to ensure consistent water supply for crops. Key Takeaway: The growth of kingdoms and the rise of urban centers in ancient India were primarily driven by an agricultural surplus, enabled by the use of iron tools, paddy transplantation, and organized irrigation.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

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Which of the following factors contributed to the growth of villages and kingdoms around 2500 years ago?

Use of iron ploughshare.
Transplantation of paddy.
Development of irrigation works like canals and tanks.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 and 3 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2, 3 and 4

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Around 2500 years ago (c. 6th Century BCE), the Ganga-Yamuna doab and surrounding regions witnessed significant economic changes. These changes created an agricultural surplus, which served as the foundation for the Second Urbanisation and the consolidation of large territorial states (Mahajanapadas).

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The introduction of the iron ploughshare was a technological breakthrough. It allowed farmers to turn over the heavy, clay-rich soil of the Gangetic plains more effectively than wooden ploughs. This led to a substantial increase in grain production.
Statement 2 is Correct: Agriculture shifted from scattering seeds to the transplantation of paddy. In this method, saplings were grown separately and then planted in the fields. This significantly increased the survival rate of plants and boosted overall yields, despite being labor-intensive.
Statement 3 is Correct: To support intensive agriculture and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall, systematic irrigation works were developed. Kings and communities constructed canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes to ensure consistent water supply for crops.

Key Takeaway:

The growth of kingdoms and the rise of urban centers in ancient India were primarily driven by an agricultural surplus, enabled by the use of iron tools, paddy transplantation, and organized irrigation.

Your note

More from Chapter 8: Vital villages, thriving towns

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Which agricultural innovation is considered a primary factor in the rise of production in the Ganga valley during the 6th century BCE?

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Consider the following statements regarding the development of agriculture in early historic India: 1. Irrigation works such as canals, wells, and artificial lakes were built to support flourishing villages. 2. The use of iron axes helped in clearing forests for expanding cultivation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the social structure in the Tamil region during the early historic period: 1. Large landowners were known as vellalar. 2. Ordinary ploughmen were known as adimai. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements with reference to the ancient Tamil society: 1. The term kadaisiyar referred to landless labourers. 2. The term uzhavar referred to large landowners. 3. The term adimai included slaves. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The introduction of the iron ploughshare was a technological breakthrough. It allowed farmers to turn over the heavy, clay-rich soil of the Gangetic plains more effectively than wooden ploughs. This led to a substantial increase in grain production.
Statement 2 is Correct: Agriculture shifted from scattering seeds to the transplantation of paddy. In this method, saplings were grown separately and then planted in the fields. This significantly increased the survival rate of plants and boosted overall yields, despite being labor-intensive.
Statement 3 is Correct: To support intensive agriculture and reduce dependency on erratic rainfall, systematic irrigation works were developed. Kings and communities constructed canals, wells, tanks, and artificial lakes to ensure consistent water supply for crops.

Key Takeaway: