Consider the following statements regarding the geographical distribution of tribes: 1. The Kolis were found in the Maharashtra highlands, Karnataka, and areas of Gujarat. 2. The Bhils were spread across the north-eastern part of the subcontinent. 3. The Gonds were primarily found in the desert regions of Rajasthan. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation During the medieval period, tribal societies were spread across various regions of the Indian subcontinent. Unlike the caste-based societies in the plains, these tribes inhabited forests, hills, and deserts, maintaining distinct territories and cultural identities. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Kolis were a prominent tribe inhabiting the Maharashtra highlands and Karnataka. They were also found in many areas of Gujarat. They were historically significant in these regions and often controlled mountain passes and strategic locations. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Bhils were spread across Western and Central India (not the north-eastern part). By the late sixteenth century, many of them had become settled agriculturists and some even zamindars. The north-eastern part of the subcontinent was dominated by tribes such as the Nagas, Ahoms, and others. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Gonds were found in a vast forested region known as Gondwana (encompassing parts of modern-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh). They practiced shifting cultivation. The desert regions of Rajasthan were primarily inhabited by other groups, while the Bhils also had a presence in the wider western region, but Gonds are distinct to Central India. Key Takeaway: Kolis are associated with Western India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka); Bhils with Western and Central India; and Gonds with the central forest region of Gondwana. The North-East was the domain of tribes like the Nagas and Ahoms.

NCERT Class 7 History — Chapter 5: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

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Consider the following statements regarding the geographical distribution of tribes:

The Kolis were found in the Maharashtra highlands, Karnataka, and areas of Gujarat.
The Bhils were spread across the north-eastern part of the subcontinent.
The Gonds were primarily found in the desert regions of Rajasthan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

During the medieval period, tribal societies were spread across various regions of the Indian subcontinent. Unlike the caste-based societies in the plains, these tribes inhabited forests, hills, and deserts, maintaining distinct territories and cultural identities.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Kolis were a prominent tribe inhabiting the Maharashtra highlands and Karnataka. They were also found in many areas of Gujarat. They were historically significant in these regions and often controlled mountain passes and strategic locations.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Bhils were spread across Western and Central India (not the north-eastern part). By the late sixteenth century, many of them had become settled agriculturists and some even zamindars. The north-eastern part of the subcontinent was dominated by tribes such as the Nagas, Ahoms, and others.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Gonds were found in a vast forested region known as Gondwana (encompassing parts of modern-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh). They practiced shifting cultivation. The desert regions of Rajasthan were primarily inhabited by other groups, while the Bhils also had a presence in the wider western region, but Gonds are distinct to Central India.

Key Takeaway:
Kolis are associated with Western India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka); Bhils with Western and Central India; and Gonds with the central forest region of Gondwana. The North-East was the domain of tribes like the Nagas and Ahoms.

Your note

More from Chapter 5: Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

With reference to the administrative system of the Gond kingdom of Garha Katanga, consider the following statements: 1. The kingdom was divided into administrative units called garhs, each controlled by a particular Gond clan. 2. Each garh was further subdivided into units of 100 villages called shataks. 3. The chaurasi was subdivided into barhots, which were made up of 12 villages each. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Ahom state in medieval India, consider the following statements: 1. The Ahom state relied solely on voluntary service and did not use forced labour. 2. A census of the population was taken, and each village had to send a number of paiks by rotation. 3. The system involved men serving in the army and public works by rotation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the sources of tribal history in medieval India: 1. Tribal people in the medieval period kept extensive written records of their administration. 2. Contemporary historians and travellers gave very scanty information about tribes. 3. Tribal people preserved rich customs and oral traditions passed down to new generations. 4. Present-day historians use oral traditions to write tribal histories. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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In the context of medieval Indian history, the term 'Tanda' refers to:

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Who among the following Mughal generals defeated the Chero tribe in present-day Bihar and Jharkhand in 1591?

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The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Kolis were a prominent tribe inhabiting the Maharashtra highlands and Karnataka. They were also found in many areas of Gujarat. They were historically significant in these regions and often controlled mountain passes and strategic locations.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Bhils were spread across Western and Central India (not the north-eastern part). By the late sixteenth century, many of them had become settled agriculturists and some even zamindars. The north-eastern part of the subcontinent was dominated by tribes such as the Nagas, Ahoms, and others.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: The Gonds were found in a vast forested region known as Gondwana (encompassing parts of modern-day Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh). They practiced shifting cultivation. The desert regions of Rajasthan were primarily inhabited by other groups, while the Bhils also had a presence in the wider western region, but Gonds are distinct to Central India.