Tribals, Dikus And The Vision Of A Golden Age, History, Class 8 -Test - Class 8 MCQ

The Khonds belonged to Orissa.
Explanation:
- The Khonds, also known as Kondhs, are an indigenous tribal group in India.
- They primarily inhabit the state of Orissa, which is now known as Odisha.
- Orissa is located on the eastern coast of India and is known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse tribal communities.
- The Khonds have a unique cultural identity and are known for their distinct customs, rituals, and traditional practices.
- They have their own language, which is part of the Dravidian language family.
- The Khonds have a close connection with nature and are primarily dependent on agriculture and forest resources for their livelihoods.
- They have a rich oral tradition and pass down their history and cultural knowledge through storytelling and folk songs.
- The Khonds have faced various challenges over time, including displacement, loss of land, and changes in their traditional way of life due to modernization and development projects.
- Efforts are being made to preserve and protect the Khond culture and heritage, including initiatives for education, healthcare, and sustainable development in their communities.

Background:
During the colonial period, British officials in India classified tribal groups into different categories based on their perceived level of civilization. They considered settled tribal groups as more civilized than hunter-gatherers.
Identifying the correct options:
To determine the correct option, we need to identify the settled tribal groups that were considered more civilized by British officials.
Explanation:
The correct options are (A) Gonds and (B) Santhals.
- The Gonds are one of the largest tribal groups in India, primarily found in the central parts of the country. They have a settled agricultural lifestyle and a complex social structure, which the British officials considered more civilized.
- The Santhals are another significant tribal group in India, mainly found in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. They also practice settled agriculture and have well-defined social institutions, making them appear more civilized to the British officials.
Therefore, both the Gonds and the Santhals were seen as more civilized by the British officials compared to hunter-gatherer tribes.
Conclusion:
The settled tribal groups that British officials perceived as more civilized than hunter-gatherers were the Gonds and the Santhals.

Vaishnav Preachers and their worshippers
The Vaishnav preachers were the worshippers of Lord Vishnu. Let's break down the answer into bullet points for a clear understanding:
Definition:
- Vaishnav preachers are individuals who follow the Vaishnavism tradition, which is a major branch of Hinduism.
- Vaishnavism focuses on the worship of Lord Vishnu and his various incarnations, such as Lord Krishna and Lord Rama.
Key Points:
- Vaishnav preachers propagate the teachings of Lord Vishnu and promote devotion towards him.
- They engage in various activities to spread the message of Vaishnavism, including preaching, conducting religious ceremonies, and organizing spiritual gatherings.
- Vaishnav preachers emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) and encourage their followers to develop a personal relationship with Lord Vishnu.
- They teach the principles of dharma (righteousness), karma (action), and moksha (liberation) as prescribed in Hindu scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas.
- Vaishnav preachers often engage in social welfare activities, such as providing education, healthcare, and support to the needy, as a manifestation of their devotion to Lord Vishnu.
Conclusion:
- In summary, Vaishnav preachers worship Lord Vishnu and play a crucial role in promoting and preserving the Vaishnavism tradition. They dedicate their lives to spreading the message of devotion and guiding others on the path of righteousness as prescribed by Lord Vishnu.

The correct answer is option C: colour clothes and leather.
Kusum and Palash flowers are known for their vibrant colors and natural dyes. They have been traditionally used for dyeing clothes and coloring leather in many cultures. Here is a detailed explanation of how these flowers are used in the process:
1. Preparation:
- The flowers are collected and dried to remove any moisture content.
- The dried flowers are then crushed or ground into a fine powder.
2. Dyeing Clothes:
- The powdered flowers are mixed with water to create a dye solution.
- The fabric or clothes to be dyed are soaked in this dye solution.
- The fabric is then dried, allowing the natural dye to penetrate and color the fabric.
- The process may be repeated multiple times to achieve the desired color intensity.
3. Coloring Leather:
- The powdered flowers are mixed with water to create a dye solution, similar to the process of dyeing clothes.
- The leather is soaked in this dye solution, allowing the color to penetrate the material.
- The leather is then dried and treated with oils or other protective coatings to preserve the color and texture.
Using Kusum and Palash flowers for coloring clothes and leather has been a traditional practice due to their natural pigments and non-toxic properties. These flowers provide a range of colors, including shades of red, orange, and yellow, adding vibrancy and uniqueness to the finished products.

