Grade-8, SST, Colonialism and Tribal Societies

 

Colonialism and Tribal Societies

EXERCISES

 

1. Fill in the blanks with appropriate words.

 (a) The tribal groups in India are called Adivasis.

(b) Outsiders were called dikus by the tribals.

(c) The leader of the Munda rebellion was Birsa Munda.

(d) The leader of the Garo uprising was Pa Togan Sangma.

(e) In Manipur, the British declared war against Tikendrajit in 1891.

 

2. Choose the correct answer.

(a) Which of these terms signify a movement for the liberation of the Santhals?

(i) hool

(ii) mul

(iii) cul

(iv) sul

Answer- (i) hool

(b) The customary land system of the Mundas was called

(i)Mahalwarı

(Ii) Khuntkari.

(iii) Zamindari.

(iv) Ryotwari.

Answer- (ii) Khuntkari

 

c) The Act passed to protect the rights of the Mundas was the

 (i) Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908.

(ii) Permanent Settlement.

(iii) Charter Act.

(iv) Regulating Act.

Answer- (i) Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act of 1908.

 

(d) The leader of the Manipuri rebellion was

(i) Surchandra.

(ii) Kanhu.

(iii) Tikendrajit.

(iv) Birsa Munda.

Answer- (iii) Tikendrajit.

 

(e) Which of these figures was not associated with the tribal uprisings in the north-east?

(i) Sidhu

(ii) Bir Tikendrajit

(iii) Pa Togan Sangma

(iv) U Kiang Nangbah

Answer- (i) Sidhu

 

3. Match the rotes.

(a) adivasis (b) Santhal Rebellion (c) Birsa Munda (d) Pa Togan Sangma (e) Surchandra

(i) Manipur (ii) indigenous people of India (iii) Sidhu and Kanhu (iv) Chota Nagpur (v) Garo Hills

 

Solution-

(a) adivasis - (ii) indigenous people of India

(b) Santhal Rebellion - (iii) Sidhu and Kanhu

(c) Birsa Munda - (iv) Chota Nagpur

(d) Pa Togan Sangma - (v) Garo Hills

(e) Surchandra - (i) Manipur

 

4. Write true or false. Correct the false sentences in your notebook.

(a) The tribals had a system of joint ownership of land.

True

(b) The Santhal Parganas Act was enacted to protect the rights of the Santhals.

True

(c) Birsa Munda favoured the imposition of British rule.

(c) False

Correction: Birsa Munda opposed the imposition of British rule.

 (d) The British adopted a lenient view towards tribal uprisings.

(d) False

Correction: The British adopted a harsh view towards tribal uprisings, often using violence and suppression.

 

5. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences.

(a) Who are the adivasis?

Answer- Adivasis are the indigenous tribal groups of India who have traditionally lived in remote areas, maintaining a distinct identity, culture, and way of life that is closely connected to nature.

(b) What were some of the customary rights enjoyed by the tribals?

Answer- Tribals had customary rights over the forests and its resources, including the practice of shifting cultivation and joint ownership of land, which formed the basis of their sustenance.

(c) Whom did the tribals refer to as dikus?

Answer- The tribals referred to outsiders like zamindars, moneylenders, and British officials who exploited them and encroached upon their land and resources as dikus.

(d) What were the causes of the outbreak of the Santhal rebellion?

Answer- The Santhal rebellion was caused by the large-scale alienation of Santhals from their ancestral lands, exploitation by zamindars and moneylenders, and the imposition of the Permanent Settlement by the British.

(e) What led to the uprising in the Khasi Hills?

Answer- The uprising in the Khasi Hills was triggered by the British attempt to build a road through Khasi land, displacing the locals, and the imposition of house and income taxes in 1860, which angered the Khasi tribe.

 

6. Answer the following questions in four or five sentences.

(a) How was tribal life disrupted by colonial rule?

  Land alienation: British land revenue policies led to the loss of tribal lands to zamindars.

  Erosion of customary rights: Tribal rights over forests and other resources were curtailed.

  Economic exploitation: Tribals were forced into bonded labor and faced high interest rates on loans.

  Cultural disruption: Contact with outsiders led to the erosion of traditional practices and values.

  Imposition of new systems: British administrative and legal systems disrupted tribal ways of life.

 

(b) What was the impact of the Permanent Settlement on the Santhals?

  Loss of land: The Permanent Settlement created a new class of landlords (zamindars) who took over tribal lands.

  Increased exploitation: Santhals were reduced to tenants and forced to pay rent to zamindars.

  Erosion of traditional rights: over forest products were ignored, making it difficult for them to sustain their traditional way of life.

  Many Santhals were evicted from their ancestral lands, which were taken over by non-tribal zamindars.

  It led to a deep resentment and was one of the primary causes for the Santhal Hool (rebellion).

 

(c) What was the result of the Santhal Hool?

  The British government responded by enacting martial law and suppressing the rebellion, leading to the massacre of thousands of Santhals.

  The rebellion forced the British government to examine the Santhals' grievances.

  The Santhal Parganas Tenancy Act was passed to protect tribal land rights and reduce exploitation.

  The regular police force in the area was dismantled, and village headmen were given the responsibility to maintain law and order.

  Though the rebellion was brutally suppressed, it raised awareness about the plight of the tribals under colonial rule.

 

(d) What were the main events of the Munda rebellion?

