CBSE Class 8 History Our Pasts – III: Chapter 4 - Tribals, Dikus and The Vision of a Golden Age NCERT Solutions
This chapter delves into the lives of tribal communities in India during the colonial period, focusing on their interactions with the British and the concept of a 'Golden Age'. The NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History, Chapter 4, 'Tribals, Dikus and The Vision of a Golden Age', provide detailed explanations for the exercises. It covers topics such as Jhum cultivation, the impact of British policies on tribal societies, the exploitation by 'dikus' (outsiders), and the vision of a better future as envisioned by tribal leaders like Birsa Munda. These solutions help students understand the socio-economic changes and resistance movements that characterized tribal life under British rule, aiding in exam preparation by clarifying complex historical events and their consequences.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 8 |
| Subject | History Our Pasts – III |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 4 of CBSE Class 8 History, 'Tribals, Dikus and The Vision of a Golden Age', explores the lives and struggles of tribal communities under British rule. The NCERT Solutions cover key aspects like shifting cultivation (Jhum), the economic exploitation by outsiders (dikus), the imposition of new land settlements, and tribal uprisings. It highlights the vision of a transformed society and the efforts of leaders like Birsa Munda to achieve it. The solutions aim to clarify these historical narratives for students.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the characteristics of tribal societies and their traditional livelihoods.
- Explain the impact of British policies on tribal communities, including land and forest laws.
- Define 'Jhum cultivation' and its methods.
- Identify the role of 'dikus' in exploiting tribal populations.
- Analyze the reasons behind tribal revolts and the vision of a 'Golden Age'.
- Recognize the significance of leaders like Birsa Munda in tribal movements.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Tribal Societies and Lifestyles
- Jhum Cultivation (Shifting Cultivation)
- British Policies and Tribal Areas
- Exploitation by 'Dikus'
- Land Settlements and Tribal Chiefs
- Forest Laws and Tribal Access
- Tribal Uprisings and Movements
- Birsa Munda and the Munda Uprising
- Vision of a Golden Age
- Changes in Livelihoods
Important topics
- Jhum Cultivation
- Role of 'Dikus'
- Birsa Munda's Movement
- Impact of British Policies
- Tribal Resistance
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
- The British described the tribal people as __________.
- The method of sowing seeds in Jhum cultivation in India is known as __________.
- The tribal chiefs got __________ in central India under the British land settlement.
- Tribals went to work in the __________ of Assam and the __________ in Bihar.
- The British described the tribal people as savage, wild nomads and shifting cultivators. This perception stemmed from their different lifestyles, customs, and practices compared to settled agricultural societies, leading the British to view them as uncivilized.
- The method of sowing seeds in Jhum cultivation in India is known as broadcasting or scattering. In this method, farmers scatter seeds by hand across the cleared and burnt land, rather than using ploughs or drills.
- The tribal chiefs got land titles in central India under the British land settlement. This meant they were recognized as landowners, but also subjected to British revenue systems and laws.
- Tribals went to work in the tea gardens of Assam and the coal mines in Bihar. These were areas where British planters and industrialists sought cheap labour, often under harsh conditions.
Question 2
- Jhum cultivators plough the land and sow seeds.
- Cocoons were bought from the Santhals and sold by the traders at five times the purchase price.
- Birsa urged his followers to purify themselves, give up drinking liquor and stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery.
- The British wanted to preserve the tribal way of life.
- False. Jhum cultivators practice shifting cultivation, which involves clearing land by burning vegetation. They sow seeds by scattering them by hand, not by ploughing the land. Ploughing is characteristic of settled agriculture.
- True. Traders often exploited tribal communities by buying forest produce, such as cocoons, at very low prices from groups like the Santhals and then selling them at significantly higher prices, making substantial profits.
- True. Birsa Munda actively worked to reform his community. He called for his followers to purify themselves, abstain from drinking liquor, and abandon beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery, aiming to build a stronger and more self-reliant society.
- False. The British generally did not want to preserve the tribal way of life. Their policies, including land settlements, forest laws, and the introduction of trade and moneylending, often disrupted tribal societies, economies, and cultures, leading to exploitation and resistance.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Jhum cultivation with settled agriculture methods.
- Underestimating the economic exploitation faced by tribal communities.
- Misinterpreting the British intentions towards tribal ways of life.
- Failing to grasp the significance of Birsa Munda's movement and its goals.
Revision tips
- Focus on understanding the differences between tribal life and the 'dikus'.
- Pay close attention to the methods of Jhum cultivation and its changes.
- Analyze the causes and consequences of tribal uprisings.
- Remember the key figures like Birsa Munda and their contributions.
- Review the impact of British land settlements on tribal chiefs.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What was the primary method of sowing seeds in Jhum cultivation?
Explanation: In Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, seeds are typically sown by scattering them by hand after clearing and burning the land.
Q2. Who were referred to as 'dikus' in the context of tribal communities?
Explanation: 'Dikus' was a term used by tribal people to refer to outsiders, particularly moneylenders, traders, and landlords, who often exploited them.
Q3. Birsa Munda urged his followers to abstain from which practices?
Explanation: Birsa Munda advocated for the purification of his followers, encouraging them to give up drinking liquor and renounce beliefs in witchcraft and sorcery.
Q4. Under British land settlements in central India, what happened to tribal chiefs?
Explanation: During British land settlements in central India, tribal chiefs were often granted land titles, which changed their status and relationship with the land.
Q5. Where did many tribals go to work under the British planters and mine owners?
Explanation: Tribal people were often recruited to work in arduous conditions in the tea gardens of Assam and the coal mines of Bihar under British employers.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jhum cultivation as discussed in Chapter 4?
Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, then sowing seeds by scattering them by hand in the nutrient-rich ash. It is different from ploughing and settled farming.
Who were the 'dikus' and how did they affect tribal communities?
'Dikus' were outsiders, such as moneylenders, traders, and landlords, who often exploited tribal people by charging high interest rates, buying forest produce at low prices, and taking over tribal lands.
What was Birsa Munda's vision for his people?
Birsa Munda envisioned a 'Golden Age' for his people, urging them to purify themselves, give up drinking liquor, stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery, and resist the British and the 'dikus' to regain control over their lives and lands.
How did British land settlements impact tribal chiefs?
Under British land settlements, particularly in central India, tribal chiefs were often granted land titles. This changed their status from traditional leaders to landowners, and they became subject to British laws and revenue demands.
Where did tribals often work when their traditional livelihoods were disrupted?
When their traditional livelihoods were threatened by British policies, many tribals were forced to seek work in arduous conditions in places like the tea gardens of Assam and the coal mines of Bihar.
Did the British aim to preserve the tribal way of life?
No, the British did not aim to preserve the tribal way of life. Instead, their policies often disrupted tribal economies, societies, and cultures, leading to exploitation and resistance.
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