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Grade 9 → History → Pastoralists in the Modern World → 5.4-Exercises (Pastoralists in the Modern World)
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Solved Example: 5-4-01
1. Explain why nomadic tribes need to move from one place to another. ? What are the advantages to the environment of this continuous
movement?
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Solution:
Reasons for Nomadic Tribes' Movement and Environmental Advantages
Nomadic tribes move from one place to another primarily in search of fresh pastures, water, and resources for their livestock. This mobility allows them to adapt to seasonal changes and ensure the survival of their herds. The continuous movement benefits the environment by preventing overgrazing in any single area, which helps maintain soil fertility and supports biodiversity. Additionally, their traditional practices often include rotational grazing, which promotes the regeneration of vegetation and minimizes the ecological impact, leading to healthier ecosystems. This sustainable approach contributes to the resilience of both the tribes and their surrounding environments.
Solved Example: 5-4-02
2. Discuss why the colonial government in India brought in the following laws. In each case, explain how the law changed the lives of pastoralists:
Waste Land rules
Forest Acts
Criminal Tribes Act
Grazing Tax
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Solution:
Impact of Colonial Laws on Pastoralists
The Waste Land Rules aimed to convert unproductive lands into revenue-generating agricultural fields, displacing pastoralists from traditional grazing areas. The Forest Acts restricted access to forests, making it illegal for pastoralists to graze their animals in these regions, disrupting their livelihoods. The Criminal Tribes Act labeled certain communities as "criminal," subjecting them to surveillance and restrictions, undermining their social structures and mobility. The Grazing Tax imposed fees for grazing livestock on common lands, increasing the financial burden on pastoralists and limiting their ability to sustain their herds, ultimately altering their way of life.
Solved Example: 5-4-03
Give reasons to explain why the Maasai community lost their grazing lands.
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Solution:
Reasons for Loss of Grazing Lands in the Maasai Community
The Maasai community lost their grazing lands due to several factors. Colonial policies prioritized land for European settlers, leading to the appropriation of vast tracts of land traditionally used by the Maasai. Additionally, the establishment of national parks and wildlife reserves restricted access to key grazing areas, as the government aimed to promote tourism and wildlife conservation. Climate change and environmental degradation further diminished available pastures, while increasing competition for land from agricultural expansion put additional pressure on their traditional grazing practices. These combined factors significantly reduced the Maasai's access to essential resources.
Solved Example: 5-4-04
There are many similarities in the way in which the modern world forced changes in the lives of pastoral communities in India and East Africa. Write about any two examples of changes which were similar for Indian pastoralists and the Maasai herders.
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Solution:
Similar Changes for Indian Pastoralists and Maasai Herders
Both Indian pastoralists and Maasai herders faced land appropriation due to colonial policies, which prioritized agricultural expansion and the establishment of protected areas. This led to the loss of traditional grazing lands, severely impacting their livelihoods. Additionally, both communities experienced increased pressure from government regulations, such as grazing taxes and restrictions on movement, which limited their ability to migrate seasonally in search of pastures. These changes not only disrupted their traditional practices but also contributed to social and economic challenges, diminishing their resilience and adaptability in the face of modernization.
