How Did Tribal Groups Live? – NCERT Class-8 Notes

How Did Tribal Groups Live: According to the syllabus of NCERT Class 8, Chapter 4: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age. By the 19th century, tribal groups in various parts of India lived in different ways. Some of them lived in forests and hills, while others resided in plains or near rivers. They usually built simple homes using materials found in their surroundings like wood, leaves, and mud. These tribal communities, scattered throughout the country, had distinct cultures, languages, and ways of living that set them apart from mainstream society.

How Did Tribal Groups Live? – NCERT Class-8 Notes

Their daily activities encompassed farming, hunting, gathering, and fishing. Some tribes practised shifting cultivation, clearing small patches of forest land for farming, using basic tools like axes and hoes. This practice reflected their intimate connection with the land and forests that surrounded them. The tribes maintained a strong connection with nature, revering the land and forests, upon which they depended for food, shelter, and medicine. Their spiritual beliefs often centred around nature and ancestral spirits. Overall, tribal groups in 19th-century India lived simple yet fulfilling lives, deeply connected to their traditions, communities, and the natural world. This article explores the diverse ways in which tribal groups lived, shedding light on their cultural practices, economic activities, and social structures, enriching our understanding of India’s cultural heritage and the relationship between humans and their environments.

Some were Jhum Cultivators

Some of them were Jhum cultivators, also known as shifting cultivators. They lived a simple life deeply connected to the land and forests. They primarily resided in hilly and forested areas of northeast and central India. Their livelihood depended on the practice of Jhum cultivation which is a method where they cleared small patches of forest land for farming. Using basic tools like axes and hoes, they cleared the land by cutting trees and burning vegetation to create space for cultivation. This process, while seemingly harsh, also fertilized the soil with the ashes, which contained potash. Instead of plowing, they scattered seeds directly onto the prepared soil. Once the crop was harvested, they moved to another field, leaving the previously cultivated land fallow for several years. This practice allowed the land to regenerate its fertility naturally. Their lives were intertwined with the rhythms of nature, and they relied on the forests not just for farming but also for other resources essential for their survival. Their lifestyle demanded freedom of movement within the forests to find suitable land for cultivation. Thus, they had a deep connection and reliance on the land and forests, which sustained their way of life as shifting cultivators.

Some were Hunters and Gatherers

Tribal people lived in harmony with nature, relying on hunting, gathering, and the resources of the forest for survival. Tribal people in many areas survived by hunting animals and gathering food from the forest. They thought the forests were crucial for their lives. Let’s talk about the Khonds tribe from Orissa as an example. They went hunting together and shared the meat they caught among themselves. Apart from meat, they ate fruits and roots they found in the forest. They used oil from seeds of trees like sal and mahua to cook their food. Also, they knew how to use various plants from the forest as medicine. They sold some of the forest things in local markets. Local weavers and leatherworkers depended on them for flowers like Kusum and Palash to dye their clothes and leather. But, you might wonder, where did they get rice and other grains?

Sometimes they exchanged their forest goods for these things. Other times, they bought what they needed with the little money they earned. Some worked odd jobs in villages, carrying things or building roads. Some worked in the fields for farmers. But some tribes, like the Baigas in central India, didn’t like working for others. They believed they were forest people and should only live off the forest. They thought doing other jobs was beneath their dignity.Tribal groups often had to buy and sell things they couldn’t get from the forest. This made them rely on traders and moneylenders. Traders sold things at high prices, making it hard for the tribes to afford. Moneylenders gave loans, but the interest they charged was very high. This put the tribes in debt and made them poor. So, they started seeing traders and moneylenders as bad people who caused their problems.

Some Herded Animals

Tribal communities across various regions sustained their livelihoods through herding and caring for animals. These pastoralists, like the Van Gujjars in the Punjab hills, Labadis in Andhra Pradesh, Gaddis in Kulu, and Bakarwals in Kashmir, relied heavily on their herds of cattle, sheep, and goats. Their way of life revolved around the movement of these animals in accordance with seasonal changes.As the grass in one area became depleted, these tribes migrated to fresher pastures, ensuring their herds had enough food to thrive. For instance, during the colder months, the Gaddis led their sheep to lower elevations where the weather was milder, while the Bakarwals guided their goats to higher grounds in search of greener pastures.Herding wasn’t just a means of survival; it was a way of life deeply embedded in their culture and traditions. These communities formed strong bonds with their animals, often treating them as members of their families. They crafted tools and shelters suited to their nomadic lifestyle, using natural resources available in their surroundings.Their tales of resilience and harmony with nature are a testament to the rich tapestry of tribal life, offering invaluable insights into the diverse ways humanity has adapted to its environment over the centuries.

Some Took to Settled Cultivation

Some tribal communities began adopting settled cultivation even before the nineteenth century. Instead of moving from place to place, they started staying in one location and farming their fields every year. They learned to use tools like the plough to till the land efficiently. Over time, these tribes gained rights over the land they inhabited. For instance, the Mundas of Chottanagpur collectively owned the land as a clan. All members were considered descendants of the original settlers who cleared the land, granting them equal rights.Within these communities, certain individuals gained more authority, becoming chiefs, while others followed their leadership. Some influential individuals rented out their land rather than farming it themselves.The British viewed settled tribal groups such as the Gonds and Santhals as more civilized compared to hunter-gatherers or nomadic cultivators. Those tribes residing in forests were often seen as wild and uncivilized, prompting efforts to settle and ‘civilize’ them.Overall, the transition to settled cultivation marked a shift towards a more structured society within tribal communities, with defined leadership roles and property rights over land.

Conclusion

The evolution of tribal groups’ lifestyles, particularly the transition to settled cultivation, reflects a complex interplay of historical, social, and economic factors. The adoption of agricultural practices and the establishment of property rights over land reshaped traditional tribal societies, leading to the emergence of hierarchical structures and power dynamics within communities. While some tribes embraced settled lifestyles voluntarily, others were coerced by colonial authorities seeking to impose their notions of civilization. Nevertheless, this transition underscores the resilience and adaptability of tribal cultures in the face of external pressures. Understanding the diverse ways in which tribal groups lived sheds light on the rich tapestry of human history and the ongoing challenges of cultural preservation and socio-economic development in indigenous communities.

FAQ’s on How Did Trival Groups Live

What is jhum cultivation?

Jhum cultivation, also known as slash-and-burn agriculture, involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation before planting crops.

Where is jhum cultivation commonly practiced?

Jhum cultivation is predominantly practiced in hilly and forested regions of countries like India, Myanmar, Thailand, and parts of Africa and South America.

What were the main sources of food for hunter-gatherers?

Hunter-gatherers relied on hunting wild animals and gathering edible plants, fruits, nuts, and roots for sustenance.

Did hunter-gatherers settle in one place permanently?

No, hunter-gatherers were nomadic, moving from one location to another in search of food and resources.

What is settled cultivation?

Settled cultivation refers to the practice of farming in one location year after year, rather than moving from place to place.

How did settled cultivation impact tribal communities?

Settled cultivation led to the establishment of property rights, hierarchical structures, and changes in traditional lifestyles within tribal communities.

How did hunter-gatherers make use of their natural environment?

Hunter-gatherers utilized their knowledge of the environment to gather food, make tools from natural materials, and construct temporary shelters.