NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science presents clear, stepwise answers for every chapter of the new textbook Exploring Society India and Beyond. Explanations are written in student-friendly language aligned with the CBSE syllabus and the National Council of Educational Research and Training. Each chapter below contains short section overviews to build understanding first, followed by tables you can use to jump straight to the exact answers you need.

Table of Contents

Theme A – India and the World: Land and the People

Chapter 1: Geographical Diversity of India

India’s physical diversity shapes how people live, farm, travel, and trade. This chapter links relief (Himalayas, Northern Plains, Peninsular Plateau, Desert, Coasts, Islands) with soil, rainfall, vegetation, and settlement patterns. Students master direction words (N/NE/SW), altitude logic, and relief–climate relationships such as orographic rainfall on windward slopes and rain-shadow conditions on leeward sides. You also learn why river valleys attract dense populations, how plateaus favour mining and hydropower, and why deserts need canal irrigation. In answers, write in cause → effect style: name the landform, add one climate/soil feature, and finish with its impact on people (crop choice, housing, industries). Map labelling and a single solid example—like tea in humid hill slopes of Assam or cotton in black soil of Deccan—earn easy marks.

Section 1.1 – Relief, Soils & Resources

Relief controls slope, drainage, and soil formation. The Himalayas act as a climatic barrier and water tower; plains have deep alluvium and gentle gradients; plateaus carry old hard rocks rich in minerals; deserts show sandy soil and sparse streams; coasts and islands support fishing and ports. Link soils with crops: alluvial → rice/wheat; black soil → cotton; red/laterite with manure → millets/cashewnut; mountain soils → tea/coffee. For a 3-marker, state landform + soil + one matching activity (“black cotton soil retains moisture, hence cotton and oilseeds”). When drawing, mark the Himalayan ranges in the north, Thar Desert in the west, and coastal belts on both sides; add a legend for clarity.

Section 1.2 – People–Environment Interactions

Human life adapts to environment but also reshapes it. Hilly regions build terraced farms and wooden houses; plains develop canal networks and brick settlements; desert communities value stepwells and windbreaks; coasts thrive on ports, shipyards, and fish markets. Transport varies with relief—roads and tunnels in mountains, railways across plains, coastal shipping on sea routes. In answers, compare two regions using one feature each (e.g., “plains—dense rail network due to flat relief; mountains—ropeways and tunnels due to steep slopes”). Close with a sustainability line—afforestation on slopes, drip irrigation in dry zones, or mangrove protection near deltas—to show awareness and secure credit.

Chapter 2: Understanding the Weather

Weather is the daily condition of the atmosphere, measured by temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and rainfall. This chapter trains you to read instruments—thermometer, barometer, hygrometer, rain gauge, wind vane/anemometer—and to interpret simple weather maps. You connect local winds such as sea and land breezes to uneven heating and learn how clouds form when moist air cools and condenses. Common errors include mixing up weather with climate and forgetting units. In answers, quote the element, the instrument, and one local effect: “High humidity measured by a hygrometer makes evaporation slower; sweat dries slowly.” Add a neat sketch where asked to pick up presentation marks.

Section 2.1 – Elements & Instruments

Each weather element has a tool and a correct unit: air temperature (°C), pressure (millibars), humidity (percentage), wind speed (km/h or m/s), rainfall (mm). The section shows how to place a rain gauge on level ground, read a thermometer at eye level, and position a wind vane freely. You also learn why pressure differences drive winds and how clouds types hint at upcoming weather. A typical 3-marker asks: “How do we measure rainfall and what does it indicate?” Answer by naming the instrument, unit, and an effect such as soil moisture for crops or flood warnings for cities.

Section 2.2 – Local Winds & Forecast Skills

Sea breeze by day and land breeze by night arise from differential heating of land and water. You apply the concept to explain coastal comfort and inland heat. The section also introduces weather symbols and simple forecast statements: “falling pressure and dark cumulonimbus → thunderstorm likely.” For short answers, use the pattern cause → wind direction → effect (“Land cools faster at night; air over land sinks and sea breeze reverses to land breeze, giving cooler nights near the coast”). This reasoning earns full credit without long writing.

Chapter 3: Climates of India

Climate is the average weather over many years. India’s climate is monsoonal, shaped by latitude, altitude, distance from the sea, relief, and prevailing winds. You track four seasons and the two monsoon branches (Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal), understand orographic rainfall on the windward Western Ghats, and discover why the Thar Desert is dry. Correlating wind direction with rainfall distribution is the key skill. While answering, name the season, the wind, and one relief/sea factor—then state the effect on rainfall or temperature. Climographs help you read a city’s climate in seconds; practise two comparisons for full marks.

Section 3.1 – Monsoon Mechanism & Seasons

In summer, intense heating over land draws moist winds from the oceans; mountains lift these winds, cooling them and releasing rain. Retreating monsoon brings showers to the Coromandel coast as winds pick moisture from the Bay of Bengal while returning. You learn months for onset and withdrawal and why Kerala receives early rain. A crisp answer pairs month + wind branch + region (“SW monsoon, Arabian Sea branch, hits Kerala early June”). Map arrows with labels secure extra credit.