The Gaddis of Kulu were shepherds.
The Gaddis of Kulu, a region in Himachal Pradesh, India, were primarily engaged in shepherding. They lived a nomadic lifestyle and their main occupation was rearing and grazing sheep and goats. Here is a detailed explanation:
1. Introduction:
- The Gaddis are a tribal community residing in the Kulu region of Himachal Pradesh.
- They have a distinct culture and are known for their expertise in shepherding.
2. Shepherds:
- The Gaddis predominantly worked as shepherds, tending to flocks of sheep and goats.
- They would graze their animals in the high-altitude meadows of the Himalayas during summers.
- In winters, they would descend to the lower valleys, seeking warmer pastures for their livestock.
3. Nomadic Lifestyle:
- The Gaddis lived a semi-nomadic lifestyle, constantly moving with their flocks.
- They would set up temporary campsites in different locations depending on the availability of grazing lands.
4. Expertise in Animal Husbandry:
- The Gaddis had extensive knowledge and skills in animal husbandry.
- They would breed and raise sheep and goats, ensuring their well-being and productivity.
- They were adept at identifying suitable grazing areas and managing the health of their livestock.
5. Cultural Significance:
- Shepherding was not only an occupation for the Gaddis but also an integral part of their cultural identity.
- It played a crucial role in sustaining their livelihoods and preserving their traditions.
- The Gaddis had their own unique attire, music, and dance forms associated with their shepherding lifestyle.
In conclusion, the Gaddis of Kulu were primarily shepherds, tending to their flocks of sheep and goats. Shepherding was not only their occupation but also an important aspect of their cultural heritage.

Statement: The traders and moneylenders never deceived the tribal people.

Answer: B. False

Explanation:

1. Definition of traders and moneylenders:

• Traders: Individuals or businesses involved in buying and selling goods or services.


• Moneylenders: Individuals or institutions that provide loans to borrowers in exchange for interest.

2. Historical context:

• Tribal people are indigenous communities who have historically lived in close-knit societies, often in remote areas.


• Traders and moneylenders have interacted with tribal people throughout history, often in the context of trade, barter, and lending.

3. Deception in trade and lending:

• It is unrealistic to claim that traders and moneylenders have never deceived tribal people.


• Throughout history, there have been instances where traders and moneylenders took advantage of the limited knowledge, resources, and vulnerability of tribal communities.


• Deception can take various forms, such as unfair pricing, exploitation of labor, usurious interest rates, misleading information, and non-disclosure of important details.

4. Exploitative practices:

• Traders and moneylenders, like any other individuals or businesses, can engage in exploitative practices for personal gain.


• These practices can result in the economic and social marginalization of tribal communities.


• While not all traders and moneylenders engage in deception, it is incorrect to make a blanket statement that they never deceive tribal people.

Conclusion:

The statement that the traders and moneylenders never deceived the tribal people is false. Throughout history, there have been instances of deception and exploitation by traders and moneylenders towards tribal communities. However, it is essential to acknowledge that not all traders and moneylenders engage in such practices, and there are ethical and fair individuals and businesses operating in these fields as well.

False
- The statement implies that silk growers earned a huge amount of wealth and enjoyed a happy life, but this may not necessarily be true.
- Wealth and happiness are subjective and can vary from person to person.
- Some silk growers may have indeed earned a significant amount of wealth and enjoyed a happy life, but it cannot be generalized to all silk growers.
- Factors such as market fluctuations, competition, natural disasters, and personal circumstances can affect the financial success and happiness of silk growers.
- It is important to consider individual experiences and perspectives when making such statements.
- Therefore, the statement that silk growers earned a huge amount of wealth and enjoyed a happy life is false.

