Solution:

Fill in the blanks:

(a) The British described the tribal people as “criminals”.

(b) The method of sowing seeds in jhum cultivation is known as “broadcasting”.

(c) The tribal chiefs got “zamindari” titles in central India under the British land settlements.

(d) Tribals went to work in the “tea gardens” of Assam and the “plantations” in Bihar.

Solution:

State whether true or false:

Solution:

Problems Faced by Shifting Cultivators Under British Rule

Shifting cultivators, also known as jhum cultivators, faced several challenges under British colonial rule:

• Loss of Land Rights: The British introduced land settlement systems that took away the land rights of shifting cultivators. They were no longer recognized as legal owners of the land they had traditionally cultivated.
• Restrictions on Movement: Shifting cultivators were used to moving from one place to another for cultivation. The British imposed restrictions on their movement and settlement, forcing them to stay in fixed locations.
• Forest Laws: The British introduced forest laws that restricted the use of forests for cultivation and other purposes. This impacted shifting cultivators who relied on forests for their agricultural practices.
• Increased Taxation: Under British rule, shifting cultivators were subjected to high taxes and land revenue policies. This made it difficult for them to sustain their livelihood.
• Encroachment of Forests: The British promoted commercial agriculture and the extraction of forest resources for revenue, which resulted in the loss of land and forests that shifting cultivators used for farming.
• Introduction of Cash Crops: The British encouraged the cultivation of cash crops like tea, indigo, and opium instead of food crops. This led to the displacement of traditional farming methods practiced by shifting cultivators.

Solution:

How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule?

Under colonial rule, the powers of tribal chiefs were significantly altered. Before British colonization, tribal chiefs had considerable autonomy and held substantial authority within their communities. They made decisions about land, resources, and law, and often played central roles in the social, political, and economic activities of their tribes.

However, with the establishment of British rule, tribal chiefs lost much of their traditional power. The British government implemented new systems of governance that bypassed or undermined the traditional authority of the chiefs. For instance, the British introduced new laws and administrative structures that controlled land rights and resources, often ignoring the customs and practices of the tribal communities.

The colonial administration introduced the system of land revenue, which directly affected the power of tribal chiefs. Instead of local chiefs managing the land, the British government took control and imposed taxes. This reduced the chiefs' ability to collect revenues and maintain their influence over their tribes.

In many cases, the British directly appointed new leaders who were loyal to colonial rule, further weakening the traditional tribal authority. Chiefs who resisted British policies were often removed, punished, or sidelined, leading to a decline in their social and political status.

As a result, the powers of tribal chiefs were greatly diminished under colonial rule, and their role was reduced to that of a subordinate figure, often functioning within the limits set by the colonial government.

Solution:

What Accounts for the Anger of the Tribals Against the Dikus?

The anger of the tribals against the dikus (outsiders, particularly the British and their collaborators) can be attributed to various factors:

• Loss of Land and Resources: The British introduced policies that led to the alienation of tribal lands. The tribals, who depended on forests and land for their livelihoods, were deprived of their resources as the land was taken over for cultivation, mining, and other commercial purposes.
• Exploitation by Middlemen: The tribals were often exploited by moneylenders, landlords, and traders, known as "dikus," who took advantage of their lack of education and knowledge of the legal system. These middlemen charged high interest rates and forcibly took over tribal lands when the tribals failed to repay their debts.
• Imposition of Taxes: The British introduced heavy taxes on tribal lands, forest products, and agricultural produce. The tribals, who traditionally lived without such burdens, found themselves under financial strain.
• Restriction on Forest Rights: The British and the dikus imposed restrictions on the tribal use of forests. Tribal people, who relied on forests for food, timber, and medicinal plants, found their access severely restricted or controlled by the colonial government.
• Cultural and Social Impact: The entry of the dikus also led to the erosion of tribal customs, traditions, and social structures. The tribals felt alienated as they were forced to adopt foreign practices and religions, leading to a sense of cultural degradation.
• Increased Violence and Oppression: Tribals were subjected to violence and oppressive measures by the British forces and their local agents when they resisted land and resource appropriation. This further fueled their resentment and anger.

Solution:

Birsa's Vision of a Golden Age

Birsa Munda, a prominent leader and spiritual figure in the late 19th century, envisioned a society where the tribal people, particularly the Munda community, could live in peace, prosperity, and freedom. His idea of a golden age was one where the Munda people would regain control over their land, culture, and traditions. Birsa advocated for a return to traditional tribal values, including communal ownership of land and the rejection of exploitative systems imposed by outsiders like landlords, moneylenders, and colonial forces.

He also envisioned a society free from the exploitation of the British government and local zamindars. The golden age he dreamt of was one where the Munda people lived in harmony with nature, following their ancient customs and practices, without fear of oppression or exploitation. In his vision, the land belonged to the people, and they could practice their religious beliefs freely without interference from colonial authorities or Christian missionaries.

