Consider the following statements regarding the Baiga tribe of Central India: 1. They readily accepted work as labourers for the British. 2. They were known as the best hunters among the adivasis in Central India. 3. Women were responsible for gathering forest produce like firewood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only Explanation The lifestyle, social structure, and beliefs of the Baiga tribe of Central India, particularly as recorded during the British colonial period (notably by anthropologist Verrier Elwin). The British administration's forest laws and labor demands significantly impacted tribal communities, highlighting the contrast between tribal traditions and colonial expectations. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Baigas had a strong sense of community dignity and identity as "people of the forest." They believed that they could only sustain themselves on the produce of the forest. Consequently, they considered it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. They were reluctant to accept wage labor under the British or other landlords. - Statement 2 is Correct. The Baigas were traditionally hunter-gatherers and practiced shifting cultivation (bewar). Among the tribal groups in Central India, they were renowned for their intimate knowledge of the forest and were widely considered the best hunters. Their livelihood and culture were deeply intertwined with hunting activities. - Statement 3 is Correct. There was a distinct division of labor within the Baiga community. While men were primarily responsible for hunting and cutting wood, women were responsible for gathering forest produce such as firewood, sago, tamarind, and mushrooms. This role was integral to the household economy. Key Takeaway Baiga Tribal Identity: The Baigas of Central India viewed themselves exclusively as forest dwellers, considering wage labor undignified, and maintained a traditional division of labor where men hunted and women gathered forest produce.

Consider the following statements regarding the Baiga tribe… - NCERT Class 8 History MCQ

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 3: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

mcqmedium

Consider the following statements regarding the Baiga tribe of Central India:

They readily accepted work as labourers for the British.
They were known as the best hunters among the adivasis in Central India.
Women were responsible for gathering forest produce like firewood.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -3 · Page 41

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

The lifestyle, social structure, and beliefs of the Baiga tribe of Central India, particularly as recorded during the British colonial period (notably by anthropologist Verrier Elwin). The British administration's forest laws and labor demands significantly impacted tribal communities, highlighting the contrast between tribal traditions and colonial expectations.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect.
The Baigas had a strong sense of community dignity and identity as "people of the forest." They believed that they could only sustain themselves on the produce of the forest. Consequently, they considered it below their dignity to work as labourers for others. They were reluctant to accept wage labor under the British or other landlords.
Statement 2 is Correct.
The Baigas were traditionally hunter-gatherers and practiced shifting cultivation (bewar). Among the tribal groups in Central India, they were renowned for their intimate knowledge of the forest and were widely considered the best hunters. Their livelihood and culture were deeply intertwined with hunting activities.
Statement 3 is Correct.
There was a distinct division of labor within the Baiga community. While men were primarily responsible for hunting and cutting wood, women were responsible for gathering forest produce such as firewood, sago, tamarind, and mushrooms. This role was integral to the household economy.

Key Takeaway

Baiga Tribal Identity: The Baigas of Central India viewed themselves exclusively as forest dwellers, considering wage labor undignified, and maintained a traditional division of labor where men hunted and women gathered forest produce.

Your note

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