Test: Tribal Communities - Class 7 MCQ

The Ahoms ruled parts of Assam for nearly 600 years, establishing a significant political and cultural presence in the region. Their governance helped unify various tribes and communities under a centralized system, integrating diverse cultures and traditions.

During the early medieval period, many tribes began to join the caste system, which marked a significant cultural shift. Some tribes transitioned from pastoral lifestyles to settled farming, thereby integrating into the broader social hierarchy of the time.

The Mundas are historically associated with the regions of modern-day Bihar and Jharkhand. They have a rich cultural heritage and have been significant in the tribal history of these areas, contributing to local economies and societies.

The Gonds were primarily governed through a clan-based system where each clan had a chief, or rai. This structure allowed for localized governance, with clans managing their territories and resources while maintaining loyalty to the larger kingdom, exemplified by the division into garhs and villages.

The social structure of the Ahoms was organized into clans known as khels, which controlled multiple villages. This clan-based system facilitated resource sharing and community governance, contributing to their political stability and strength.

The Kotas tribe specialized in craftwork, producing various handmade goods that they traded for food and other essentials. Their artisan skills highlight the economic diversity among tribal groups, as they contributed to local economies through their crafts.

The Banjaras were primarily involved in grain transportation, acting as both traders and carriers. They purchased grains from areas where prices were low and sold them in regions where prices were higher, thus playing a crucial role in the agricultural economy.

The Banjaras were known for their extensive caravans, often consisting of around 14,000 oxen carrying grains like wheat and rice. This tribe engaged in trade by buying grains at lower prices and selling them at higher prices, showcasing their role as both carriers and merchants.

In addition to grain transportation, the Banjaras also played a pivotal role in supplying the Mughal army with provisions during military campaigns. Their logistical capabilities were crucial for the sustenance of armies, highlighting their importance in the historical economy.

The Gonds are prominently mentioned in the Akbarnama, indicating their significance during the medieval period in India. This historical reference highlights their influence and the recognition they received from the ruling classes of that time.

The Gonds are recognized for their rich oral tradition, where genealogists known as Pardhans and Totis preserve their history through songs. This method of storytelling has allowed them to maintain their cultural identity despite external influences.

The Gonds were involved in the export of elephants, particularly from their kingdom of Garha Katanga. This trade was a significant source of wealth for their kingdom and played a vital role in their interactions with other regions.

The Gonds preserved their cultural identity primarily through oral histories and traditions. This practice of storytelling, often through songs, allowed them to maintain their cultural heritage and resist the pressures of assimilation into dominant cultures.

Rani Durgawati, the chief of the Gond tribe, bravely resisted Akbar's forces led by Asaf Khan. When her forces were overpowered, she chose to take her life rather than be captured, showcasing her valor and commitment to her kingdom.

The Bhils, originally hunter-gatherers, began settling as farmers and later emerged as zamindars by the late 16th century. This transition reflects their adaptation to changing economic conditions and land use practices in their regions.

The process of forest clearance for farming was a significant factor that contributed to the rise of powerful tribal states. This change not only altered their lifestyles but also facilitated cultural exchanges and interactions with neighboring communities.

Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation, is a method where tribes clear land, often by burning trees, to sow seeds. When the land becomes less fertile, they move to new plots, reflecting their adaptive agricultural practices in response to environmental conditions.

The Brahmins gained considerable influence in Ahom society, particularly as the rulers began to support Hindu temples and grant land to Brahmins. This led to the gradual dominance of Hinduism over traditional tribal beliefs, though some elements of local customs persisted.

Tribal communities are characterized by their unique languages, territories, cultures, and laws. These communities are bound together by kinship, treating all members equally regardless of wealth or caste, which is a fundamental aspect of their social structure.

The establishment of strong kingdoms during the medieval period prompted many tribes to change their lifestyles. Some tribes adapted to new political realities by integrating into larger states, which often led to shifts in their economic practices and social structures.