Pastoralists in the Modern World | Colonial Impact MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers the Class IX History subject under the unit ‘Livelihoods, Economies and Societies’. The topic focuses on ‘Pastoralists in the Modern World’, specifically examining the lives of Indian and African pastoralists and the impact of colonial rule. Answer the following multiple-choice questions to test your understanding. After submitting, you can review your score and download a PDF answer sheet for future reference.
Overview: Pastoralism in the Modern World
Nomadic pastoralists move from one place to another with their livestock to find pastures. This movement is essential for the survival of their herds and helps prevent the overuse of land. In this topic, we study how pastoralism survived and adapted to changes brought by colonial rule in India and Africa.
1. Pastoral Nomads in India
Indian pastoralists move seasonally, primarily driven by the monsoon and the availability of harvest stubble or pastures.
- Gujjar Bakarwals (Jammu and Kashmir): Herders of goats and sheep; migrate between high mountains (summer) and low hills of the Siwalik range (winter).
- Gaddi Shepherds (Himachal Pradesh): Spend winter in the low hills and summer in Lahul and Spiti.
- Dhangars (Maharashtra): Stay in the central plateau during monsoon and move to Konkan for grazing after the harvest.
- Raikas (Rajasthan): Combine cultivation with pastoralism due to uncertain rainfall; rear camels, sheep, and goats.
2. Colonial Impact on Indian Pastoralists
The British colonial government enacted laws that severely impacted pastoral life:
- Waste Land Rules: Uncultivated land was seen as unproductive. It was converted into agricultural land to increase revenue, reducing grazing areas.
- Forest Acts: Forests were classified as ‘Reserved’ (no entry) or ‘Protected’ (restricted entry). This limited access to valuable fodder.
- Criminal Tribes Act: Many nomadic communities were classified as ‘criminal tribes’ and forced to live in settled notified villages.
- Grazing Tax: A tax was imposed on every animal grazed, increasing the financial burden on herders.
3. Pastoralism in Africa (The Maasai)
The Maasai are a major pastoral community in East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania). Before colonial rule, they controlled a vast area.
- Loss of Land: European powers divided Africa in 1885. The Maasai land was cut in half by an international boundary between British Kenya and German Tanganyika. They lost about 60% of their pre-colonial lands.
- Reserves: They were pushed into arid reserves with poor rainfall.
- Social Change: Traditional authority of Elders (rulers) and Warriors (protectors) was disrupted. Chiefs appointed by the British accumulated wealth, while poor pastoralists lost everything during droughts.
Quick Revision Table
| Community | Region | Main Livestock |
|---|---|---|
| Gujjar Bakarwals | J & K | Goats, Sheep |
| Gaddis | Himachal Pradesh | Shepherds |
| Dhangars | Maharashtra | Buffaloes, Sheep |
| Raikas | Rajasthan | Camels |
Extra Practice Questions
- Why were the Raikas of Rajasthan forced to move? (Scarcity of water and fodder)
- What term refers to the seasonal movement of people with their livestock? (Transhumance)
- Who were the ‘Warriors’ in Maasai society? (Young men responsible for protection)
- Which Act classified nomadic tribes as criminals? (Criminal Tribes Act of 1871)
- How did pastoralists react to colonial changes? (Reduced herd sizes, found new pastures, or became laborers)
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