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Pastoralists in the Modern World MCQs for Class 9 Exam

It covers all Important Questions with answers on Pastoralists in the Modern World for the Class 9 exam. The questions are based on important topics. Details about the questions:
  • Topic: Pastoralists in the Modern World
  • Type of Questions: MCQs with solutions
  • Number of Questions: 50
  • You can attempt them on EduRev to score high in Class 9 exam.

Where did the Pastoralists were found ?
  • a)
    Plateaus
  • b)
    Plains
  • c)
    Deserts                 
  • d)
    All of the above
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

In earlier days humans were surviving on hunting and gathering, but as time passes they found it difficult.So, they adopted domestication of different animals based on different geographical, vegetation and climatic conditions. This is called pastoralism. It is either for commercial purpose or nomadic herding. However this activity is performed everywhere like plains, plateaus, mountains and deserts. Especially the nomadic herders wander in many places.So, the answer is D.

Name the significant feature of nomadic pastoralists ?
  • a)
    Cycle of seasonal movement
  • b)
    Shifting cultivation
  • c)
    Live on the edges of forests
  • d)
    Continuously on the move
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Arun Sharma answered
Nomadic pastoralism is a form of pastoralism when livestock are herded in order to find fresh pastures on which to graze. True nomads follow an irregular pattern of movement, in contrast with transhumance where seasonal pastures are fixed.

The alternation of monsoon and dry season defined the rhythm of :
  • a)
    Gaddis
  • b)
    Gujjar Bakarwals
  • c)
    Berbers
  • d)
    Gollas
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Vivek Rana answered
The Gollas who herd cattle and the Kurumas and Kurubas who reared sheep and goat are from Karnataka and Andhra. They live near the woods and in the dry periods they move to the coastal tracts.

The Maasais are cattle herders of :
  • a)
    Indonesia
  • b)
    India
  • c)
    South Africa
  • d)
    East Africa
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Anjali Rao answered
The Maasais were a community of cattle herders. They lived primarily in East Africa. There were 300, 000 Maasais in Southern Kenya and 150,000 in Tanzania. ... The Maasais faced continuous loss of their grazing lands and this affected their lives in times of drought and even reshaped their social relationships

Which of the following was not a reason for Konkani peasants welcoming the herders ? 
  • a)
    They helped in kharif harvest
  • b)
    Dhangar flocks fed on the stubble of the rabi crop 
  • c)
    Shepherds received supplies of rice
  • d)
    They returned to the plateau with the onset of monsoons
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Imk Pathshala answered
  • The Konkani peasants welcomed the Dhangar herders because their flocks fed on the stubble of the rabi crop (Option b), enriching the fields with manure.
  • The shepherds received rice and other supplies from the peasants (Option c).
  • They returned to the plateau with the onset of monsoons (Option d), avoiding crop damage.
However, they did not help in the kharif harvest — hence, Option (a) is not a reason for the peasants to welcome them.

Find the odd one out :
  • a)
    British officials were suspicious of nomadic people
  • b)
    To colonial officers all grazing land appeared unproductive
  • c)
    Nomadic population was easy to identify and control
  • d)
    Nomadic were classified as criminal tribes
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

The British Officials were suspicious of nomadic people. They wanted the rural people to live in the villages, in fixed places with fixed rights on particular fields. They felt that such a population would be easy to identify and control. Nomadic people were considered to be criminal. Therefore in 1871, the Criminal Tribes Act was passed.

Where are Gujjar Cattle herders originally from ?           
  • a)
    Jammu                        
  • b)
    Himachal Pradesh           
  • c)
    Rajasthan                    
  • d)
    Goa
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Origin of Gujjar Cattle herders:
The Gujjar cattle herders are originally from the state of Rajasthan in India.
Explanation:
The Gujjar community is primarily found in the state of Rajasthan, which is located in the western part of India. They have a strong presence in the rural areas of Rajasthan, where they have been traditionally involved in cattle rearing and herding.
Key Points:
- The Gujjar community is known for their expertise in cattle herding and dairy farming.
- They have a long history of migrating from one place to another in search of grazing lands for their cattle.
- Over the years, some Gujjar families have also settled in other states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of North India.
- In Jammu and Kashmir, the Gujjar community is mainly concentrated in the hilly areas and is involved in nomadic pastoralism.
- In Himachal Pradesh, they are found in the districts of Chamba and Kangra, where they continue their traditional occupation of cattle herding.
Overall, the Gujjar cattle herders have their roots in Rajasthan but can be found in other states as well due to their migratory lifestyle.

