Extra Question Class 8 History Chapter 4 Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Q: Who are referred to as 'Dikus' in the context of this chapter?

Answer: 'Dikus' is a term used by tribal people to refer to outsiders, particularly non-tribal traders, moneylenders, and officials.

Q: What was the 'Golden Age' envisioned by Birsa Munda?

Answer: Birsa Munda envisioned a 'Golden Age' where the tribals would live without fear or oppression, enjoying equality, autonomy, and prosperity in their ancestral lands.

Q: Which tribe did Birsa Munda belong to?

Answer: Birsa Munda belonged to the Munda tribe, one of the prominent tribal communities in the Chotanagpur plateau region.

Q; What were the grievances of the tribal people against the British colonial administration?

Answer: The grievances of tribal people against the British colonial administration included loss of land, exploitation by moneylenders and traders, imposition of taxes and forced labor, and restrictions on traditional practices and customs.

Q: Who were the Mundas and where did they primarily reside?

Answer: The Mundas were one of the major tribal communities in the Chotanagpur plateau region, primarily residing in the present-day states of Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Q: What was the significance of the forest for the tribal communities?

Answer: Forests held immense significance for tribal communities as a source of livelihood, food, medicine, and cultural identity. They provided resources for hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation, as well as spiritual connections to ancestral lands.

Q: What role did the British colonial administration play in changing the landownership patterns in tribal areas?

Answer: The British colonial administration introduced land revenue systems and forest laws that led to the alienation of tribal lands, consolidation of landownership by non-tribal landlords, and displacement of tribal communities from their traditional habitats.

Q: Who were the Tana Bhagats and what was their movement about?

Answer: The Tana Bhagats were a sect among the Oraon tribe in the Chotanagpur plateau region. Their movement emphasized social reform, religious revivalism, and resistance against exploitation and oppression by outsiders.

Q: What was the impact of the arrival of outsiders on the tribal communities?

Answer: The arrival of outsiders, including traders, missionaries, and officials, disrupted traditional tribal economies, social structures, and cultural practices. It led to exploitation, land alienation, indebtedness, and social tensions within tribal societies.

Q: Who were the Santhals and where did they primarily inhabit?

Answer: The Santhals were one of the largest tribal communities in India, primarily inhabiting the regions of present-day Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Q: What were the main sources of livelihood for the Santhals?

Answer: The main sources of livelihood for the Santhals included agriculture, hunting, gathering, and handicrafts. They practiced shifting cultivation and relied on forests for food, fuel, and medicinal plants.

Q: What was the significance of the 'Hul' or rebellion led by the Santhals in 1855?

Answer: The 'Hul' or rebellion led by the Santhals in 1855 was a major uprising against the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration, landlords, and moneylenders. It symbolized the resistance of tribal communities against exploitation and injustice.

Q: Who was Birsa Munda and what was his role in the tribal movement?

Answer: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and visionary who spearheaded the tribal movement in the late 19th century. He mobilized tribal communities, organized protests, and advocated for land rights, social equality, and cultural revivalism.

Q: What were some of the demands of the tribal leaders during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

Answer: Some of the demands of tribal leaders during this period included restoration of traditional land rights, abolition of oppressive revenue and forest laws, protection of tribal culture and identity, and recognition of tribal autonomy and self-governance.

Q: What were the main features of the tribal societies in India?

Answer: The main features of tribal societies in India included kinship-based social structures, subsistence economies, oral traditions, animistic beliefs, communal landownership, and decentralized forms of governance.

Q: What was the significance of the 'Chotanagpur Tenancy Act' passed in 1908?

Answer: The 'Chotanagpur Tenancy Act' passed in 1908 provided legal protection to tribal land rights and prohibited the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals without the permission of tribal councils. It was a significant victory for the tribal movement in British India.

Q: What were some of the factors that contributed to the decline of the tribal economy during British rule?

Answer: Some factors that contributed to the decline of the tribal economy during British rule included land alienation, introduction of cash crops, disruption of traditional livelihoods, exploitation by moneylenders and traders, and environmental degradation.

Q: Who were the Ho and where did they primarily reside?

Answer: The Ho were one of the tribal communities in the Chotanagpur plateau region, primarily residing in the present-day states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and Odisha.

Q: What were the main features of the 'Tribal Panchayat' system in tribal communities?

Answer: The 'Tribal Panchayat' system was a traditional form of governance in tribal communities, consisting of village councils or assemblies where decisions were made collectively by elders and community leaders. It played a crucial role in resolving disputes, maintaining social order, and preserving tribal customs and traditions.

Q: How did the tribal communities resist the imposition of colonial laws and regulations during British rule?

Answer: Tribal communities resisted the imposition of colonial laws and regulations through various means, including protests, rebellions, non-cooperation, and legal challenges. They organized movements, formed alliances, and asserted their rights to land, resources, and self-governance in the face of colonial oppression and exploitation. 

