'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities' — Practice

Question 1

How were tribal societies different from caste-based societies?

Accepted Answer

Tribal societies were based on kinship and clans, with common ownership of land, chiefs or councils rather than kings, nature and ancestor worship, and oral traditions. Caste society was based on varna/jati hierarchy, individual landholding, kings and nobles, Brahmanical Hinduism, and an agrarian money economy.

Question 2

Describe the administration of the Gond kingdom.

Accepted Answer

The Gond kingdom (Gondwana) was divided into garhs (clusters of villages), each ruled by a Gond raja. Each garh was subdivided into chaurasis (units of 84 villages), which were further divided into barhots (units of 12 villages). Rulers like Sangram Shah strengthened the kingdom, and Rani Durgavati bravely fought Akbar's forces.

Question 3

Who were the Banjaras and why were they important?

Accepted Answer

The Banjaras were nomadic trader-pastoralists who moved in tandas (camps) and transported grain, salt, and supplies. They were vital to medieval armies and merchants who depended on them for provisions.

Question 4

What was the paik system of the Ahoms?

Accepted Answer

Under the paik system, every adult male in Ahom society served the state in rotation -- in the army, in construction, or in other duties -- allowing the Ahoms to maintain a strong military and resist the Mughals.

Practice — 'Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities'

Sign in to save attempts to your dashboard and track your accuracy over time

Find a verified tutor

Join a live course

Browse coaching centres

About

Categories

Support

Documentation

Get Study Tips & Updates

Download Our App

Download for iOS

Download for Android

Popular Cities