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Class-8

History | Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

A chapter on the live and role of the tribals in British-ruled India.

Introduction to CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Chapter "Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age"

The chapter “Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age” presents the intriguing world of the tribal communities in India during the 18th and 19th centuries. It delves into the lives of various tribal groups, their customs, economies, and the changes they experienced during British colonial rule.

Students explore the term ‘Dikus’ as a reference used by tribals for outsiders and the adversities tribes faced due to the intrusion of these dikus, which included moneylenders, traders, and eventually British officials. The narrative explains how these interactions led to the exploitation and marginalization of tribal societies.

The chapter also throws light on the tribal revolts that arose as a response to the oppressive British policies and the exploitative practices of the dikus. It recounts the valiant efforts of tribal leaders who envisioned restoring a ‘golden age’ free from oppression and the vision for self-rule. Key figures and their resistance movements are discussed, providing insight into the resistance culture among Indian tribes against colonial and dikus domination.

Assignments for CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Chapter “Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age”

  1. Profile a Tribal Leader: Research and create a profile for a tribal leader who fought against the dikus.
  2. Tribal Revolts Timeline: Construct a timeline detailing major tribal revolts during British India.
  3. The Golden Age Essay: Write an essay on what the concept of a ‘golden age’ meant for the tribals.
  4. Comparative Analysis: Compare the tribal way of life before and after the arrival of the dikus.
  5. Role-Play Activity: Enact a scene that shows the interaction between tribals and dikus, highlighting the tribal perspective.

Conclusion “Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age” is a poignant chapter that offers a window into the hearts and minds of India’s tribal communities during the colonial era. It presents an opportunity for students to understand the complexities of tribal societies, the challenges they faced, and their relentless spirit in seeking justice and autonomy.

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Questions and Answers for CBSE Class 8 Social Science History Chapter "Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age"

  1. Q1: Who were the ‘Dikus’?
    ANS: Dikus were the outsiders such as traders, moneylenders, and British officials whom the tribals felt were intruders and exploiters.
  2. Q2: What changes did the tribal communities face during British rule?
    ANS: Tribals faced land dispossession, changes in forest laws, exploitation by moneylenders, and loss of autonomy during British rule.
  3. Q3: Why did the tribal revolts take place?
    ANS: Tribal revolts took place as a reaction to the oppressive policies of the British and the exploitative practices of the dikus.
  4. Q4: Who was Birsa Munda and what was his role?
    ANS: Birsa Munda was a tribal leader who led the Munda rebellion, advocating for tribal rights and a vision for a society free from dikus and British rule.
  5. Q5: What was the ‘Vision of a Golden Age’ for the tribals?
    ANS: The ‘Vision of a Golden Age’ for the tribals was a time when they could live freely, without the oppression and exploitation of dikus and colonial rulers.
  6. Q6: How did the British policies impact the traditional tribal economy?
    ANS: British policies disrupted the traditional tribal economy by introducing land and forest regulations that restricted tribal access to natural resources.
  7. Q7: What were some of the strategies employed by tribes to deal with the changes during British rule?
    ANS: Tribes employed strategies like revolts, migration to other areas, and adaptation to new economic activities to cope with the changes.
  8. Q8: What role did the tribal leaders play in the revolts?
    ANS: Tribal leaders organized and led the revolts, mobilizing people, and articulating a vision for a better future without British and dikus control.
  9. Q9: How did the colonial government respond to the tribal revolts?
    ANS: The colonial government responded with military action to suppress the revolts and imposed harsher laws to prevent further uprisings.
  10. Q10: Why is the study of tribal history important in the modern context?
    ANS: Studying tribal history is important to understand the diversity of our past, acknowledge the contributions of tribal societies, and learn from their experiences in resistance and survival.

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