Pastoralists in the Modern World | Pastoral Nomadism MCQs Quiz | Class 9

This Class IX History quiz covers the Unit ‘Livelihoods, Economies and Societies’ with a focus on Pastoralists in the Modern World. Test your knowledge on the types of pastoral nomads, their seasonal movements across mountains, plateaus, and deserts, and the impact of colonial rules. Attempt the 10 MCQs below, view your score, and download the PDF answer key for revision.

Overview: Pastoralists in the Modern World

Pastoral nomads are communities who move from one place to another with their livestock to earn a living. They do not have a fixed home but adapt their movements according to the seasons to find pastures for their herds. In India, pastoralists are found in the mountains, on plateaus, in plains, and in deserts.

1. Pastoralists in the Mountains

The movement of mountain pastoralists is governed by the cold and snow. They spend winters in the low hills and summers in the high meadows.

  • The Gujjar Bakarwals of Jammu and Kashmir herded goats and sheep. They moved between the low hills of the Siwalik range (winter) and the high meadows of Kashmir (summer).
  • The Gaddi Shepherds of Himachal Pradesh followed a similar cycle, spending winters in the low hills of Siwalik and summers in Lahul and Spiti.
  • The Bhotiyas, Sherpas, and Kinnauris of the Himalayas were also pastoral communities who practiced cyclical movement and often engaged in trade.

2. Pastoralists on the Plateaus, Plains, and Deserts

In these regions, movement is defined by the monsoon and the dry season rather than the cold.

  • The Dhangars of Maharashtra: An important pastoral community. During the monsoon, they stayed in the central plateau (a semi-arid region). By October, they harvested their bajra and moved west to the Konkan region, where their flocks were welcomed for manuring the fields.
  • The Banjaras: Found in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. They moved over long distances searching for good pastureland for their cattle.
  • The Raikas of Rajasthan: Located in the deserts where rainfall was uncertain. During the monsoon, they stayed in their home villages (like Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner). By October, as pastures dried up, they moved out in search of water and fodder. One group, the Maru Raikas, herded camels.

3. Key Concepts

Community Region Livestock Movement Trigger
Gujjar Bakarwals Jammu & Kashmir Goats, Sheep Winter Snow / Summer Melt
Dhangars Maharashtra Sheep, Buffalo Monsoon / Dry Season
Raikas Rajasthan Camels, Sheep, Goats Fodder & Water availability

Quick Revision Points

  • Nomadism: A lifestyle adapted to harsh environments where permanent settlement is difficult.
  • Symbiotic Relationship: Pastoralists often exchanged grain, cloth, and utensils for wool, ghee, and milk with settled farmers.
  • Colonial Impact: Under colonial rule, grazing lands shrank due to Waste Land Rules, Forest Acts, and the Criminal Tribes Act, forcing pastoralists to reduce stock or change their routes.