Q: Who were the tribal communities mentioned in the chapter, and where were they primarily located?

A: The chapter discusses various tribal communities such as the Mundas, Santhals, Ho, and Oraons, primarily located in the Chotanagpur plateau region, which spans across present-day Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha.

Q: What were some of the grievances of the tribal communities against the British colonial administration?

A: Tribal communities had several grievances against the British colonial administration, including loss of land due to forest laws and revenue policies, exploitation by moneylenders and traders, imposition of taxes and forced labor, and restrictions on traditional practices and customs.

Q: Who was Birsa Munda, and what role did he play in the tribal movement?

A: Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader who emerged as a symbol of resistance against British colonialism and exploitation. He mobilized tribal communities, organized protests, and advocated for land rights, social equality, and cultural revivalism.

Q: Describe the significance of the forest for the tribal communities.

A: Forests held immense significance for tribal communities as a source of livelihood, food, medicine, and cultural identity. They provided resources for hunting, gathering, and shifting cultivation, as well as spiritual connections to ancestral lands.

Q: How did the British colonial administration impact the landownership patterns in tribal areas?

A: The British colonial administration introduced land revenue systems and forest laws that led to the alienation of tribal lands, consolidation of landownership by non-tribal landlords, and displacement of tribal communities from their traditional habitats.

Q: Discuss the main sources of livelihood for the tribal communities mentioned in the chapter.

A: The main sources of livelihood for tribal communities included agriculture, hunting, gathering, and handicrafts. They practiced shifting cultivation and relied on forests for food, fuel, and medicinal plants.

Q: What were some of the demands of the tribal leaders during the late 19th and early 20th centuries?

A: Tribal leaders during this period demanded restoration of traditional land rights, abolition of oppressive revenue and forest laws, protection of tribal culture and identity, and recognition of tribal autonomy and self-governance.

Q: Explain the significance of the 'Hul' or rebellion led by the Santhals in 1855.

A: The 'Hul' or rebellion led by the Santhals in 1855 was a major uprising against the oppressive policies of the British colonial administration, landlords, and moneylenders. It symbolized the resistance of tribal communities against exploitation and injustice.

Q: How did the tribal communities resist the imposition of colonial laws and regulations during British rule?

A: Tribal communities resisted the imposition of colonial laws and regulations through protests, rebellions, non-cooperation, and legal challenges. They organized movements, formed alliances, and asserted their rights to land, resources, and self-governance.

Q: Describe the main features of the 'Tribal Panchayat' system in tribal communities.

A: The 'Tribal Panchayat' system was a traditional form of governance in tribal communities, consisting of village councils or assemblies where decisions were made collectively by elders and community leaders. It played a crucial role in resolving disputes, maintaining social order, and preserving tribal customs and traditions.

Q: What were some of the factors that contributed to the decline of the tribal economy during British rule?

A: Factors contributing to the decline of the tribal economy during British rule included land alienation, introduction of cash crops, disruption of traditional livelihoods, exploitation by moneylenders and traders, and environmental degradation.

Q: Explain the role of missionaries in tribal areas during British rule.

A: Missionaries played a significant role in tribal areas during British rule by establishing schools, hospitals, and churches, and converting tribal people to Christianity. While some missionaries genuinely aimed to uplift tribal communities, others exploited them for conversions and colonial agendas.

Q: Discuss the impact of the arrival of outsiders on the tribal communities.

A: The arrival of outsiders, including traders, missionaries, and officials, disrupted traditional tribal economies, social structures, and cultural practices. It led to exploitation, land alienation, indebtedness, and social tensions within tribal societies.

Q: Describe the significance of the 'Chotanagpur Tenancy Act' passed in 1908.

A: The 'Chotanagpur Tenancy Act' passed in 1908 provided legal protection to tribal land rights and prohibited the transfer of tribal lands to non-tribals without the permission of tribal councils. It was a significant victory for the tribal movement in British India.

Q: How did the British administration use divide and rule policies to control tribal communities?

A: The British administration used divide and rule policies to control tribal communities by exploiting existing social divisions, creating hierarchies among tribal groups, co-opting local elites, and fostering conflicts to weaken tribal solidarity and resistance.

Q: Discuss the significance of the Tana Bhagat movement among the Oraon tribe.

A: The Tana Bhagat movement among the Oraon tribe emphasized social reform, religious revivalism, and resistance against exploitation and oppression by outsiders. It provided a platform for tribal mobilization and collective action against colonialism and social injustices.

Q: Describe the main features of tribal societies in India.

A: Tribal societies in India were characterized by kinship-based social structures, subsistence economies, oral traditions, animistic beliefs, communal landownership, and decentralized forms of governance. They exhibited diversity in language, culture, and customs across different regions.

Q: What were the grievances of the tribal people against the British colonial administration, and how did they express their discontent?

