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.

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

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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?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

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

More from Chapter 3: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

With reference to the practice of jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. It was primarily practised on small patches of land in forests. 2. Cultivators used chemical fertilizers to fertilise the soil. 3. Seeds were broadcast or scattered on the field instead of ploughing the land. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following pairs regarding tribal groups and their traditional occupations in the nineteenth century: 1. Khonds : Hunter-gatherers 2. Baigas : Reluctant to work for others 3. Van Gujjars : Settled plough cultivators How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Which of the following tribal groups were considered "more civilised" by British officials compared to hunter-gatherers?

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Why were the British uncomfortable with shifting cultivators? 1. They were easier to control and administer compared to settled peasants. 2. Their movement made it difficult for the state to collect a regular revenue. 3. Shifting cultivation destroyed the timber required for railway sleepers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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With reference to the revolt of Songram Sangma, consider the following statements: 1. It took place in 1906. 2. It occurred in the Madras Presidency. 3. It was a reaction against the colonial forest laws. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

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.