CBSE Class 7 Social Science: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities NCERT Solutions
This chapter delves into the diverse social structures of tribes, nomadic groups, and settled communities in ancient and medieval India. It explores their unique customs, governance systems, and interactions with larger kingdoms. The NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Social Science, Chapter 7, provide clear explanations and answers to key questions about these communities. Students will learn about the organization of tribal societies, the roles of different groups like the Gonds and Ahoms, and the impact of changing economies and political structures on their lives. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the historical context and develop a deeper understanding of India's rich social tapestry, aiding in effective exam revision.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Social Science Our Pasts II |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 7 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 7 of CBSE Class 7 Social Science, 'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities,' examines the lives and societies of various groups beyond the caste system. The NCERT Solutions cover topics such as tribal organization, the rise of larger states like Garha Katanga and the Ahom kingdom, and the roles of nomadic groups. It explains concepts like 'jatis,' 'Buranjis,' and the impact of land grants. These solutions offer a concise overview of the chapter's content, focusing on the social and political structures of these communities.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the characteristics of tribal societies and their organization.
- Identify key tribal groups and their historical significance, such as the Gonds and Ahoms.
- Explain the concept of 'jatis' and their emergence within the social structure.
- Describe the historical chronicles known as 'Buranjis' and their importance.
- Analyze the impact of changing economies and political powers on tribal communities.
- Differentiate between nomadic and settled communities.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Tribal Societies
- Nomadic Communities
- Settled Communities
- Gonds
- Garha Katanga
- Ahoms
- Buranjis
- Jatis
- Varna System
- Social Hierarchy
- Land Grants
- Oral Traditions
Important topics
- Characteristics of Tribal Societies
- The Gond Kingdom of Garha Katanga
- The Ahom Kingdom and Buranjis
- Emergence of Jatis
- Interaction between Tribal and Larger States
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
Terms: Garh, Garh khel, Tanda, Chaurasi, Caravan, Clan, Labourer, Sib Singh, Ahom state, Durgawati, Paik
Descriptions: A group of traders, A tribal community, A Gond ruler, A political unit, A group of households, Ahom king, A labourer, A nomadic group's settlement, Ahom chronicles, A Gond kingdom, A system of forced labour.
Here is the correct matching of the terms with their descriptions:
- Garh: A Gond kingdom
- Garh khel: A tribal community (often referring to a specific group or territory within a larger tribal structure)
- Tanda: A nomadic group's settlement (often associated with Banjaras)
- Chaurasi: A political unit (specifically, an administrative division within Gond states, typically comprising 84 villages)
- Caravan: A group of traders travelling together
- Clan: A group of households or families, often claiming descent from a common ancestor
- Labourer: A person who performs manual work for wages
- Sib Singh: An Ahom king
- Ahom state: A political entity ruled by the Ahoms
- Durgawati: A Gond ruler (Queen Durgawati)
- Paik: A system of forced labour (common in the Ahom kingdom)
Question 2
- The new castes that emerged within the varna system were called ______.
- ______ were historical works written by the Ahoms.
- The ______ mentions that Garha Katanga had 70,000 villages.
- As tribal states became bigger and stronger, they gave land grants to ______ and ______.
- The new castes that emerged within the varna system were called jatis. These were often based on occupation and social status, leading to a more complex social hierarchy than the four varnas alone.
- Buranjis were historical works written by the Ahoms. These chronicles are important sources for understanding the history and administration of the Ahom kingdom in Assam.
- The Akbar Nama mentions that Garha Katanga had 70,000 villages. This indicates the large size and prosperity of the Gond kingdom during that period.
- As tribal states became bigger and stronger, they gave land grants to poets and scholars. This practice helped in consolidating their power and gaining legitimacy by patronizing learned individuals.
Question 3
- Tribal societies had rich oral traditions.
- There were no tribal communities in the north-western part of the subcontinent.
- The chaurasi in Gond states contained several cities.
- The Bhils lived in the north-eastern part of the subcontinent.
- True. Tribal societies often preserved their history, culture, and knowledge through rich oral traditions, including stories, songs, and proverbs passed down through generations.
- False. Tribal communities existed in various parts of the subcontinent, including the north-western regions, though their specific locations and characteristics varied.
- False. The 'chaurasi' in Gond states was an administrative division that typically comprised 84 villages, not several cities.
- False. The Bhils were primarily found in the western and central parts of the Indian subcontinent, such as Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, not the north-eastern part.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the geographical locations of different tribal groups.
- Misunderstanding the role of 'jatis' versus 'varnas'.
- Incorrectly identifying the purpose or content of 'Buranjis'.
- Assuming all tribal societies were isolated and unchanging.
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the definitions of key terms like 'clan', 'tanda', and 'chaurasi'.
- Pay attention to the specific examples of tribal states and their rulers mentioned in the chapter.
- Review the true/false statements to reinforce factual knowledge about tribal traditions and locations.
- Connect the concepts of changing economies and political structures to their impact on tribal life.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What were the historical works written by the Ahoms called?
Explanation: The Ahoms, a prominent tribal group, documented their history in a series of chronicles known as Buranjis.
Q2. According to the Akbar Nama, how many villages did Garha Katanga have?
Explanation: The historical text Akbar Nama provides details about the extent of Garha Katanga, mentioning it comprised 70,000 villages.
Q3. What term refers to a group of families or households in a tribal society?
Explanation: A clan is a group of people who are related to each other, often through a common ancestor, and forms a basic unit in many tribal societies.
Q4. The term 'jatis' in the context of Indian social structure refers to:
Explanation: As societies evolved and new skills emerged, new groups or 'jatis' were formed, often based on occupation and social standing, within the broader varna framework.
Q5. Which of the following statements about tribal societies is TRUE?
Explanation: Tribal societies were known for their vibrant oral traditions, passing down stories, histories, and cultural knowledge through generations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main focus of Chapter 7, 'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities'?
This chapter focuses on the diverse social structures and ways of life of tribal groups, nomadic communities, and settled peoples in India, exploring their governance, customs, and interactions with larger political entities.
Who were the Gonds and what was Garha Katanga?
The Gonds were a significant tribal community. Garha Katanga was a powerful Gond kingdom that had a large number of villages and a well-organized administration.
What are 'Buranjis' mentioned in the chapter?
'Buranjis' are historical chronicles written by the Ahoms, providing valuable information about their kingdom, administration, and history.
How did the concept of 'jatis' relate to the varna system?
New 'jatis' emerged within the existing varna system based on new skills and occupations that arose as the economy and society grew. They represented a further stratification of society.
How can these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers and explanations for each question, helping students understand complex concepts, reinforce their learning, and prepare effectively for their Social Science exams.
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