  The Munda rebellion was led by Birsa Munda against the exploitation of tribals under the British zamindari system.

  Birsa Munda declared the Mundas free from British rule and urged them not to pay rent.

  The rebellion, known as Ulugan (The Great Tumult), aimed to end British rule and restore Munda rights.

  The movement turned violent, with attacks on British officials, landlords, and missionaries.

  Birsa Munda was eventually captured, and the rebellion was suppressed, but it led to the passing of the Chota Nagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, securing tribal land rights.

 

(e) What was Birsa Munda's contribution in the uprising against the British?

  Birsa Munda led the Mundas in their fight against British exploitation and the loss of their ancestral lands.

  He inspired the Mundas to reclaim their lands and resist paying rent to zamindars.

  He became a symbol of tribal unity and resistance, known for his leadership in the Ulugan or Munda rebellion.

  Birsa Munda's leadership led to increased awareness about the injustices faced by tribals, making him a legendary figure.

  After his death, he became a symbol of tribal rights and is still revered as an inspiration for other tribal movements.

 

(f) Briefly explain the tribal uprisings in Assam.

  The British imposed heavy land taxes in Assam, raising land revenue from 50% to 70%, which angered the local tribes.

  When peasants failed to pay the high taxes, their lands were seized, sparking widespread protests and revolts in Kamrup and Darrang districts in 1893-94.

  The British ruthlessly suppressed these uprisings, further aggravating the local population.

  The revolts were largely led by peasants who opposed British land policies, which had severely affected their traditional way of life.

  Despite suppression, these revolts highlighted the tribal resistance to exploitative British policies in Assam.

 

Values and Life Skills

The livelihood of the tribals in our country depends on forest resources to a great extent. We should support the government in conserving forests so that the tribals can earn their living

 

• What progressive measures do you think the government can take to help in the overall! growth and development of the tribal communities?

 

To support the growth and development of tribal communities, the government can take several progressive measures:

1.    Protection of Forest Rights: Implement and enforce laws like the Forest Rights Act (2006), which recognizes the rights of tribals over forest land and resources, allowing them to continue their traditional way of life.

2.    Improved Access to Education: Establish quality educational institutions in tribal areas, with a focus on culturally sensitive education that respects tribal traditions while offering modern skills.

3.    Healthcare and Sanitation: Provide accessible healthcare facilities, mobile clinics, and sanitation programs tailored to the needs of tribal communities, ensuring their well-being and tackling diseases common in remote areas.

4.    Sustainable Livelihood Programs: Introduce training and support for sustainable agriculture, handicrafts, and eco-tourism, ensuring tribals can earn a stable income without depleting their natural resources.

5.    Infrastructure Development: Develop better infrastructure, like roads, clean water, and communication, to connect tribal areas with markets and essential services, ensuring that they can engage in economic activities without being isolated.

 

Analytical Skills

Read the following excerpt from Annals of Rural Bengal by W. W. Hunter.

 

'It was not war,' the commanding officer went on to say, 'they did not understand yielding. As long as their national drums beat, the whole party would stand, and allow themselves to be shot down. Their arrows often killed our men, and so we had to fire on them as long as they stood. When their drums ceased they would move off for about a quarter of a mile; then their drums beat again, and they calmly stood till we came up and poured a few volleys into them. There was not a sepoy in the war who did not feel ashamed of himself... If a single Englishman had been sent to them who understood their wrongs, and would have redressed them, they declared there would have been no war.'

 

(i) What does this passage tell you about the Santhals?

Answer- The passage tells us that the Santhals were brave, determined, and had a strong sense of unity. They did not understand the concept of surrender and stood their ground even in the face of certain death. Their determination and resilience are evident as they stood firm until their drums stopped, showing their refusal to yield.

 

(ii) Why did the sepoys feel ashamed of themselves?

Answer- The sepoys felt ashamed of themselves because they were firing on people who were not professional soldiers but rather indigenous people defending their rights and land. The Santhals fought with honor and bravery, and the sepoys may have recognized the injustice of the situation, which caused them to feel guilt.

 

(iii) Could the British have prevented the uprising? Give reasons.

Answer- Yes, the British could have prevented the uprising. The passage indicates that if the British had sent someone who understood the Santhals' grievances and taken steps to address their wrongs, the conflict might have been avoided. This suggests that dialogue, empathy, and fair treatment could have prevented the rebellion, rather than resorting to violence.

 

HOTS-Analytical Skills

 Is it correct to think of the tribals as primitive just because they have a different way of life? What are the positive things that we can learn from their lifestyle?

No, it is not correct to think of the tribals as primitive simply because they have a different way of life. Tribal societies often have deep-rooted cultures, rich traditions, and sustainable ways of living that have existed for generations. Their way of life is adapted to their environment and needs, rather than being inferior.

Positive things we can learn from their lifestyle include:

1.    Sustainable living: Tribals live in harmony with nature, practicing sustainable methods of agriculture, hunting, and gathering, which promote environmental conservation.

2.    Community spirit: Many tribal groups emphasize collective ownership and decision-making, fostering a strong sense of community and mutual support.

3.    Respect for nature: Tribals have a profound respect for nature and its resources, using only what is necessary and ensuring the ecosystem remains balanced.

4.    Simple living: Their minimalistic lifestyle, free from excessive materialism, teaches the value of living contently with fewer possessions.