05. Tribes Nomads and Settled Communities | Class 7 | History | NCERT Notes | Chapter 5 | CBSE

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Welcome to Tribes Nomads and Settled Communities Class 7 History Chapter 5 NCERT Notes for CBSE.

Exam Notes: 5 Tribes, Nomads, and Settled Communities

Introduction

This chapter delves into the intricate dynamics of society in the subcontinent, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between tribes, nomadic communities, and settled societies.
Significant social transformations transpired during distinct historical epochs, profoundly affecting various facets of society.

Varna-Based Society and Its Evolution

Varna System: In large portions of the subcontinent, society was meticulously structured based on the varna system, meticulously outlined by the Brahmanas.
Social Disparities: This hierarchical system perpetuated disparities between social classes, accentuating the chasm between the affluent and impoverished.
Impact of Rulers: Under the rule of the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, this social hierarchy was further exacerbated.

Beyond Big Cities: Tribal Societies

Contrary to varna-based society, numerous societies in the subcontinent disregarded Brahmanical social norms and rituals, collectively known as tribes.
Tribal communities displayed a diverse array of livelihoods, including agriculture, hunting, gathering, and herding.
Some tribes led nomadic lifestyles, while others settled in specific geographic regions.
Despite their isolation in remote areas, tribes zealously preserved their distinctive cultures.

Who were Tribal People?

Tribal communities inhabited virtually every corner of the subcontinent.
Various tribes exerted control over different territories, exemplified by the influential Khokhar tribe in Punjab, the Langahs and Arghuns in Multan and Sind, and the Gaddis in the western Himalayas.

Nomads and Mobile People

Nomadic Pastoralists: These wandering groups traversed vast distances, often engaging in trade by exchanging pastoral products for essentials like grain, cloth, and other commodities.
The Banjaras: Notably, the Banjaras emerged as pivotal trader-nomads who facilitated the transportation of goods, including grain.
Peter Mundy‘s Account: English trader Peter Mundy’s account underscored the Banjaras’ significance, recounting a Banjara caravan of 14,000 oxen engaged in grain transport.

Changing Society: New Castes and Hierarchies

As the economy burgeoned, the demand for specialized skills burgeoned, giving rise to smaller castes or jatis within the varna framework.
Artisans, including smiths, carpenters, and masons, were formally recognized as separate jatis.
The ascendancy of Rajput clans, such as the Hunas, Chandelas, and Chalukyas, altered the sociopolitical landscape, eventually supplanting older rulers, especially in agrarian regions.
While some tribes assimilated into the caste system, others, particularly in Punjab, Sind, and the North-West Frontier, resisted it vehemently.

A Closer Look: The Gonds

Gondwana Dwellers: The Gonds inhabited the extensive forested region of Gondwana, practicing shifting cultivation.
Intricate Social Structure: Their society was characterized by complex clans and an elaborate administrative structure.
Brahmanical Influence: As Brahmanical influence grew and powerful Gond kingdoms emerged, the traditional Gond society gradually transformed.

A Closer Look: The Ahoms

Ahom Migration: The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley, establishing a new state.
Annexation of Neighbors: They annexed neighboring kingdoms and introduced early firearms.
Sophisticated Society: Ahom society exhibited sophistication, featuring clans, forced labor, and centralized administration.
Adoption of Hinduism: While they embraced Hinduism, Ahom rulers retained their traditional beliefs and actively promoted culture and education.

Conclusion

A profound undercurrent of social change continuously coursed through the subcontinent during this period, catalyzed by the interactions between varna-based society and tribal communities.
Tribes diversified their livelihoods, seamlessly integrated into caste-based society, and even established robust states.
The exemplars of the Gonds and Ahoms serve as poignant case studies, vividly illustrating the multifaceted nature of these transformations.

