NCERT Solutions for Class 8 History: Chapter 4 – Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

Tribals, Dikus, and the Vision of a Golden Age – Class 8 NCERT Solution is all about how the entrance of European traders, moneylenders, and other individuals whom the tribal people referred to as “Dikus” caused them trouble. It also discusses Birsa Munda’s uprising against the Dikus to liberate tribal territory. These NCERT Solutions are prepared by our Top Social Science Experts to take care of all Important Topics that might be asked in the upcoming examination 2024-2025. So, Students can refer to these solutions for their final Examination preparation.

This Class 8 Social Science Chapter 4 Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age NCERT Solutions are carefully developed using easy-to-understand language while adhering to the guidelines for solving NCERT Solutions for Class 8. Working through these solutions can be highly beneficial for students in their board exams, as well as in preparing for future competitive Exams.

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NCERT Solutions Class 8 History Chapter 4 – Tribals, Dikus, and the Vision of a Golden Age

Exercises Pages No 49-50

Q1. Fill in the blanks:

(a) The British described the tribal people as ____________.

(b) The method of sowing seeds in jhum cultivation is known as ____________.

(c) The tribal chiefs got ____________ titles in central India under the British land settlements.

(d) Tribals went to work in the ____________ of Assam and the ____________ in Bihar.

Answer:

(a) The British described the tribal people as wild and savage.

(b) The method of sowing seeds in jhum cultivation is known as broadcasting.

(c) The tribal chiefs got land titles in central India under the British land settlements.

(d) Tribals went to work in the tea plantations of Assam and the coal mines in Bihar.

Q2. State whether true or false:

(a) Jhum cultivators plough the land and sow seeds.

(b) Cocoons were bought from the Santhals and sold by the traders at five times the purchase price.

(c) Birsa urged his followers to purify themselves, give up drinking liquor and stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery.

(d) The British wanted to preserve the tribal way of life.

Answer:

a) False

b) True

c) True

d) False

Q3. What problems did shifting cultivators face under British rule?

Answer:

Under British rule, shifting cultivators faced various challenges:

• Land Tenure Policies: British land tenure systems disrupted their traditional nomadic farming practices by enforcing fixed land ownership and revenue payments.
• Forest Regulations: Restrictions on forest access hindered their ability to cultivate new land after soil depletion, essential for their livelihood.
• Revenue Demands: Imposition of land taxes burdened shifting cultivators financially, especially on land they used temporarily.
• Modernization Pressures: British policies promoting settled agriculture conflicted with their subsistence farming methods, undermining their sustainability.
• Criminalization: Some colonial authorities viewed shifting cultivation as environmentally harmful and primitive, leading to persecution and displacement of practitioners.

These challenges collectively disrupted the traditional way of life and livelihoods of shifting cultivators under British rule.

Q4. How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule?

Answer:

Under colonial rule, the powers of tribal chiefs often underwent major changes:

• Colonial authorities frequently diminished the authority of tribal chiefs by appointing their own administrators and officials to govern tribal territories. This undermined the traditional leadership structures and reduced the autonomy of tribal chiefs.
• Colonial administrators interfered in the internal affairs of tribal communities, often bypassing tribal chiefs and imposing their own rules and regulations. This weakened the influence and decision-making powers of tribal chiefs within their communities.
• Colonial land policies, such as the introduction of land surveys and revenue settlements, often disregarded traditional tribal land rights and undermined the control of tribal chiefs over land allocation and management. Land was often appropriated by colonial authorities for infrastructure projects or settler colonization.
• Colonial governments introduced new legal structures and judicial systems that replaced traditional tribal laws and customs. Tribal chiefs’ position as mediators between groups and defenders of justice within their tribes was undermined when they lost their judicial power and came under colonial rules.
• Tribal chiefs became increasingly dependent on colonial authorities for resources, patronage, and recognition of their status. This dependency further weakened their authority and diminished their ability to assert leadership over their communities independently.

Q5. What accounts for the anger of the tribals against the dikus?

Answer:

The anger of tribals against the dikus, or outsiders, under colonial rule caused from several factors:

• Colonial policies often disregarded tribal land rights, leading to the dispossession of tribal lands for colonial infrastructure projects, plantations, or settler colonization. This loss of land undermined tribal livelihoods and cultural practices, fueling resentment against the dikus.
• Tribals were often subjected to forced labor, oppressive taxation, and exploitative practices by colonial authorities and settlers. This exploitation contributed to feelings of injustice and anger among tribal communities.
• Colonial authorities sought to impose European norms and values, often at the expense of tribal cultures and traditions. Tribals faced cultural suppression, forced assimilation, and discrimination, leading to a sense of cultural alienation and resentment towards the dikus.
• Tribals experienced violence, repression, and atrocities at the hands of colonial forces and settlers. Encroachments on tribal territories, displacement from ancestral lands, and violent conflicts further caused anger and resistance against the dikus.
• Tribal chiefs lost their traditional power under colonial rule, and communities became more reliant on colonial authorities for resources and recognition, undermining tribal autonomy and self-governance. Tribal sovereignty was compromised by this loss of autonomy, which increased complaints against the dikus.

