CBSE 8 History Chapter 4 Tribals Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age Questions and Answers

Chapter 4 – Tribals Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age Questions and Answers

Content Structure

  • A. Exercise Questions & Answers
    • Fill in the blanks
    • State whether true or false
  • B. Additional Questions & Answers 
    • Multiple Choice questions & answers (MCQs)
    • Fill in the blanks
    • True or False
    • Match the following 
    • Short-type questions & answers 
    • Long-type questions & answers 

A. Exercise Questions & Answers

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: 
1. Uncivilized
2. Broadcasting
3. Land
4. Tea plantations, coal mines

State whether true or false

(a) Jhum cultivators plough the land and sow seeds.
Ans: False. 
Statement: Jhum cultivators did not plough the land; they simply scattered seeds on the soil.

(b) Cocoons were bought from the Santhals and sold by the traders at five times the purchase price.
Ans: True. 
Statement: Traders bought cocoons from the Santhals at a low price and sold them for five times more.

(c) Birsa urged his followers to purify themselves, give up drinking liquor and stop believing in witchcraft and sorcery.
Ans: True. 
Statement: Birsa told his followers to stay clean, stop drinking alcohol, and not believe in witchcraft.

(d) The British wanted to preserve the tribal way of life.
Ans: False. 
Statement: The British did not protect the tribal way of life; instead, they forced tribals to settle and work for them.

3. What problems did shifting cultivators face under British rule?
Ans: The British banned shifting farming, so tribals lost land, struggled to grow crops, and had to work as labourers under strict forest laws.

  • British banned shifting farming, making it hard for tribals to survive.
  • They lost their land and were forced to settle in one place.
  • Plough farming failed in dry areas, causing low crop production.
  • Many had to move elsewhere for work or work as labourers.
  • Forest laws restricted their use of land and forest resources.

4. How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule?
Ans: Tribal chiefs kept their land but lost power. They had to follow British rules, pay tribute, control their people, and lose respect.

  • Chiefs kept land titles and could rent out land but lost administrative power.
  • They had to follow British laws instead of making their own rules.
  • They were forced to pay tribute to the British.
  • Chiefs had to control their own people for the British.
  • They lost respect and authority and could no longer perform their traditional duties.

5. What accounts for the anger of the tribals against the dikus?
Ans: Tribals were angry at the Dikus because they took their land, made them pay high taxes, paid them unfairly for their goods, and forced them to work for very little money. The British also made strict forest laws that stopped them from living their traditional way.

  • The land was taken – Dikus like landlords and moneylenders took tribal land.
  • Heavy taxes – The British forced tribals to pay high taxes.
  • Unfair trade – Traders paid low prices for tribal goods but sold them at high prices.
  • Forced labour – Tribals were made to work for low wages in plantations and mines.
  • Forest restrictions – British laws banned hunting, shifting farming, and collecting forest produce.

6. What was Birsa’s vision of a golden age? Why do you think such a vision appealed to the people of the region?
Ans: Birsa talked about a time when the Mundas were free and happy. In this golden age (Satyug), people were kind and lived peacefully. They built walls to stop floods, used natural springs for water, and planted trees. They farmed their own land and did not hurt each other.

The Vision Appealed to the People

  • The Mundas were suffering under British rule and exploitation by dikus (outsiders).
  • They lost their land, faced high taxes, and were forced into low-paying jobs.
  • British laws restricted their forest rights and traditional farming.
  • Birsa’s vision gave them hope to regain their freedom, land, and traditions.
  • It inspired them to unite and fight against injustice.

B. Additional Questions & Answers 

Multiple Choice questions & answers (MCQs)

1. Why did thousands follow Birsa?
(a) He was a king.
(b) He was a rich man.
(c) They believed he was Bhagwan (God).
(d) The British supported him.

Ans: (c) They believed he was Bhagwan (God).

2. Birsa was born into which tribe?
(a) Santhal
(b) Oraon
(c) Gond
(d) Munda

Ans: (d) Munda 

3. What important tribal rebellion took place in 1910?
(a) Santhal Rebellion
(b) Bastar Rebellion
(c) Warli Revolt
(d) Kol Rebellion

Ans: (b) Bastar Rebellion

4. What is Jhum cultivation?
(a) Farming with machines.
(b) Growing crops on the same land after two years.
(c) Burning forests and scattering seeds on the soil.
(d) Planting crops in water.

Ans: (c) Burning forests and scattering seeds on the soil.

5. Which flower is used to make colour?
(a)  Kusum and Palash
(b) Sunflower
(c) Rose
(d) Jasmine

Ans: (a) Kusum and Palash

6. Where did the Bastar Rebellion happen?
(a) Bengal
(b) Central India
(c) Maharashtra
(d) Jharkhand

Ans: (b) Central India

7. When did the British arrest Birsa Munda?
(a) 1895
(b) 1885
(c) 1980
(d) 1900

Ans: (a) 1895

8. How did herders live?
(a) Stayed in one place.
(b) Moved with their animals.
(c) Worked in offices.
(d) Lived in cities.

