The Second Urbanization: Emergence of Cities by 600 BC

The Emergence of Cities by 600 BC - OPSC History Optional

Q: Write a note on the cities that appeared by 600 BC.

Introduction

By 600 BC, the Indian subcontinent witnessed a transformative phase known as the Second Urbanization. After the decline of the Indus Valley, urban centers re-emerged in the Gangetic Valley, driven by the surplus of the Iron Age economy. Historian R.S. Sharma emphasizes that the widespread use of iron technology in clearing forests and improving agriculture was the fundamental catalyst for this urban transition.

Nature and Types of Cities

The cities of this era were not just residential hubs but centers of political power and commerce:

  • Capital Cities: Most cities emerged as the headquarters of the Mahajanapadas. Key examples include Rajgriha (Magadha), Kausambi (Vatsa), and Champa (Anga). These were often fortified with massive mud or stone walls to protect the ruling elite.
  • Commercial Hubs: Cities like Kashi (Varanasi) and Ujjain became famous as Pattanas (market towns). The growth of trade routes (Uttarapatha) and the introduction of Punch-Marked Coins facilitated the rise of a merchant class (Setthis).
  • Technological Markers: Archaeologically, these cities are associated with the Northern Black Polished Ware (NBPW) culture. The presence of ring wells and sophisticated drainage reflects a high degree of civic planning.

Conclusion

The emergence of cities by 600 BC signaled the end of the pastoral-tribal lifestyle and the birth of a state-organized society. These urban centers became the crucibles for heterodox religions like Buddhism and Jainism. Ultimately, the Second Urbanization provided the material base upon which the first pan-Indian empires, such as the Mauryas, were subsequently built.

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