Q6. What was Birsa’s vision of a golden age? Why do you think such a vision appealed to the people of the region?

Answer:

Birsa Munda predicted a golden future in which tribal tribes would have economic empowerment, social equality, political sovereignty, land rights, and cultural resurgence. People were drawn to this vision because it promoted spiritual rejuvenation, solidarity, pride in one’s identity, resistance to oppression, and hope. It gave tribal communities a voice to stand up for their rights and work toward a brighter future based on justice and self-determination.

Such a vision appealed to the people of the region for several reasons:

• Birsa’s vision resonated with tribal groups’ fundamental sense of identity and pride, providing a path to reclaiming their cultural history and expressing their rights as indigenous peoples.
• The vision of a golden age provided hope and inspiration to tribal communities who had long suffered from oppression, exploitation, and marginalization under colonial rule and outside domination.
• Birsa’s call for social and political equality promoted a sense of unity and solidarity among tribal communities, causing divisions of caste, ethnicity, and religion.
• The vision provided real hope for change and development in the lives of indigenous people, providing a future free of poverty, injustice, and discrimination.
• Birsa’s emphasis on cultural rebirth and spiritual renewal connected with tribal tribes’ strongly held spiritual beliefs and cultural practices, providing a sense of purpose and direction in their search for liberation and autonomy.

Q7. Find out from your parents, friends or teachers, the names of some heroes of other tribal revolts in the twentieth century. Write their story in your own words.

Answer:

Birsa Munda

• Birsa Munda was a tribal leader from the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur Plateau region of present-day Jharkhand, India.
• He led the Munda Rebellion, also known as the Ulgulan or “The Great Tumult,” against British colonial rule in the late 19th century.
• Birsa Munda mobilized the Mundas and other tribal communities to resist British exploitation, cultural suppression, and land alienation.
• Despite his young age, Birsa rose as a charismatic leader and spiritual figure, advocating for social and religious reforms among tribal communities.
• His legacy continues to inspire tribal movements and cultural revival efforts in India.

Tantya Bhil

• Tantya Bhil was a tribal leader from the Bhil tribe in the Central Provinces of British India (present-day Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan).
• He led the Bhil Revolt against British colonial authorities during the early 20th century.
• Tantya Bhil organized Bhil tribesmen to resist British oppression, land encroachments, and forced labor practices.
• His revolt was marked by guerrilla attacks on British officials, revenue collectors, and symbols of colonial authority.
• Tantya Bhil’s leadership and bravery earned him a place in tribal folklore and as a symbol of resistance against colonial injustice.

Q8. Choose any tribal group living in India today. Find out about their customs and way of life, and how their lives have changed in the last 50 years.

Answer:

One tribal group living in India today is the Santhal tribe. The Santhal people are one of the largest indigenous communities in India, mainly residing in the states of Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam. Here’s an overview of their customs, way of life, and changes over the last 50 years:

Customs and Way of Life

1. Social Structure: The Santhal society is traditionally organized into clans, with each clan having its own unique identity and social hierarchy.
2. Culture and Traditions: Santhals have a rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, dance forms like the “Dhamsa” and “Jhumur,” and festivals like “Baha” and “Sohrai” being integral parts of their cultural identity.
3. Economy: Historically, Santhals have been mainly agrarian, practicing subsistence agriculture and traditional crafts like pottery and weaving.
4. Religion: The Santhal religion is animistic, with a belief in spirits and ancestral worship. They also have their own deities and rituals, with the “Jaher Era” being central to their religious practices.

Changes in the Last 50 Years

1. Education: There has been an increase in educational opportunities for Santhal children over the last 50 years, with more access to schools and educational initiatives aimed at tribal communities.
2. Economic Changes: Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to changes in the traditional agrarian economy of the Santhals. Many have migrated to urban areas in search of better livelihood opportunities, leading to changes in their way of life.
3. Land Rights: Santhals have faced challenges in retaining their traditional lands due to industrial projects, mining activities, and land acquisition for development projects. This has led to conflicts over land rights and displacement of Santhal communities.
4. Cultural Preservation: Efforts have been made to preserve and promote Santhal culture and traditions, with initiatives focusing on the documentation of traditional knowledge, revival of indigenous crafts, and promotion of cultural festivals.

FAQs on NCERT Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 4 – Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

What is the focus of Chapter 4 in Class 8 Social Science?

The chapter focuses on the life and struggles of tribal communities under colonial rule, with a particular emphasis on the vision of a golden age led by figures like Birsa Munda.

Who was Birsa Munda?

Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and visionary who advocated for the rights and empowerment of tribal communities in colonial India.

What was Birsa Munda’s vision of a golden age?

Birsa Munda envisioned a future characterized by cultural revival, land rights, social equality, political autonomy, and economic empowerment for tribal communities.

Why did Birsa Munda’s vision appeal to tribal communities?

Birsa Munda’s vision appealed to tribal communities because it offered hope, pride in identity, resistance against oppression, unity, aspiration for change, and spiritual renewal.

What were the challenges faced by tribal communities under colonial rule?

Tribal communities faced challenges such as land dispossession, forced labor, cultural suppression, violence, and loss of autonomy under colonial rule.