Section 3.2 – Climate Controls & Regions

Latitude explains heat zones; altitude cools mountains; distance from sea brings continentality; relief redirects winds; ocean currents and pressure belts shift with seasons. Using these, you classify India into broad climatic regions—wettest areas in Meghalaya/W. Ghats, dry Rajasthan interior, cool Himalayas, equable coasts. For a 5-marker, compare two cities (e.g., Mumbai and Jaipur) using one factor each and a concluding line on lifestyle or crops. This comparison method is quick and examiner-friendly.

Theme B – Tapestry of the Past

Chapter 4: New Beginnings – Cities and States

This chapter traces how early towns and small kingdoms emerged from fertile river valleys and trade crossroads. You read sources such as inscriptions, coins, and travellers’ accounts to understand urban planning, crafts, guilds, taxation, and the rise of local rulers. A strong answer names the source and the evidence it offers, then links it to a social or economic effect—like how river ports enabled craft specialisation or how surplus food supported officials and soldiers.

Section 4.1 – Sources & Urban Life

Archaeological remains reveal street layouts, drains, workshops, and storage jars; inscriptions and coins give names of kings, weights, and trade networks. You connect artefacts with occupations—potters, weavers, metal workers—and explain why towns cluster near rivers, passes, and coasts. Typical 3-markers ask you to infer from a source; answer by quoting the artefact, stating what it shows, and linking to urban life (markets, taxes, defences). Keep sentences short and focused on evidence.

Section 4.2 – Kingship, Taxes & Trade

Local chiefs grew powerful by controlling land and trade routes, collecting taxes in kind (grain, cloth, labour), and maintaining militias. Administration remained simple but effective via village assemblies and guilds. When asked about “how states emerged,” use a chain: surplus → specialisation → trade → revenue → military protection → larger territories. This cause-effect format is tidy and persuasive.

Chapter 5: The Rise of Empires

You study how larger empires formed by uniting regions, controlling resources, and standardising administration. Military organisation, roads, and capitals helped rulers collect revenue and maintain law and order. In answers, identify one unifying policy (roads, coins, officials), one economic base (agriculture, mining), and one effect on people (safety, trade expansion).

Section 5.1 – Administration & Integration

Empires appointed provincial governors, maintained standing armies, and issued orders through messengers and inscriptions. Standard weights and coins eased taxes and trade. To answer “How did empires manage diversity?” give one administrative device (local officials, land surveys) and one cultural tool (toleration, patronage of learning) with a result (reduced rebellion, stable revenue).

Section 5.2 – Economy, Roads & Culture

Roads linked markets and capitals; caravans and river transport moved bulk goods; craftsmen supplied weapons and luxury items. Cultural exchanges—script, language, and art—travelled along the same routes. A crisp 5-marker contrasts two regions by listing main crops/resources, trade routes, and one cultural impact such as a shared script or architectural style.

Chapter 6: The Age of Reorganisation

After strong empires decline, regions reorganise power. New rulers bargain with local elites, adopt flexible tax collection, and revive trade by protecting routes. Temples and monasteries act as landholders, banks, and education centres. In answers, describe one administrative change, one economic measure, and one cultural institution to show a balanced view.

Section 6.1 – Political Strategies

Rulers often granted land to officials and religious institutions in exchange for loyalty and local administration. Alliances through marriage and treaties reduced conflict costs. Explain this by the chain: land grant → local cooperation → easier revenue → stability. A small map pointer (river basin, pass, or coast) shows why a capital was chosen.

Section 6.2 – Society, Temples & Trade

Temples and monasteries received donations and employed artisans; markets around them supported traders and pilgrims. Guilds set standards and prices, and sea routes connected coastal towns to distant ports. A neat answer links institution → economic role → benefit to people (jobs, learning, relief during famine), which brings clarity and marks.

Chapter 7: The Gupta Era – An Age of Tireless Creativity

Known for advances in literature, science, mathematics, astronomy, and art, the Gupta period also developed efficient administration and land-revenue systems. Your task is to show how economic surplus supported learning and why stable governance fostered creativity. When writing, pair one achievement with one enabling factor—like university patronage leading to mathematical texts.

Section 7.1 – Administration, Economy & Society

Land revenue remained the main income; records mention taxes, officials, and village assemblies. Gold coins indicate flourishing trade. Society saw craft specialisation and urban growth. Use inscriptions/coins as evidence in 3-markers; conclude with an effect—prosperity enabling temple building and education.

Section 7.2 – Learning, Science & Arts

Classical Sanskrit literature, grammar, and theatre grew; scholars worked on numerals and astronomy; sculpture and temple architecture matured. A high-scoring answer names one text/field and connects it to patronage and societal stability. Add a single line on long-term impact—foundations for later education and culture.

