Test: Tribes, Nomads & Settled Communities - UPSC MCQ

As the rise and fall of various kingdoms was happening, there were changes in the economic, political and social scenario over the centuries. But the changes in the social aspects were not the same everywhere. This is because different societies evolved differently. And already the society was divided according to the rules of Varna in large parts of the subcontinent. These rules were prescribed by the Brahamanas and accepted by the rulers of large kingdoms. The gap between the high and low, and rich and poor, widened. Hence, the hierarchy between social classes grew further under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals.

Topic in NCERT: SOCIAL HIERARCHY UNDER DELHI SULTANS AND MUGHALS

Line in NCERT: "Under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, this hierarchy between social classes grew further."

- Hunter-gatherers: Tribes obtained food by hunting animals and gathering wild plants. This was one of the earliest forms of livelihood.
- Agriculture: Many tribes cultivated crops, leading to more permanent settlements and food stability.
- Herders: Some tribes relied on herding animals such as sheep, goats, or cattle, providing milk, meat, and hides.

Tribes utilized all these methods to sustain themselves, making option D, "All of these," the correct answer.

Tribal people were found in almost every region of the subcontinent. Many large tribes thrived in different parts of the subcontinent. They usually lived in forests, hills, deserts and places difficult to reach. Sometimes they clashed with the more powerful caste-based societies. In various ways, the tribes retained their freedom and preserved their separate culture. But the caste-based and tribal societies also depended on each other for their diverse needs. This relationship, of conflict and dependence, gradually caused both societies to change.

Topic in NCERT: BEYOND BIG CITIES: TRIBAL SOCIETIES

Line in NCERT: "But the caste-based and tribal societies also depended on each other for their diverse needs. This relationship, of conflict and dependence, gradually caused both societies to change."

Khokhar tribes were in:
The Khokhar tribes were primarily located in Punjab.
Explanation:
- The Khokhar tribe is a prominent Rajput tribe in Punjab, Pakistan.
- They are believed to have migrated from Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent during the 12th century.
- The Khokhars are known for their warrior heritage and have played a significant role in the history of Punjab.
- They have a strong presence in the districts of Jhelum, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Attock in Punjab, Pakistan.
- The Khokhar tribe has also spread to other parts of Pakistan, including Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- In addition to Pakistan, Khokhar communities can also be found in India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- The Khokhars have maintained a distinct cultural identity and are known for their agricultural practices and livestock rearing.
- They have a rich oral tradition, with stories and legends passed down through generations.
- The Khokhar tribe has contributed significantly to the social, political, and cultural fabric of Punjab and continues to hold a prominent position in the region.

Topic in NCERT: Tribal Societies in Punjab

Line in NCERT: "In Punjab, the Khokhar tribe was very influential during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries."

A clan is a group of families or households that claim descent from a common ancestor. Clans often share a name, traditions, and a sense of kinship, and they can be found in various cultures around the world.

Let's review the other options:

• A: Class refers to a social group based on factors like wealth, occupation, or education, not descent.
• B: Gang typically refers to a group of people, often associated with illegal activities, and is unrelated to the concept of descent.
• C: Departments refer to divisions within an organization or institution, and they are not related to family or descent.

The Mundas and Santals are indigenous tribes that historically lived in the regions of Bihar and Jharkhand. These areas are known for their tribal populations, and both the Mundas and Santals have rich cultural and historical significance in this region.

• B: Bihar and Orissa: While these tribes may have had some presence in Orissa, they are more closely associated with Bihar and Jharkhand.
• C: Bengal and Assam: The Santals did have a presence in Bengal, but not primarily in Assam.
• D: Orissa and Bengal: While some Santals lived in Bengal and parts of Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand are more central to their history.

The Bhils are one of the largest indigenous tribes in India. They are primarily found in Western and Central India, especially in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.

B: South and central India: The Bhils are not predominantly found in southern India.

C: North and central India: While the Bhils do have a presence in central India, they are not mainly spread across northern India.

D: Eastern and central India: This is not the primary region for the Bhils.

Thus, the Bhils were mainly spread across Western and Central India.

In the western Himalaya lived the shepherd tribe of Gaddis. The distant north-eastern part of the subcontinent too was entirely dominated by tribes – the Nagas, Ahoms etc. In many areas of present-day Bihar and Jharkhand, Chero, chiefdoms had emerged by the 12th century.

Topic in NCERT: TRIBES, NOMADS AND SETTLED COMMUNITIES

Line in NCERT: "In the western Himalaya lived the shepherd tribe of Gaddis."

The emergence of states is closely related to social change amongst tribal people. One example of this important part of our history was the emergence of large states changed the nature of Gond society. Their basically equal society gradually got divided into unequal social classes.

Brahmanas received land grants from the Gond rajas and became more influential.

Topic in NCERT: TRIBES, NOMADS AND SETTLED COMMUNITIES

Line in NCERT: "The emergence of states is closely related to social change amongst tribal people."