Ans: (b) Moved with their animals.

9. Which tribe practiced settled agriculture?
(a) Santhal
(b) Bakarwal
(c) Gaddi 
(d) Van Gujjar

Ans: (a) Santhal

10. Why was Chhota Nagpur important to the British?
(a) For farming
(b) For taxes
(c) For tourism
(d) For minerals

Ans: (d) For minerals

11. Which tribal revolt happened in 1855?
(a) Kol Rebellion
(b) Santhal Rebellion
(c) Bastar Rebellion
(d) Warli Revolt

Ans: (b) Santhal Rebellion

12. Where is Jhum cultivation practised?
(a) Plains
(b) Deserts
(c) Hilly and forested areas
(d) All of the above 

Ans: (c) Hilly and forested areas

13. Which tribal revolt happened in 1906 and where?
(a) Santhal Rebellion, Assam 
(b) Songram Sangma Rebellion, Assam
(c) Bastar Rebellion, Central India
(d) Warli Revolt, Maharashtra

Ans: (b) Songram Sangma Rebellion, Assam

14. Which tribal movement happened in 1930 and where?
(a) Forest Satyagraha, Central Provinces
(b) Santhal Rebellion, Bengal
(c) Bastar Rebellion, Central India
(d) Warli Revolt, Maharashtra

Ans: (a) Forest Satyagraha, Central Provinces

15. When did Birsa Munda die?
(a) 1895
(b) 1908
(c) 1910
(d) 1900

Ans: (d) 1900

Fill in the blanks

1. Tribal people lived by __________ animals.
2. _________________ a flower that is eaten or used to make alcohol.
3. Tribals thought _________ and __________ made their lives difficult.
4. In Jhum cultivation, farmers use the __________________ method to grow crops.
5. The Labadis are a tribal group from ____________ who are known for herding __________. 
6. Birsa Munda wanted to establish ______ to free his people from the rule of outsiders.
7. A _______ is a group of families that share a common ancestor and live together.
8. Chhota Nagpur is an important region because of its rich __________ and ___________________ resources.
9. The Khonds are a tribal community known for _________________ and living in the forests of __________________. 
10. The ____________________ Rebellion took place in 1855 against British rule.

Ans: 
1. Herding
2. Mahua 
3. Traders, moneylenders
4. Scattering seeds on burnt land
5. Andhra Pradesh, cattle
6. Munda Raj 
7. Clan 
8. Mineral, forest
9. Hunting, Odisha
10. Santhal 

True or False

1. The Khonds belong to Jharkhand.
Ans: False. 

2. The tribal chiefs lost their authority under the British rule. 
Ans: True.

3. Vaishnav Preachers were the worshippers of Vishnu.
Ans: True.

4. The Jhum Cultivations in northeast India stopped their traditional practice.
Ans: False.

5. The Santhal of Hazarbags reared Cocoons.
Ans: True.

6. The Silk growers earned huge amounts of wealth and therefore enjoyed a happy life. 
Ans: False.

7. Birsha was born into a Mundas family in Chottonagpur.
Ans: True.

8. The traders and moneylenders never deceived the tribal people. 
Ans:  True.

9. The British declared that forests were State property.
Ans: True.

10. The Gaddis of Kulu were Shepherds.
Ans: True. 

Match the following 

Column AColumn B
(a) Kulu1. Goat herders
(b) Warli Revolt2. 1906
(c) 18953. 1940
(d) Kashmir 4. 1831-32
(e) Kol Rebellion 5. Shepherds
(f) Songram Sangma’s revolt 6. Birsha Munda was arrested 
(g) 19007. Khonds 
(h) Hunters 8. Birsha Munda was died

Ans: 

Column AColumn B
(a) Kulu5. Shepherds
(b) Warli Revolt3. 1940
(c) 18956. Birsa Munda was arrested
(d) Kashmir1. Goat herders
(e) Kol Rebellion 4. 1831-32
(f) Songram Sangoma’s revolt2. 1906
(g) 19008. Birsa Munda was died
(h) Hunters7. Khonds

Short-type questions & answers 

1. What did the British want tribal groups to settle down and become peasant cultivators?
Ans: The British want tribal groups to settle down and become peasant cultivators because 

  • Easier to Control – Settled farmers were easier to monitor and manage than moving tribal groups.
  • Regular Tax Collection – The British wanted a steady income from land revenue.

2. When did Birsha die and how?
Ans: He died in jail due to cholera in the year 1900.

3. Who was Birsha?
Ans: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader and freedom fighter. He fought against the British and landlords to save tribal land and culture. He was caught and died in jail in 1900 from cholera.

