Class 8 Social-Science Chapter 4 Practice Question Answers - Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Q1: Who are the "Dikus" referred to in the chapter "Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age"?
(a) Tribal leaders
(b) British officials and outsiders
(c) Religious leaders
(d) Indian traders
Ans: (b)
In the context of the chapter, "Dikus" refers to British officials and outsiders who came into tribal areas.

Q2: Which tribal leader from Jharkhand is known for his role in the tribal movement against the British and the oppressive policies of the landlords?
(a) Birsa Munda
(b) Rani Lakshmi Bai
(c) Bahadur Shah Zafar
(d) Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Ans: (a)
Birsa Munda was a prominent tribal leader from Jharkhand who played a key role in the tribal movement against the British and oppressive landlords.

Q3: What did the tribal communities in India often practice to protect their land and forests from outsiders?
(a) Trade
(b) Agriculture
(c) Rebellion and resistance
(d) Conversion to Christianity
Ans: (c)
Tribal communities in India often practiced rebellion and resistance to protect their land and forests from outsiders, including British officials and settlers.

Q4: The revolt led by the tribal leader Birsa Munda was known as:
(a) Khilafat Movement
(b) Civil Disobedience Movement
(c) Santhal Rebellion
(d) Birsa Movement
Ans: (d)
The revolt led by Birsa Munda was known as the Birsa Movement or the Birsa Munda Revolt.

Q5: The British introduced the Forest Act in 1865, which had a significant impact on tribal communities. What did this act restrict?
(a) Hunting and gathering in forests
(b) Trading with outsiders
(c) Tribal languages
(d) Religious practices
Ans: (a)
The Forest Act of 1865 introduced by the British restricted tribal communities' traditional practices of hunting and gathering in forests, which had a significant impact on their way of life.

Q6: Explain the impact of the Forest Act of 1865 on tribal communities in India.
Ans: The Forest Act of 1865 had a detrimental impact on tribal communities in India. It restricted their traditional practices of hunting and gathering in forests, which were essential for their livelihoods. This led to a loss of access to vital resources and a decline in their economic and cultural well-being. Many tribal communities faced displacement and marginalization as a result of this act.

Q7: Describe the main features of the Birsa Movement led by Birsa Munda.
Ans: The Birsa Movement, led by Birsa Munda, was a tribal rebellion against the British and oppressive landlords.
Its main features included:

• Opposition to British Rule: The movement aimed to resist British oppression and the exploitation of tribal communities.
• Religious Revival: Birsa Munda preached a religious revival, emphasizing the worship of a single god, and encouraged tribal unity.
• Land and Forest Rights: The movement sought to protect tribal land and forest rights from outsiders.
• Social Equality: Birsa emphasized social equality and the abolition of caste distinctions.
• Resistance and Rebellion: The movement involved acts of rebellion and resistance against British authorities and landlords.

Q8: Discuss the role of tribal communities in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule.
Ans: Tribal communities played various roles in the freedom struggle against British colonial rule. They participated in rebellions, such as the Santhal Rebellion and the Birsa Movement, to resist British oppression and land alienation. Their resistance often inspired and contributed to the larger struggle for independence. Additionally, tribal leaders like Birsa Munda raised awareness about the rights and grievances of tribal communities, which became an integral part of India's freedom movement.

Q9: What were some of the challenges faced by tribal communities in India during the colonial period, as discussed in the chapter?
Ans: During the colonial period, tribal communities in India faced several challenges, including:

• Displacement: Many tribal communities were displaced from their ancestral lands due to forest laws and the expansion of British settlements.
• Land Alienation: Land was often taken away from tribal communities and given to outsiders, including British officials and settlers.
• Economic Exploitation: Tribal communities were subjected to economic exploitation by landlords and moneylenders.
• Cultural Disruption: The introduction of new laws and practices disrupted tribal cultures and traditions.
• Loss of Forest Rights: The Forest Act of 1865 restricted tribal access to forests, impacting their hunting and gathering practices.

