Looking for Class 8 SST Chapter 10 Colonialism and Tribal Societies DAV Solutions? This page provides accurate and easy-to-understand answers as per DAV books. All questions including MCQs, fill in the blanks, true/false, and long answers are solved in a clear and exam-ready format.
A. Tick (✔) the correct option.
1. Under the Mahalwari System, the word mahal means—
👉 ✔ (b) a group of villages
2. The Ryotwari System was introduced by—
👉 ✔ (c) Thomas Munro
3. The other name for Zamindari Bandobast was—
👉 ✔ (a) Permanent Revenue System
4. Who was the leader of the Santhals’ revolt?
👉 ✔ (b) Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu
5. Where did Industrial Revolution begin first?
👉 ✔ (a) England
📘 B. Fill in the blanks.
1. English shattered the self-sufficient __________ economy.
👉 village
2. Many tribals left forests in search of __________.
👉 livelihood
3. Zamindari System was introduced in Bengal by __________.
👉 Lord Cornwallis
4. __________ revenue was the biggest source of income for the Company.
👉 Land
5. Basic or __________ industry started in India after independence.
👉 heavy
📘 C. Write True or False:
1. The British encouraged the growth of traditional village economy.
👉 False
2. The tribals had full rights over forests during British rule.
👉 False
3. The Santhal revolt was against the exploitation by British and moneylenders.
👉 True
4. Birsa Munda fought against British policies and landlords.
👉 True
5. Industrial development in India was encouraged by the British for Indian benefit.
👉 False
📘 Answer the following questions:
📘 Highlight the main features of the Mahalwari System:
👉 The Mahalwari System was introduced by the British in parts of North India. Its main features are:
1. Group of Villages (Mahal)
👉 Revenue was fixed for a group of villages, known as a mahal, not for individual farmers.
2. Joint Responsibility
👉 The responsibility of paying land revenue was shared jointly by all villagers or the village head (lambardar).
3. Role of Village Head
👉 The village headman (lambardar) collected revenue from farmers and paid it to the British government.
4. Periodic Revision
👉 The land revenue was not permanent; it was revised after a certain period, usually 20–30 years.
2. Why did the British force Indian farmers to grow commercial crops?
👉 The British forced Indian farmers to grow commercial crops to serve their own economic interests. They needed raw materials like cotton, indigo, jute, and tea for their industries in Britain. By making Indian farmers grow these crops, they ensured a steady and cheap supply of raw materials.
This policy was highly exploitative. Farmers were not allowed to grow food crops according to their needs, which often led to food shortages and even famines. The British also imposed heavy taxes, forcing farmers into debt. As a result, the traditional self-sufficient agricultural system was destroyed, and farmers became dependent and impoverished.
3. What was the impact of colonial rule on the tribals of India? Mention any three.
👉 The colonial rule had a severe and harmful impact on the tribal communities. Some major effects were:
- Loss of Forest Rights:
The British declared forests as government property. Tribals were no longer allowed to freely use forest resources, which affected their livelihood. - Displacement and Migration:
Many tribals were forced to leave their traditional homes and migrate in search of work due to loss of land and forest access. - Exploitation by Moneylenders and Contractors:
Tribals were often trapped in debt by moneylenders and were forced to work under harsh conditions for very low wages.
👉 These changes disrupted their traditional lifestyle, culture, and economic independence.
4. Write short notes on the Birsa Movement.
👉 The Birsa Movement was an important tribal uprising led by Birsa Munda in the late 19th century in the Chotanagpur region.
Birsa Munda emerged as a powerful leader who united the tribal people against British rule and the exploitation by landlords and missionaries. He inspired people to fight for their rights and to protect their land, culture, and identity.
The movement aimed at:
- Ending the unjust land policies of the British
- Removing the control of landlords and moneylenders
- Restoring the traditional tribal system
Birsa also spread social and religious awareness among his people, encouraging them to give up superstitions and unite for a common cause.
Although the movement was suppressed by the British and Birsa Munda was arrested, it had a lasting impact. It awakened tribal consciousness and led to reforms in land laws to protect tribal rights.
👉 The Birsa Movement is remembered as a symbol of resistance, courage, and the struggle for justice.