NCERT Class 8 Social Science Our-Pasts-III: Chapter 4 — 4. Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
This chapter, "4. Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age," from NCERT's Class 8 Social Science book 'Our Pasts-III,' explores the lives and struggles of tribal communities in 19th-century India. It introduces Birsa Munda, a tribal leader who inspired thousands with his claims of miraculous powers and a vision to free his people from the 'dikus' (outsiders). The chapter details the diverse livelihoods of tribal groups, including jhum (shifting) cultivation and hunting-gathering, highlighting their dependence on forests and traditional practices. It discusses the impact of British rule, which threatened their familiar ways of life, livelihoods, and religions. The text explains concepts like shifting cultivation, fallow land, and the use of forest produce for sustenance and trade, setting the stage for understanding tribal resistance and their aspirations for a better future.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | Social Science |
| Book | Our-Pasts-III |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — 4. Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 694 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the diverse lifestyles of tribal groups in 19th-century India.
- Learn about jhum (shifting) cultivation and its challenges.
- Identify the 'dikus' and their impact on tribal communities.
- Recognize the role of leaders like Birsa Munda in tribal movements.
- Analyze the changes and challenges faced by tribal people under British rule.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dikus | Outsiders, often referring to moneylenders, traders, and landlords who exploited tribal people. |
| Jhum cultivation | Shifting cultivation practiced on small forest patches, involving cutting trees, burning vegetation, and moving to new fields. |
| Fallow | A field left uncultivated for a period to allow the soil to regain fertility. |
| Sal | A type of tree found in forests. |
| Mahua | A flower that is eaten or used to make alcohol. |
| Kinship | Relationship based on family ties and common ancestry within a tribe. |
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Practice questions
- Who was Birsa Munda and what did he declare? Answer: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader from the Munda community who declared that God had appointed him to save his people from trouble and the slavery of dikus.
- What is jhum cultivation? Answer: Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is practiced on small forest patches where cultivators cut trees, burn vegetation, and move to new fields after harvesting.
- Who were the 'dikus'? Answer: The 'dikus' were outsiders, such as moneylenders, traders, and landlords, who exploited the tribal people.
- Name two tribal groups mentioned in the chapter. Answer: Two tribal groups mentioned are Mundas and Santhals.
- What did tribal people use forest produce for? Answer: Tribal people used forest produce for survival, medicinal purposes, and sold them in local markets.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Birsa Munda?
Birsa Munda was a tribal leader from the Munda community in the Chottanagpur region who gained a following by claiming miraculous powers and a divine mission to free his people from exploitation.
What does the term 'dikus' refer to in the chapter?
'Dikus' refers to outsiders, such as moneylenders, traders, and landlords, who came into tribal areas and exploited the local populations.
What is shifting cultivation?
Shifting cultivation, also known as jhum cultivation, is a method where small patches of land in forests are cleared, cultivated for a short period, and then left fallow for several years to recover fertility.
How did British rule affect tribal people?
British rule led to changes that threatened tribal livelihoods, familiar ways of life, and their religions, often through forest laws and economic exploitation.
What were some of the activities tribal groups were involved in?
Tribal groups were involved in activities like jhum cultivation, hunting animals, gathering forest produce, and sometimes working as local weavers and leather workers.
What was the significance of forests for tribal communities?
Forests were essential for the survival of many tribal groups, providing them with food, medicinal herbs, materials for trade, and the land necessary for practices like shifting cultivation.
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NCERT Class 8 Social Science — Our-Pasts-III — Chapter 4 — 4. Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.