Which of the following was not a reason for Konkani peasants welcoming...
Dhangars of Maharashtra Dhangars were an important pastoral community in Maharashtra.
Their population was estimated to be 467,000 during the early twentieth century. Most of them were shepherds, but some were blanket weavers and some others were buffalo herders. During monsoon, the Dhangars used to stay in the central plateau of Maharashtra. Apart from herding their animals, they also used to grow bajra. By October, they used to harvest their bajra and started their march to west to reach Konkan.
They were welcomed by the Konkani peasants. Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble and manured the fields with their dung. They also took rice from the Konkani farmers and took the rice to the plateau where grain was scarce.
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Which of the following was not a reason for Konkani peasants welcoming...
Introduction:
The Konkani peasants welcomed the herders for various reasons. However, one of the reasons mentioned in the options, i.e., Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble of the rabi crop, was not a reason for their welcome. Let's understand why.
Reasons for Konkani peasants welcoming the herders:
1. They helped in kharif harvest: The herders played a significant role in assisting the Konkani peasants during the kharif harvest. They provided labor and expertise in plowing, sowing, and reaping the crops. This assistance was crucial for the peasants, who often faced labor shortages during this period.
2. Shepherds received supplies of rice: The Konkani peasants provided the herders with supplies of rice. This exchange of resources was beneficial for both parties. The peasants had surplus rice from their harvest, which they could share with the herders in return for their services.
3. They returned to the plateau with the onset of monsoons: The herders belonged to the Dhangar community and were traditionally nomadic. They used to bring their flocks to the coastal regions of Konkan during the dry season. However, with the onset of monsoons, they would return to their native plateau region. This cyclical movement allowed the peasants to benefit from their presence only during specific periods.
The incorrect reason:
4. Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble of the rabi crop: The statement mentioned in option A is not a reason for the Konkani peasants welcoming the herders. The Dhangar flocks primarily survived on grazing in the forests and grasslands. They did not rely on the stubble of the rabi crop for their sustenance. The herders' arrival did not have any direct benefits for the peasants in terms of fodder availability or utilization of crop residue.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Konkani peasants welcomed the herders for various reasons, including their assistance in the kharif harvest, exchange of rice supplies, and their cyclical movement. However, the statement mentioned in option A, i.e., Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble of the rabi crop, is incorrect as it does not align with the actual reasons for their welcome.