Group of Raikas, that herded camels were known as –           
  • a)
    Maru Raikas                   
  • b)
    Balu Raikas                 
  • c)
    Raikas of Barmer       
  • d)
    Maldhani Raikas
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Poonam Reddy answered
The correct answer is A as aikas were found in the deserts of Rajasthan. 
One group of Raikas, known as the Maru (desert) Raikas-herded camels and another group reared sheep and goat.
 

Which crop is usually harvested after March -           
  • a)
    Kharif                                
  • b)
    Rabi           
  • c)
    Zaid                  
  • d)
    Stubble
Correct answer is option 'B'. Can you explain this answer?

Focus Academy answered

The crop that is usually harvested after March is the Rabi crop. Here's a detailed explanation:
Rabi Crop:
- Rabi crop refers to the crops that are sown in winter and harvested in spring.
- The sowing of Rabi crops takes place in the months of October and November, and harvesting generally occurs after March.
- These crops are well-suited to the winter season and require cool weather for their growth and development.
- Some examples of Rabi crops include wheat, barley, mustard, gram, peas, etc.
- Rabi crops play a crucial role in the Indian agricultural calendar as they help in meeting the food requirements of the country.
Other Crop Seasons:
- Kharif Crop: Kharif crops are sown during the monsoon season and harvested in the autumn season (around September-October).
- Zaid Crop: Zaid crops are short-duration crops that are sown in the summer season and harvested before the arrival of the monsoon season.
- Stubble: Stubble refers to the residual crop material left in the field after the harvest of the main crop.
Conclusion:
- The crop that is usually harvested after March is the Rabi crop, which includes crops like wheat, barley, mustard, gram, peas, etc.
- This crop is sown in winter and harvested in spring, making it an important component of the Indian agricultural cycle.

Pastoralists sustain by :
  • a)
    Herding
  • b)
    Cultivation
  • c)
    Trade
  • d)
    All of these
Correct answer is option 'D'. Can you explain this answer?

Krithika Joshi answered
Pastoralists sustain by:
Pastoralism is a traditional way of life that involves raising livestock for food, clothing, and other resources. Pastoralists rely on various strategies to sustain themselves and their communities. These strategies include herding, cultivation, and trade.

Herding:
One of the primary ways pastoralists sustain themselves is through herding. They raise and manage livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, or camels. Pastoralists have a deep understanding of animal behavior, migration patterns, and the availability of grazing land. They move their herds from one location to another in search of fresh pastures and water sources. By herding animals, pastoralists can obtain milk, meat, fur, and other animal products for their own consumption or for trade.

Cultivation:
While pastoralists primarily rely on herding, some also engage in limited cultivation. They may cultivate small plots of land to grow crops such as grains, vegetables, or fruits. This provides them with additional food sources and helps diversify their diets. Cultivation is usually practiced during periods when livestock cannot find sufficient grazing land or during the off-season when herds are less mobile.

Trade:
Pastoralists often engage in trade to sustain themselves. They may trade livestock, animal products, or agricultural produce with neighboring communities or settled societies. Trade allows pastoralists to acquire goods and resources that are not readily available to them, such as grains, textiles, tools, or luxury items. It also enables them to establish social and economic relationships with other groups, contributing to their overall well-being and resilience.

All of these:
The correct answer is option 'D' - All of these. Pastoralists sustain themselves through a combination of herding, cultivation, and trade. These strategies are interrelated and complement each other, allowing pastoralists to adapt to changing environmental conditions, meet their subsistence needs, and participate in wider economic networks. By diversifying their livelihood strategies, pastoralists can mitigate risks and ensure their long-term survival in often challenging and unpredictable environments.

Which of the following constitute pastoral communities of Africa ? 
  • a)
    Bedouins, Berbers, Boran, Maasai, Somali, Turkana
  • b)
    Gollas, Kurumas, Kurubes, Dhangar, Gujjars, Gaddis
  • c)
    Korava, Karacha, Yerukula
  • d)
    Chena, Milpa, Lading Dhya, Penda
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Akshita Menon answered
The correct answer is option 'A' - Bedouins, Berbers, Boran, Maasai, Somali, Turkana.