Explanation:
The statement states that many tribal groups did not like the colonial forest laws and revolted. To determine whether this statement is true or false, we need to assess the historical context and the actions of tribal groups during the colonial period.
Historical Context:
During the colonial era, many countries established forest laws to regulate and exploit the natural resources of their colonies. These laws often restricted the rights of indigenous and tribal communities to access and use forests for their livelihoods.
Tribal Revolts:
1. Various tribal groups across different colonies revolted against the colonial forest laws due to the following reasons:
- Loss of traditional livelihoods: Forest laws often restricted tribal communities from hunting, gathering, and practicing traditional agriculture, leading to a loss of their primary means of subsistence.
- Displacement and land alienation: Forest laws facilitated the colonization of tribal lands, leading to forced displacement and loss of ancestral territories.
- Cultural and spiritual significance: Forests hold immense cultural and spiritual significance for many tribal communities, and the colonial laws threatened their cultural practices and beliefs.
2. Examples of tribal revolts against forest laws include:
- The Santhal Rebellion (1855-1856) in British India: The Santhal tribal group revolted against the British forest laws, which deprived them of their traditional land and resources.
- The Maji-Maji Rebellion (1905-1907) in German East Africa (present-day Tanzania): Various tribal groups, such as the Matumbi, revolted against German forest laws and forced labor, which disrupted their traditional way of life.

Conclusion:
Based on historical evidence, it can be concluded that the statement is true. Many tribal groups did not like the colonial forest laws and revolted against them due to the loss of livelihoods, displacement, and cultural impacts caused by these laws.

Explanation:

The statement claims that the jhum cultivators in north-east India stopped their traditional practice. To determine whether this statement is true or false, we need to analyze the following points:

• Jhum Cultivation: Jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, is a traditional practice in which farmers clear a patch of land, burn the vegetation, and then cultivate crops.


• North-East India: The north-eastern region of India consists of eight states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura.


• Traditional Practice: Jhum cultivation has been a traditional agricultural practice for many communities in the north-eastern states, particularly in hilly areas.

Based on the above information, we can conclude that:

• The jhum cultivators in north-east India have historically practiced jhum cultivation as their traditional agricultural method.


• There is no evidence or information provided to suggest that the jhum cultivators have stopped their traditional practice.

Therefore, the statement is False.

Explanation:
Under British rule, the authority of tribal chiefs was indeed affected. Here's a detailed explanation:
Background:
- The British Empire expanded its colonial rule in various parts of the world, including Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
- In many of these colonies, indigenous tribes and their chiefs held significant authority and governed their own territories.
Impact of British Rule:
- The British sought to consolidate their control over these territories and establish their own administrative systems.
- As part of this process, they often marginalized or undermined the authority of tribal chiefs.
- The British introduced their own political structures, such as colonial governments, which bypassed or superseded the traditional tribal leadership.
Reasons for Loss of Authority:
- The British viewed the tribal chiefs as obstacles to their control and saw their authority as a potential threat to colonial rule.
- They aimed to centralize power and establish direct control over the territories.
- The British often favored local elites who were loyal to their rule, undermining the influence of tribal chiefs.
Methods Used:
- The British employed various methods to diminish the authority of tribal chiefs, such as:
- Imposing direct colonial rule and appointing British administrators.
- Encouraging the adoption of British legal systems and governance structures.
- Dividing tribal territories and creating new administrative boundaries.
- Promoting the interests of local elites who were more aligned with British rule.
Consequences:
- The loss of authority for tribal chiefs had significant consequences for indigenous communities:
- Traditional governance systems were disrupted or dismantled.
- Indigenous cultures and customs faced erosion and assimilation into British colonial norms.
- Economic and land rights of indigenous communities were often undermined.
- Social cohesion and identity within indigenous communities were affected.
Conclusion:
- In conclusion, it is true that tribal chiefs lost their authority under British rule. The British sought to exert control and establish their own administrative systems, often marginalizing or undermining the traditional tribal leadership. The consequences of this loss of authority had far-reaching impacts on indigenous communities.