Keywords and Definitions

Varna: A hierarchical system of social classification in ancient India.
Jati: Subgroups or castes within the varna system, representing various professions or social roles.
Tanda: A caravan of nomadic pastoralists or traders.
Garh: A fortified settlement or stronghold.
Chaurasi: A unit of 84 villages in the administrative structure of Gond states.
Barhot: A smaller administrative unit within a chaurasi, comprising 12 villages.
Bhuiyans: Landlords or local rulers in the Ahom society.
Paik: Forced laborers in the Ahom state.
Khel: A clan or social group in Ahom society.
Buranji: Historical records or chronicles in the Ahom tradition.
Census: A systematic count of a population, often conducted for administrative purposes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) with Answers

Why did tribes often live in remote and difficult-to-reach areas?
- Answer: Many tribes preferred such regions for their isolation, which allowed them to preserve their distinct cultures and lifestyles away from the influence of settled societies.
How did the Banjaras contribute to trade and transportation in the subcontinent?
- Answer: The Banjaras played a crucial role in transporting goods, particularly grain, from different regions to urban centers, facilitating trade and sustenance.
What factors led to the emergence of new castes within the varna system?
- Answer: Economic expansion and the demand for specialized skills necessitated the creation of smaller castes or jatis within the varna framework.
Why did some tribes choose to assimilate into the caste system while others rejected it?
- Answer: Assimilation often depended on factors like the tribe’s social status and the support of Brahmanas. Some dominant tribes joined the ruling class, while others resisted the caste system.
What was the significance of the Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga?
- Answer: Garha Katanga was known for trading wild elephants and contributing to the region’s wealth, especially through elephant exports.
How did the Ahoms enhance their military strength during their rule?
- Answer: The Ahoms introduced gunpowder and firearms, innovations that significantly bolstered their military capabilities.
What was the system of forced labor in the Ahom state called?
- Answer: The system of forced labor in the Ahom state was known as “Paik.”
Why did some tribes in the subcontinent adopt Hinduism alongside their traditional beliefs?
- Answer: Some tribes adopted Hinduism as a means of cultural synthesis, blending their traditional beliefs with elements of Hinduism.
What was the primary purpose of conducting censuses in ancient India?
- Answer: Censuses were primarily conducted for tax collection, resource allocation, and assessing the population’s composition and needs.
What is the significance of the term “Chaurasi” in the context of tribal society?
- Answer: “Chaurasi” refers to a unit of 84 villages in the administrative structure of Gond states, highlighting the organization of tribal societies.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers

What is the varna system in ancient India primarily based on?
- A) Occupation
- B) Birth
- C) Education
- D) Religion
- Answer: B) Birth
Which tribe is known for its practice of shifting cultivation in the forested region of Gondwana?
- A) Banjaras
- B) Khokhar
- C) Gonds
- D) Ahoms
- Answer: C) Gonds
What role did the Banjaras play in trade and transportation during this period?
- A) Warrior Nomads
- B) Grain Traders
- C) Shipbuilders
- D) Artisans
- Answer: B) Grain Traders
Why did some tribes join the caste system, while others resisted it?
- A) Lack of Options
- B) Economic Opportunities
- C) Influence of Brahmanas
- D) Fear of Isolation
- Answer: C) Influence of Brahmanas
Which kingdom was known for trading wild elephants and contributing to the region’s wealth?
- A) Garha Katanga
- B) Chalukya
- C) Chola
- D) Hunas
- Answer: A) Garha Katanga
What innovation did the Ahoms introduce that contributed to their military strength?
- A) Iron Weapons
- B) Gunpowder and Firearms
- C) Elephants in Warfare
- D) Cavalry Units
- Answer: B) Gunpowder and Firearms
What was the system of forced labor known as in the Ahom state?
- A) Jati
- B) Varna
- C) Buranji
- D) Paik
- Answer: D) Paik
Why did some tribes in the subcontinent adopt Hinduism alongside their traditional beliefs?
- A) Desire for Political Power
- B) Lack of Religious Identity
- C) Fear of Excommunication
- D) Cultural Synthesis
- Answer: D) Cultural Synthesis
What was the primary purpose of conducting censuses in ancient India?
- A) Religious Ceremonies
- B) Tax Collection
- C) Land Redistribution
- D) Trade Regulation
- Answer: B) Tax Collection
What is the significance of the term “Chaurasi” in the context of tribal society?
- A) A type of nomadic settlement
- B) A unit of 84 villages in administrative structure
- C) A powerful tribal leader
- D) A traditional tribal festival
- Answer: B) A unit of 84 villages in administrative structure

Important Keywords for Tribes Nomads and Settled Communities Class 7 History Chapter 5 NCERT Notes for CBSE.

Important Questions for Tribes Nomads and Settled Communities Class 7 History Chapter 5 NCERT Notes for CBSE.

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