Theme C – Our Cultural Heritage & Knowledge Traditions

Chapter 8: How the Land Becomes Sacred

Communities attach spiritual meaning to landscapes—rivers, mountains, groves—leading to rituals, fairs, and conservation customs. This chapter connects beliefs to environmental care and local economies. To score well, show both sides: cultural identity and practical benefits such as water protection or forest preservation.

Section 8.1 – Sacred Landscapes & Community Life

Pilgrimage routes, river ghats, hill shrines, and village groves organise calendars and livelihoods—priests, potters, weavers, and food sellers depend on them. Festivals strengthen solidarity. When asked for significance, write place → practice → social/economic effect. Use one local example if allowed.

Section 8.2 – Traditions & Conservation

Sacred groves often restrict cutting and hunting, protecting biodiversity and springs. River rituals encourage cleanliness when backed by civic action. Frame answers as belief supporting a conservation rule; add a modern extension like community clean-ups or regulated tourism to show awareness.

Theme D – Governance and Democracy

Chapter 9: From the Rulers to the Ruled – Types of Governments

Compare monarchy, dictatorship, and democracy, then focus on India’s parliamentary democracy. You learn levels of government—local, state, union—and the importance of elections, representation, and accountability. To answer smartly, define the type, list a key feature, and add one advantage or limitation.

Section 9.1 – Systems of Government

Monarchy concentrates power in a ruler; dictatorship in one party/leader; democracy shares power through elected representatives and rule of law. Use a tidy two-column comparison (who holds power, how chosen, accountability). Finish with one citizen right or duty for balance.

Section 9.2 – Indian Democracy in Practice

India follows a parliamentary system with universal adult franchise. You see how constituencies elect MLAs/MPs, how executives are responsible to legislatures, and how independent bodies (judiciary, election commission) safeguard fairness. For 5-markers, explain one institution and one accountability method (questions, debates, RTI, courts).

Chapter 10: The Constitution of India – An Introduction

The Constitution is the supreme law that sets goals, rights, duties, and how the government works. You study the Preamble, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles, and the separation of powers. In answers, quote one Preamble value, one Right with a classroom example, or one Directive Principle with a policy example for full marks.

Section 10.1 – Preamble, Rights & Duties

The Preamble declares India sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, and republic. Fundamental Rights protect equality, freedom, cultural and educational rights, and remedies; Duties remind citizens to respect the Constitution, care for public property, and promote harmony. Write definition → example (“Right to Equality—no discrimination in school admissions”).

Section 10.2 – Institutions & Checks

Legislature makes laws, executive implements them, judiciary interprets them. Federalism shares powers between union and states. Independent election and audit bodies keep systems clean. For structured answers, name the organ, its core function, and one check on it. End with why checks maintain liberty.

Theme E – Economic Life Around Us

Chapter 11: From Barter to Money

Economies evolved from direct exchange (barter) to the use of money because money solves the problem of double coincidence of wants. You learn functions of money—medium of exchange, measure of value, store of value—and the role of banks in savings, credit, and digital payments. In answers, define the function and give one life example such as paying bus fare or saving for a bicycle.

Section 11.1 – Barter, Money & Banking Basics

Barter works when two people need each other’s goods at the same time. Money removes that condition and makes trade faster. Banks keep deposits safe, pay interest, and lend to people and businesses. For a 3-marker, state the barrier in barter → how money solves it → one benefit (specialisation, wider markets).

Section 11.2 – Saving, Credit & Digital Payments

Small savings grow over time; credit helps buy costly items or run a shop. You compare formal lenders (banks, cooperatives) with informal ones and note the importance of repayment capacity. Digital tools—cards, UPI—make small payments quick and traceable. Write advantage + caution (“keep PIN safe”).

Chapter 12: Understanding Markets

Markets are places—physical or digital—where buyers and sellers meet. You compare weekly markets, neighbourhood shops, shopping complexes, and online marketplaces. The chapter highlights quality, price, convenience, and consumer rights. To answer well, describe the market type, name one advantage and one limitation, and include a consumer-right line such as the right to information or to seek redressal.

Section 12.1 – Types of Markets & Roles

Weekly markets offer low prices and variety but limited guarantees; neighbourhood shops provide credit and quick access; malls give branded goods and return policies; e-commerce offers wide choice and home delivery but needs caution about reviews and data safety. When asked to choose a market, match the need (fresh vegetables vs durable goods) with the best option and explain in one line.

Section 12.2 – Consumers & Rights

Consumers should read labels for MRP, quantity, and expiry; ask for bills; and use helplines or portals for complaints. Awareness prevents unfair practices. A tight 5-marker lists two rights (information, redressal), one responsibility (check bill), and one action step (contact seller platform or consumer court if unresolved). Keep examples practical to secure marks.

Also Read

Class 7 SST – Old Syllabus (Quick Index)

Geography – Our Environment

History – Our Pasts II

Civics – Social and Political Life II

FAQs – NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science