Pastoral communities are groups of people who rely primarily on animal husbandry for their livelihood. These communities traditionally raise livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats, and camels, and move with their herds in search of grazing land and water sources. In Africa, several pastoral communities exist, each with their unique cultural practices and ways of life.

Let's take a closer look at each of the pastoral communities mentioned in option 'A':

1. Bedouins: Bedouins are traditionally nomadic Arab tribes found in the deserts of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. They are known for their camel herding and have a rich cultural heritage.

2. Berbers: Berbers are an indigenous ethnic group found primarily in North Africa. They have a long history of pastoralism and are known for their sustainable agricultural practices, such as terrace farming.

3. Boran: The Boran people are a pastoralist community in East Africa, primarily found in Kenya and Ethiopia. They are known for their cattle herding and have a strong cultural identity.

4. Maasai: The Maasai are a well-known pastoralist community in East Africa, primarily living in Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their distinctive dress, elaborate beadwork, and cattle herding traditions.

5. Somali: The Somali people are a pastoralist community found in the Horn of Africa, primarily in Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya. They have a long history of camel herding and trade.

6. Turkana: The Turkana people are a pastoralist community in Kenya. They live in the arid Turkana region and rely on livestock for their livelihood. They are known for their resilience in harsh environments.

These pastoral communities have developed unique strategies for survival in their respective environments, often practicing transhumance (seasonal migration) to access grazing land and water sources. They have a deep connection to their animals and have developed intricate systems of social organization and cultural practices.

It is important to note that pastoralism is not limited to Africa, and similar communities can be found in other parts of the world, such as the Mongols in Central Asia and the Sami in Northern Europe. The lifestyle of pastoral communities is closely tied to the natural environment, and they face various challenges, including climate change, land degradation, and conflicts over resources.

In conclusion, Bedouins, Berbers, Boran, Maasai, Somali, and Turkana are all pastoral communities found in Africa. These communities rely on animal husbandry and have developed unique cultural practices and ways of life in relation to their herding activities.

Which crop was sown by the Dhangars in the central plateau of Maharashtra ?
  • a)
    Bajra
  • b)
    Jowar
  • c)
    Rice
  • d)
    Wheat
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?

Sravya Chauhan answered
Dhangars, also known as shepherds, are a pastoral community in the central plateau of Maharashtra. They have traditionally practiced animal husbandry and agriculture to sustain their livelihoods. One of the crops sown by the Dhangars in this region is Bajra (pearl millet).

Bajra is a traditional crop that is well-suited to the climate and soil conditions of the central plateau of Maharashtra. It is a hardy crop that can tolerate drought and high temperatures, making it ideal for cultivation in dry and arid regions. Bajra requires minimal water and can grow well in poor soil conditions, making it a reliable crop for the Dhangars in this region.

The Dhangars sow Bajra as a staple crop because of its nutritional value and versatility. Bajra grains are rich in dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals such as iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. Bajra can be ground into flour, which is used to make various traditional dishes such as roti (flatbread), bhakri (thick roti), and khichdi (a rice and lentil dish).

The choice to sow Bajra by the Dhangars is also influenced by the availability of resources and the local market demand. Bajra cultivation requires minimal investment in terms of seeds and fertilizers, making it economically viable for small-scale farmers like the Dhangars. Additionally, there is a steady demand for Bajra in the local market as it is a staple food for many communities in Maharashtra.

In conclusion, the Dhangars in the central plateau of Maharashtra sow Bajra as a crop due to its suitability to the local climate, its nutritional value, and its economic viability. Bajra cultivation allows the Dhangars to sustain their livelihoods and meet the dietary needs of their community.

Bhabar :
  • a)
    Thick forests
  • b)
    Semi-arid region
  • c)
    Dry forested area
  • d)
    Vast meadows
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Shounak Malik answered
Bhabar �is the dry forested area below the foothills of Garhwal and Kumaun. In Garhwal and Kumaon, the Gujjar cattle herders came down to the dry forests of the Bhabar in the winter and went up to the high meadows �- the Bugyals - in summer. Many of them were originally from Jammu and came to the UP hills in the 19th century in search of good pastures.

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