The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Paharias were a hill tribe living around the Rajmahal hills (in present-day Jharkhand) during the late 18th century. Their lifestyle and economy were intimately connected to the forest and stood in contrast to the settled agriculture of the plains. The British administration, particularly under Augustus Cleveland in the 1780s, attempted to pacify them before eventually encouraging the migration of Santhals to the region.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Paharias practiced shifting cultivation (jhum). They cleared patches of forest by cutting bushes and burning the undergrowth. On these patches, they grew a variety of pulses and millets. A defining feature of their agriculture was the use of the hoe to lightly scratch the ground, as opposed to the plough, which was used by settled cultivators (like the Santhals) to turn the soil deep.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Paharias did not rely exclusively on agriculture. Their economy was mixed and heavily dependent on forest produce. They collected mahua (a flower used for food and alcohol), silk cocoons, and resin for sale. They were also hunters and charcoal producers. The forest provided them with resources for survival, especially during times of scarcity.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Paharias regularly raided the settled plains. These raids were necessary for survival, particularly during years of scarcity or famine. Additionally, raiding was a political act used to assert power over the settled communities. Zamindars on the plains often paid a regular tribute to the hill chiefs to buy peace, and traders paid tolls to ensure safe passage through routes controlled by the Paharias.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The Paharias of Rajmahal hills were shifting cultivators who used the hoe, distinguishing them from the Santhals who were settled cultivators using the plough. Their economy combined jhum cultivation, forest gathering, and raiding the plains.