Unit Test (Solutions): Pastoralists in the Modern World | Social Studies (SST) Class 9 PDF Download

Time: 1 hour
M.M.: 30

Attempt all questions.
Question numbers 1 to 5 carry 1 mark each.
Question numbers 6 to 8 carry 2 marks each.
Question numbers 9 to 11 carry 3 marks each.
Question numbers 12 & 13 carry 5 marks each.

Q1: Which pastoral community in Jammu and Kashmir migrates annually between summer and winter grazing grounds with their herds of goats and sheep? (1 Mark)
(a) Dhangars
(b) Raikas
(c) Gujjar Bakarwals
(d) Gollas
Ans: (c)

The Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir are great herders of goats and sheep. They migrate annually between the Siwalik hills in winter and the Kashmir valley in summer.

Q2: What term refers to the vast natural pastures on high mountains in the Himalayas, like those used by Gujjar cattle herders in summer? (1 Mark)
(a) Bhabar
(b) Bugyals
(c) Kafila
(d) Dhandi
Ans: (b)

Bugyals are vast natural meadows in the high mountains, above 12,000 feet, used for summer grazing by pastoral communities like the Gujjars in Garhwal and Kumaon.

Q3: Which colonial law classified many pastoralist communities as 'Criminal Tribes' in 1871? (1 Mark)
(a) Waste Land Rules
(b) Forest Acts
(c) Grazing Tax
(d) Criminal Tribes Act
Ans: (d)

The Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 classified many pastoralists, craftsmen, and traders as ‘criminal by nature’, restricting their movements and requiring them to live in notified settlements.

Q4: In Africa, which pastoral community lost about 60% of its pre-colonial grazing lands due to European settlement and international boundaries? (1 Mark)
(a) Bedouins
(b) Maasai
(c) Berbers
(d) Somali
Ans: (b)

The Maasai of East Africa lost about 60% of their pre-colonial grazing lands due to European settlement and the creation of the 1885 international boundary between British Kenya and German Tanganyika.

Q5: What was the primary reason pastoralists like Dhangars were welcomed by Konkani peasants during their migration? (1 Mark)
(a) Trade in blankets
(b) Sale of milk
(c) Manuring fields with flocks
(d) Sharing harvests
Ans: (c)

Dhangar flocks were welcomed by Konkani peasants because they manured the fields after the kharif harvest and fed on the stubble, and in return, the peasants provided rice.

Q6: Describe the seasonal movement pattern of the Gaddi shepherds in Himachal Pradesh. (2 Marks)
Ans: The Gaddi shepherds spent winter in the low Siwalik hills, grazing their flocks in scrub forests. By April, they moved north to Lahul and Spiti for summer grazing. In September, they descended, harvested summer crops, sowed winter crops, and returned to their winter grounds.

Q7: How did the Waste Land Rules affect pastoralists under colonial rule? (2 Marks)
Ans: The Waste Land Rules took over uncultivated grazing lands and gave them to individuals for cultivation. This reduced the pasture available to pastoralists and caused a decline in grazing areas.

Q8: What challenges did the Maasai face during droughts after colonial restrictions? (2 Marks)
Ans: After colonial restrictions, the Maasai were confined to reserves with poor pastures. During droughts, they could not move to better grazing areas, which led to starvation, disease, and the death of over half their cattle during the 1933–1934 droughts.

Q9: Explain how the Forest Acts changed the lives of pastoralists in India. (3 Marks)
Ans: 

• Forest Acts declared valuable timber forests as ‘Reserved’, banning pastoralists’ access.
• ‘Protected’ forests allowed limited grazing with strict permits for entry and stay.
• Colonial officials believed that grazing damaged young trees by trampling and eating shoots.

This reduced access to forage, imposed fines for overstays, and disrupted traditional herding patterns.

Q10: Describe the lifestyle and movements of the Raikas in Rajasthan. (3 Marks)
Ans: 

• The Raikas combined cultivation with pastoralism in arid Rajasthan.
• During monsoons, they stayed in their home villages for grazing.
• By October, they moved to search for pastures and returned with the next monsoon.
• The Maru (desert) Raikas herded camels, while other Raikas reared sheep and goats.

Q11: How did pastoralists in India cope with changes under colonial rule? (3 Marks)
Ans: 

• Some pastoralists reduced herd sizes due to pasture shortages.
• Others found new grazing grounds, like the Raikas, moving to Haryana after 1947.
• Some richer pastoralists bought land, settled as peasants, or took to trade.
• Poorer ones borrowed money, lost animals, and became labourers.
• Many adapted by combining herding with other income sources.

Q12: Discuss the impact of colonial rule on pastoralists in India, including specific laws and their consequences. (5 Marks)
Ans: 

• Waste Land Rules: Took over grazing lands for cultivation, reducing pasture.
• Forest Acts: Reserved and protected forests restrict access, requiring permits.
• Criminal Tribes Act: Labelled nomadic groups as criminals, restricting movement.
• Grazing Tax: Imposed per animal, collected through passes, increasing expenses.

Consequences: Pasture shortages, overgrazing, decline in animal stock, death of animals during famines, harassment by officials, and reduced trade and crafts.

Q13: Compare the experiences of pastoralists in India and Africa under colonialism, focusing on land loss and adaptations. (5 Marks)
Ans: 

• India: Pastoralists like Gujjars and Dhangars lost land to cultivation and forest reservation. Laws and taxes restricted movement and trade.
• Africa: Maasai lost 60% of land to settlers, reserves, and game parks; borders restricted movement.
• Similarities: Both faced pasture deterioration, drought losses, and trade curbs.
• Adaptations: Raikas shifted migration to Haryana; Maasai reduced their herds. Wealthier pastoralists settled or engaged in trade, while poorer ones worked as labourers.

Pastoralism continued as a viable livelihood in both regions.