Class 8 History Chapter 4 Important Question Answers - Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Q1: What were the problems faced by the tribal groups in Chottanagpur under British rule, and how did Birsa aim to address them?
Ans: Birsa aimed to address the problems faced by tribal groups, including the disappearance of familiar ways of life, threats to livelihoods, and endangerment of their religion under British rule. He declared himself appointed by God to free people from dikus (outsiders) and solve their troubles.

Q2: Describe the various activities of tribal people in India during the nineteenth century and how their lives were interconnected with the forest.
Ans: Tribal people in India engaged in activities such as jhum cultivation, hunting and gathering, herding animals, and settled cultivation. Their lives were directly connected to the forest, and changes in forest laws significantly impacted their way of life.

Q3: How did British officials view settled tribal groups, and what changes did they introduce in the lives of shifting cultivators? 
Ans: British officials viewed settled tribal groups as more civilized than those engaged in shifting cultivation. They introduced land settlements, measuring land and defining individual rights, encouraging settled cultivation. However, efforts to settle jhum cultivators faced challenges.

Q4: What were the changes in the powers and functions of tribal chiefs under British rule, and how did it impact their relationship with their communities? 
Ans: Under British rule, tribal chiefs retained land titles but lost administrative power. They had to follow laws made by British officials, pay tribute, and discipline tribal groups on behalf of the British. This led to a loss of authority and traditional functions among the tribal chiefs.

Q5: Explain the impact of forest laws on the lives of tribal groups and how the Forest Department managed labor supply. 
Ans: Forest laws, declaring forests as state property, directly affected tribal lives. The Forest Department established forest villages to ensure a cheap labor supply, forcing tribal people to work for them. This led to protests and rebellions against the colonial forest laws.

Q6: Analyze the role of traders and moneylenders in the tribal economy during the nineteenth century and the consequences faced by tribal groups?
Ans: Traders and moneylenders played a significant role in the tribal economy, offering cash loans and buying forest produce. However, tribal groups faced exploitation, debt, and poverty, viewing traders and moneylenders as evil outsiders and the cause of their misery.

Q7: How did the British efforts to settle jhum cultivators impact their traditional practices, and why did some tribal groups resist this settlement? 
Ans: British efforts to settle jhum cultivators were not very successful, as settled plough cultivation was challenging in areas with scarce water and dry soil. Some tribal groups resisted settlement, insisting on continuing their traditional practice of shifting cultivation.

Q8: Explore the changes in the lives of tribals who migrated far from their homes for work, particularly in tea plantations and coal mines. 
Ans: During the late nineteenth century, tribals were recruited to work in tea plantations and coal mines. They were paid low wages by contractors, preventing them from returning home. This migration for work further worsened the plight of tribal communities.

Q9: Discuss the various rebellions and movements staged by tribal groups against colonial changes, citing examples such as the Kols, Santhals, Bastar Rebellion, and the Warli Revolt.
Ans: Tribal groups rebelled against colonial changes through movements like the Kols' rebellion (1831–32), Santhals' revolt (1855), Bastar Rebellion (1910), and Warli Revolt (1940). These movements expressed resistance to laws, restrictions, taxes, and exploitation by traders and moneylenders.

Q10: Elaborate on the life and influence of Birsa Munda, focusing on his childhood, influences, and the goals of the movement he led. Ans: Birsa Munda, born in the mid-1870s, grew up in poverty around the forests of Bohonda. Influenced by Munda uprisings and religious teachings, he aimed to reform tribal society. His movement sought to address issues like alcoholism, cleanliness, and belief in witchcraft.

Q11: Describe the British officials' reaction to the Birsa movement and the political aims of the movement. 
Ans: British officials reacted to the Birsa movement by arresting Birsa in 1895, convicting him on rioting charges, and imprisoning him for two years. The movement aimed to drive out missionaries, moneylenders, Hindu landlords, and the government to establish a Munda Raj with Birsa as its leader.

Q12: Explain the impact of the Birsa movement on the land policies of the British and its significance in showcasing tribal resistance against injustice.
Ans: The Birsa movement compelled the colonial government to introduce laws protecting tribal land from easy takeover. It demonstrated that tribal people had the capacity to protest against injustice, expressing their anger against colonial rule with unique rituals and symbols.

Q13: How did Birsa use traditional symbols and language to mobilize support, and what were the main targets of Birsa's followers during the movement? 
Ans: Birsa used traditional symbols and language to rally support, urging people to destroy "Ravana" (dikus and Europeans) and establish a kingdom under his leadership. Targets included symbols of dikus and European power, such as police stations, churches, and properties of moneylenders and zamindars.

Q14: Evaluate the significance of the Birsa movement in two aspects, including its impact on land policies and the demonstration of tribal people's capacity to protest.
Ans: The Birsa movement was significant as it influenced land policies, making it difficult for dikus to take over tribal land easily. It also showcased the capacity of tribal people to protest against injustice, expressing their anger against colonial rule with unique rituals and symbols.

Q15: Discuss the challenges faced by tribal groups under British rule, considering the impact on their traditional practices, economic dependence on traders and moneylenders, and the changes in forest laws. 

Ans: Tribal groups faced challenges under British rule, including changes in traditional practices due to settlement efforts, economic dependence on traders and moneylenders leading to debt and poverty, and the impact of forest laws restricting their free movement and practices. These challenges sparked various protests and rebellions among tribal communities.