Class 7 History Chapter 5 Question Answers - Tribal and Nomadic Communities

Short Answer Questions

Q1: What were the main characteristics of tribal societies in medieval India?
Ans: The main characteristics of tribal societies included an egalitarian nature, kinship bonds, nomadic or settled lifestyles, community ownership of land, and either a patrilineal or matrilineal social system.

Q2: Who were the Gonds, and where did they live in medieval India?
Ans: The Gonds were one of the largest tribal groups in medieval India. They lived in an area called Condwanaland.

Q3: What was the significance of the Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga?
Ans: The Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga had a well-structured administrative system and became wealthy by selling wild elephants to other kingdoms.

Q4: Who was Queen Durgawati, and what was her role in medieval India?
Ans: Queen Durgawati was the wife of Gond raja Sangram Shah. After his death, she took control of the kingdom but was defeated by Mughal forces in 1565.

Q5: What was the Ahom state's paik system?
Ans: The paik system in the Ahom state required non-noble, non-priest, non-high-caste, and non-slave males to provide service to the kingdom in exchange for land.

Q6: Why did the Mughals lose control over the Ahom kingdom in 1662?
Ans: The Mughals lost control due to an epidemic that broke out in their camp, allowing the Ahoms to regain power.

Q7: In what century did the Ahom administration become centralized, and what was a crucial element of their state's organization?
Ans: The Ahom administration became centralized in the 17th century. A crucial element was the paik system, which provided labor in exchange for land.

Q8: What is meant by "patrilineal" and "matrilineal" social systems in tribal societies?
Ans: Patrilineal means tracing ancestry through the male line, while matrilineal means tracing ancestry through the female line.

Q9: What were some of the effects of the interaction between tribal and caste-based societies in medieval India?
Ans: The interaction led to economic dependencies, incorporation of tribal customs into Hindu traditions, and some tribes adopting the caste system.

Q10: What term is used in the Indian Constitution to refer to tribal and ethnic groups, and what were they known as during British rule?
Ans: In the Indian Constitution, tribal and ethnic groups are referred to as "Scheduled Tribes." During British rule, they were known as the "Depressed Classes."

Long Answer Questions

Q11: Describe the main characteristics of tribal societies in medieval India and how they differed from caste-based societies.
Ans: Tribal societies in medieval India were usually egalitarian, had strong kinship bonds, and often practiced nomadic lifestyles. They controlled land collectively, and some followed patrilineal or matrilineal systems. In contrast, caste-based societies were hierarchical, with rigid social divisions based on birth.

Q12: Explain the significance of the Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga, its administrative structure, and how it became wealthy.
Ans: The Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga had a well-structured administrative system with divisions called garhs, each administered by a clan. It became wealthy by selling wild elephants to other kingdoms.

Q13: Discuss the role and significance of Queen Durgawati in medieval India, including her resistance against the Mughals.
Ans: Queen Durgawati was the wife of Gond raja Sangram Shah. After his death, she took control of the kingdom. She resisted Mughal forces in 1565 but was eventually defeated, and she, along with her son, died in the battle.

Q14: Explain the Ahom state's administration in medieval India, focusing on the paik system, its purpose, and the benefits provided to those who served.
Ans: The Ahom state's administration became centralized in the 17th century. The paik system required non-noble, non-priest, non-high-caste, and non-slave males to provide service in exchange for land. Paiks received two acres of non-transferable and non-hereditary land for their service.

Q15: Describe the societal, religious, and cultural aspects of the Ahoms in medieval India, including their traditional beliefs, the influence of Hinduism, and their contributions.
Ans: Ahom society was organized into clans or khel, and village communities played a significant role. They followed their traditional beliefs, but Hinduism became predominant in the 17th century due to Brahmanas' influence. Ahoms supported scholars, translated texts, and compiled Ahom chronicles called buranjis.

Q16: Explain the interaction between tribal and caste-based societies in medieval India, including the reasons for conflict and cooperation.
Ans: Tribal and caste-based societies had both conflicts and cooperation. Economic dependencies existed, and tribal customs were incorporated into Hindu traditions. Some tribes adopted the caste system, leading to changes in their social and political structures.

Q17: Discuss the historical categorization and recognition of tribal and ethnic groups in India, both during British rule and in the Indian Constitution.
Ans: During British rule, these groups were known as the "Depressed Classes." In the Indian Constitution, they are recognized as "Scheduled Tribes." These groups are acknowledged as historically disadvantaged communities.