4. Tribals Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age
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.
Ans:-
(a) Savage
(b) Boardcast
(c) land
(d) Tea plantation; Coal mines.
2. 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.
Ans:-
(a) False
(b) True
(c) True
(d) False
3. What problems did shifting cultivators face under British rule?
Ans:- The life of shifting cultivators was directly connected to the forest. So, when the british brought changes in forest laws, their life was badly affected. The british
Q4. How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule?
Ans:
(i) He got the ownership of land in many villages, but his governmental powers were taken away.
(ii) They were forced to obey the rules made by the British authorities.
(iii) They had to pay tribute to the British.
(iv) As a private position towards the British, their groups had to be disciplined.
(v) The strength which they had before, is no more.
Q5. What accounts for the anger of the tribals against the dikus?
Ans:
(i) The tribals were restless with the revenge around them and the problems arising due to British rule.
(ii) His familiar way of life was seen to be destroyed.
(iii) Their livelihood was in danger.
(iv) Their religions were dissolving.
Q6. What was Birsa’s vision of a golden age? Why do you think such a vision appealed to the people of the region?
Ans: They spoke of the golden age "Satyuga", in which the Munda people lived a good life, built embankments, planted trees and gardens, cultivated to feed their stomachs, and controlled the natural springs. Birsa wanted people to cultivate their land once again and stick to one place. They should work on their own farm. In that imaginary age, Munda should not shed the blood of his fraternities and relatives and live honestly.