4. Why did the forest department establish the forest villages?
Ans: The British needed workers to cut trees and carry logs, so they stopped shifting farming, which caused tribals to lose their land. To get cheap labour, they allowed some tribals to live in forest villages.

5. Who were the Diku?
Ans: Dikus were outsiders who treated tribals unfairly. They were British officials, landlords, moneylenders, and traders. They took tribal land, made them pay high taxes, and forced them to work, because of this, tribals blamed the Dikus for their problems.

6. What problems did Birsha set out to resolve?
Ans: Birsa wanted to help tribals who faced many problems. Moneylenders and traders cheated them, and the British made them pay high taxes. Missionaries tried to change their culture and religion. Tribals also became poor, earned very little money, and lost their land for farming, making their lives very hard.

7. What were the main activities of the Khonds living in the forest of Orissa?
Ans: The Khonds hunted animals together and shared the meat. They collected fruits and roots and used sal and Mahua seeds to make cooking oil. They also used forest plants as medicine and sold forest goods in local markets. In addition, they gave Kusum and Palash flowers to weavers and leather workers to colour cloth and leather.

8. How did traders and moneyholders explain the tribal people?
Ans: 

Traders Money holders 
Traders bought forest goods from tribals at very low prices and sold them at high prices. Moneylenders gave loans with high interest, trapping tribals in debt. When they couldn’t repay the loans, moneylenders took away their land.

9. What problems were faced by the silk- growers in the 18th century?
Ans: Silk growers, especially the Santhals in Hazaribagh (Jharkhand), faced many problems. Indian silk was in high demand in Europe, so the East India Company forced them to produce more. Traders’ agents gave them loans and bought cocoons at very low prices. Growers got only ₹3-4 for 1,000 cocoons, but traders sold them for five times more and made huge profits.

10. What is the short history of the revolts by different tribal groups in India?
Ans: Tribal groups in India fought many revolts to protect their land and rights 

  • Kol Rebellion (1831-32) – Kols fought against British rule and land laws.
  • Santhal Rebellion (1855) – Santhals rebelled against landlords taking their land.
  • Munda Rebellion (1899-1900) – Birsa Munda led the fight for tribal land and freedom.
  • Bastar Rebellion (1910) – Tribals in Central India protested British forest laws.
  • Warli Revolt (1940) – Warlis in Maharashtra fought against unfair landlords.

Long-type questions & answers 

1. How did the different tribals group lives? Described in brief. 
Ans: Tribal groups lived in different ways. Some did shifting farming, some were herders, and others hunted and gathered forest goods. Some tribals became settled farmers, while many were forced to work in tea plantations, mines, and factories for very low wages.

  1. Shifting Cultivators
    • Some tribal groups practised Jhum cultivation (shifting farming).
    • They burned forests, scattered seeds on the soil, and moved to new land after harvest.
    • This method was common in hilly and forested areas.
  2. Herders
    • Some tribes like the Van Gujjars and Gaddis lived by herding cattle, sheep, and goats.
    • They moved from place to place in search of grass and water for their animals.
  3. Hunters and Gatherers
    • Tribes like the Khonds survived by hunting animals and collecting forest products.
    • They gathered fruits, roots, herbs, and honey for food.
    • They also used plants for medicines and traded forest goods in markets.
  4. Settled Farmers
    • Some tribal groups gave up moving and started farming in one place.
    • They grew crops and used ploughs to till the land.
    • Some, like the Mundas and Santhals, owned land as a community.
  5. Labourers
    • Many tribals were forced to work in tea plantations, coal mines, and factories under British rule.
    • They were paid very low wages and often could not return home.

2. Describe a Birsha Munda life.
Ans: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader who fought against the British, landlords, and missionaries to protect tribal land and culture, his movement inspired tribal people. 
Early Life

  • Born in the mid-1870s in a poor Munda tribal family.
  • Grew up grazing sheep, playing the flute, and dancing.
  • Moved often as his family searched for work.
  • Heard stories of Munda uprisings and saw leaders fighting for tribal rights.

Education and Influence

  • Studied in a missionary school but later followed Vaishnav teachings.
  • Learned about purity, unity, and fighting for tribal freedom.

The Birsa Movement

  • In 1895, he told Mundas to return to their old ways and live honestly and freely.
  • He urged them to stop drinking, clean villages, and reject witchcraft.
  • He opposed missionaries, landlords, and the British, who took away tribal land.

Revolt Against the British

  • The British feared his movement because he wanted Munda rule (Munda Raj).
  • Arrested in 1895 and jailed for two years.
  • Released in 1897, he gathered followers, and they:
    • Attacked police stations and landlords.
    • Destroyed British symbols and raised the white flag of Birsa Raj.

Death and Impact

  • Died in 1900 in jail from cholera.
  • His fight led the British to pass laws protecting tribal land.
  • He is remembered as a hero who fought for tribal rights and freedom.

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