A: The grievances of tribal people against the British colonial administration included loss of land, exploitation by moneylenders and traders, imposition of taxes and forced labor, and restrictions on traditional practices and customs. They expressed their discontent through protests, rebellions, non-cooperation, and legal challenges.

Q: Evaluate the impact of colonialism on tribal communities in India.

A: Colonialism had a profound impact on tribal communities in India, leading to land alienation, economic exploitation, cultural assimilation, social disruption, and political marginalization. While some tribal groups resisted colonial oppression and preserved their traditions, others were profoundly affected by colonial policies and ideologies.

Q: Describe the main sources of livelihood for the tribal communities mentioned in the chapter.

A: A: Tribal communities primarily relied on a combination of agriculture, hunting, gathering, and handicrafts for their livelihood. Agriculture was a significant source of sustenance, with tribes practicing shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture in forested areas. They cultivated crops such as rice, millets, pulses, and vegetables. Hunting and gathering supplemented their diet, providing protein-rich foods like meat, fish, and wild fruits. Additionally, tribal communities engaged in various handicrafts such as pottery, weaving, basketry, and metalwork, producing items for both domestic use and trade. Forest resources played a crucial role in supporting their livelihoods, providing materials for construction, fuel, medicines, and other essentials. Overall, the diverse ecological settings inhabited by tribal communities allowed them to adapt and utilize a range of resources for their subsistence.

Q: Explain the role of missionaries in tribal areas during British rule.

A: A: Missionaries played a multifaceted role in tribal areas during British rule. On one hand, missionaries established schools, hospitals, and churches, providing education, healthcare, and social services to tribal communities. They introduced Western education, literacy, and modern medical practices, which had both positive and negative implications for tribal societies. Missionaries also facilitated economic development by promoting agriculture, introducing new crops, and improving infrastructure. However, missionary activities often aimed at converting tribal people to Christianity, leading to cultural disruption and alienation from traditional beliefs and practices. Conversion efforts sometimes exploited tribal vulnerabilities, offering material incentives or social privileges in exchange for conversion. Moreover, missionary activities were closely linked to colonial agendas, serving as agents of cultural assimilation and control. Despite these complexities, missionaries left a lasting impact on tribal communities, influencing their social, cultural, and religious dynamics in significant ways.

Q: Discuss the main features of tribal societies in India.

A: A: Tribal societies in India are characterized by several distinctive features that distinguish them from mainstream Indian society. Firstly, tribal communities typically have kinship-based social structures, with kinship ties forming the basis of social organization and identity. They often trace their descent through patrilineal or matrilineal lines and organize themselves into clans or lineages. Secondly, tribal economies are primarily subsistence-based, relying on a combination of agriculture, hunting, gathering, and handicrafts for livelihood. Agriculture is practiced using traditional methods such as shifting cultivation or terrace farming, supplemented by hunting, fishing, and collection of forest produce. Thirdly, tribal cultures are rich in oral traditions, myths, legends, and rituals passed down through generations. They have unique languages, dialects, music, dance forms, and artistic expressions that reflect their worldview and cultural heritage. Fourthly, tribal communities often hold animistic beliefs, worshiping nature, spirits, and ancestors. They have sacred groves, natural landmarks, and rituals associated with the environment. Finally, tribal societies exhibit communal landownership and decentralized forms of governance, with decision-making often being consensus-based and participatory. Tribal councils or assemblies play a crucial role in resolving disputes, maintaining social cohesion, and preserving tribal customs and traditions. Overall, the diversity and resilience of tribal societies contribute to India's cultural mosaic, representing distinct lifeways and perspectives shaped by their ecological and historical contexts.

Q: Evaluate the impact of colonialism on tribal communities in India.

A: A: Colonialism had a profound and often detrimental impact on tribal communities in India, disrupting their traditional ways of life and subjecting them to exploitation, marginalization, and cultural assimilation. One of the most significant consequences of colonial rule was the loss of land and resources through land alienation, forest laws, and revenue policies. Tribes were dispossessed of their ancestral lands, often forced into labor or indebtedness, and marginalized in their own territories. The introduction of cash crops and market-oriented agriculture disrupted traditional subsistence patterns, leading to economic dependence and vulnerability. Moreover, colonial policies and ideologies undermined tribal cultures, languages, and identities, promoting Western education, Christianity, and assimilation into mainstream society. Missionary activities aimed at converting tribal people to Christianity further eroded indigenous belief systems and social cohesion. Additionally, tribal communities faced discrimination, exploitation, and violence at the hands of colonial officials, settlers, and traders. However, tribal resistance and resilience persisted despite colonial oppression, as communities mobilized, organized movements, and asserted their rights to land, autonomy, and self-determination. Post-independence efforts to address tribal issues through land reforms, affirmative action, and tribal welfare programs have sought to redress historical injustices and empower tribal communities in India's democratic framework.