Q10: Explain the significance of the tribal uprisings and movements during the colonial period in India's history.
Ans: The tribal uprisings and movements during the colonial period were significant as they represented the resistance of tribal communities against British oppression, land alienation, and cultural disruption. These movements played a role in protecting tribal rights and resources. They also contributed to the larger struggle for independence by raising awareness about the injustices faced by tribal communities and inspiring other movements for social and economic justice.

Q11: Explain the impact of British colonialism on tribal communities in India during the 19th century. Discuss the changes in their social, economic, and cultural lives and the factors that contributed to their marginalization.
Ans: British colonialism had a profound impact on tribal communities in India during the 19th century. As part of their revenue and forest policies, the British introduced land settlements and Forest Laws that restricted tribal access to their traditional lands and resources. This disrupted tribal economies and led to the displacement of many tribes. Socially, the British introduced laws and practices that undermined traditional tribal institutions and cultures. Factors like the encroachment of outsiders, exploitation by traders, and changes in land use contributed to the marginalization of tribal communities. Understanding these impacts is crucial for comprehending the challenges faced by tribal populations during colonial rule.

Q12: Describe the different ways in which tribal societies in India resisted British colonial rule. Explain the significance of tribal revolts, religious movements, and cultural expressions in their resistance.
Ans: Tribal societies in India employed various forms of resistance against British colonial rule. Tribal revolts, such as the Santhal Rebellion and the Munda Ulgulan, were armed uprisings against oppressive British policies. Religious movements like the Birsas, which emphasized cultural and religious unity among tribal communities, played a significant role. Additionally, cultural expressions, including songs, dances, and oral traditions, were means of preserving and asserting tribal identity in the face of colonial pressures. These forms of resistance were vital in preserving tribal cultures and identities and challenging colonial injustices.

Q13: Discuss the concept of "civilizing" tribes during British colonial rule. Explain the motives behind this approach and the impact it had on tribal communities.
Ans: The British colonial administration often adopted a paternalistic approach of "civilizing" tribal communities. Their motives included bringing tribal communities into the mainstream, spreading Christianity, and facilitating easier governance. However, this approach often led to the erosion of tribal cultures and traditions. Missionaries attempted to convert tribal populations, while administrators sought to impose Western education and legal systems. The "civilizing" process disrupted tribal social structures, altered traditional land-use practices, and marginalized tribal customs. Understanding this approach is crucial for recognizing the challenges faced by tribal communities in preserving their unique identities and ways of life.

Q14: Explain the significance of the Birsa Munda movement in the context of tribal resistance. Discuss the goals, leaders, and outcomes of this movement.
Ans: The Birsa Munda movement, led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century, was a significant tribal resistance movement against British colonialism. It aimed to assert the rights and identity of tribal communities. The movement advocated for the worship of a single god, Birsa Bhagwan, who was believed to protect tribal rights. Birsa Munda's leadership galvanized tribal communities, encouraging them to challenge colonial policies and cultural impositions. While the movement didn't achieve all its goals, it played a crucial role in mobilizing tribal populations and fostering a sense of unity and identity among them.

Q15: Examine the role of tribal art and culture in preserving tribal identity during British colonial rule. Discuss how art forms, such as painting and music, helped tribal communities maintain their distinct cultural heritage.
Ans: Tribal art and culture played a vital role in preserving tribal identity during British colonial rule. Art forms like Warli painting and Gond art served as mediums for expressing tribal myths, traditions, and stories. Music and dance were used to celebrate tribal festivals and rituals. These artistic expressions helped tribal communities maintain their distinct cultural heritage in the face of colonial pressures. They provided a means of resistance by asserting tribal identities and challenging attempts at cultural assimilation. Understanding the significance of tribal art and culture is crucial for appreciating the resilience of tribal communities in preserving their heritage.