Why Birsa's Vision Appealed to the People

Birsa's vision appealed to the people of the region for several reasons. First, the tribal communities were experiencing severe exploitation under the British colonial administration and local landlords. Many tribal people were forced to give up their lands and were subjected to harsh taxes and forced labor. Birsa's call for a return to their traditional way of life promised a chance to reclaim their rights, land, and dignity.

Second, the Munda people had a deep connection to their land and culture, and Birsa's vision of a society that respected these values resonated with them. The idea of a golden age, free from foreign domination and cultural suppression, offered hope for a better future where the Munda could live according to their own customs and beliefs.

Lastly, Birsa's spiritual leadership, combined with his call for social and political justice, inspired a sense of unity and resistance among the tribal people. His vision gave them a sense of identity and purpose, motivating them to stand up against the exploitation they faced.

Solution:

Heroes of Other Tribal Revolts in the Twentieth Century

The tribal revolts in the twentieth century were an important part of India's struggle for independence. Many tribal leaders fought against British colonial rule, as well as the injustices they faced from landlords and local rulers. Here are some notable heroes from different tribal revolts:

1. Birsa Munda (Ulgulan or Munda Rebellion, 1899-1900)

Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader in the Chotanagpur region (now Jharkhand). He led the Munda tribe in a revolt against British rule and the exploitation by landlords. Birsa advocated for the preservation of tribal culture and the right to land. He is considered a hero and a god by the Munda people. His leadership inspired many to fight for their rights, and he was eventually arrested by the British in 1900, dying under mysterious circumstances in prison at a young age.

2. Rani Gaidinliu (Naga Rebellion, 1930s)

Rani Gaidinliu was a young Naga leader who led the Naga tribe in a movement against British rule. Born in Manipur, she was influenced by the religious leader Haipou Jadonang, who was against British colonialism and Christian missionary influence. After his execution, Rani Gaidinliu took over the leadership and continued the fight. She was arrested in 1932 at the age of 16, and spent several years in jail before being released in 1947. She remains an iconic figure in Naga history.

3. Alluri Sitarama Raju (Rampa Rebellion, 1922-1924)

Alluri Sitarama Raju was a leader of the tribal people in the Eastern Ghats, especially in the present-day Andhra Pradesh. He led the Rampa Rebellion against the British policies, which had disrupted the lives of the tribal communities in the region. Alluri Raju was known for his courage and guerrilla warfare tactics. He was finally captured and executed by the British in 1924, but his resistance continues to inspire many. He is celebrated as a martyr in the history of India's freedom struggle.

4. Sidhu and Kanhu (Santhal Rebellion, 1855-1856)

Sidhu and Kanhu were the leaders of the Santhal tribe in present-day Bihar, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. They led a rebellion against the exploitation by British landlords and the oppressive tax system. The Santhals were fighting to protect their land and resources. The revolt was a significant one, but despite initial successes, it was suppressed by the British. Sidhu and Kanhu's bravery has made them symbols of tribal resistance in India.

Solution:

Tribal Group: The Santhal Tribe

The Santhal tribe is one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily living in the states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. The tribe has a rich cultural heritage, with unique customs and practices that have been passed down through generations. Over the last 50 years, their way of life has changed significantly due to various social, economic, and environmental factors.

Customs and Way of Life

The Santhals traditionally lived in villages made up of simple mud houses with thatched roofs. They follow a distinct social structure with a strong emphasis on community life. The tribe has a rich tradition of dance, music, and festivals, with the "Sohrai" festival being one of the most important. During the festival, they celebrate the harvest season and offer prayers to their deities for a good crop.

The Santhals primarily practiced agriculture and depended on the forests for their livelihood. They grew crops such as rice, maize, and pulses and were skilled in hunting, fishing, and gathering forest produce. Their traditional occupations were closely linked to nature, and they maintained a harmonious relationship with the land and environment.

Changes in the Last 50 Years

Over the last 50 years, the Santhal tribe has undergone significant changes due to various external influences. One of the major changes is the impact of modernization and urbanization. Many Santhal communities have moved from their rural homes to urban areas in search of better employment opportunities, leading to a shift from traditional agricultural practices to work in factories, construction, and service sectors.

Government policies, land acquisition, and development projects like dams and mines have disrupted their traditional land-based lifestyles. Many Santhals have lost their ancestral lands due to displacement caused by industrial and infrastructure projects. As a result, the tribe has faced challenges in preserving their agricultural practices and their relationship with the land.

Another significant change has been the influence of education and communication. Over the past few decades, there has been a gradual increase in the literacy rate among Santhal children, and many Santhal people are now pursuing higher education. This has brought new opportunities but has also led to a shift in cultural values. The younger generation is increasingly exposed to urban culture, which sometimes leads to a loss of traditional knowledge and practices.

Additionally, the Santhal people have become more involved in political activism, demanding recognition of their rights, better living conditions, and protection of their culture. Tribal organizations and movements have emerged to safeguard their interests, especially regarding land rights and the preservation of their customs.