Consider the following statements regarding the silk growers of Hazaribagh in the nineteenth century: 1. The Mundas of Chottanagpur were the primary rearers of cocoons for silk production. 2. The growers were paid very low prices for the cocoons. 3. The silk was exported to Burdwan or Gaya. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only Explanation During the nineteenth century, the demand for Indian silk increased in European markets. The East India Company and its officials encouraged silk production to meet this growing demand. Hazaribagh (in present-day Jharkhand) was a significant center for cocoon rearing, involving local tribal communities interacting with traders and agents. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Hazaribagh was an area where the Santhals reared cocoons, not the Mundas. The traders dealing in silk sent their agents to give loans to the tribal people and collect the cocoons. The Mundas are primarily associated with the Chottanagpur region but, in the specific context of 19th-century silk rearing in Hazaribagh recorded in historical accounts, it was the Santhals who were the primary rearers. - Statement 2 is Correct. The growers were paid extremely low prices, typically Rs 3 to Rs 4 for a thousand cocoons. In contrast, these cocoons were sold at five times the price by the middlemen and traders. This disparity highlights the exploitation of tribal growers by market agents. - Statement 3 is Correct. The cocoons collected from Hazaribagh were exported to Burdwan or Gaya, where they were processed or sold at much higher rates. The middlemen made huge profits, while the silk growers earned very little. Key Takeaway: In 19th-century Hazaribagh, Santhal tribes were the primary rearers of silk cocoons. They faced severe economic exploitation, receiving negligible payments while traders exported the produce to Burdwan and Gaya for high profits.

Consider the following statements regarding the silk growers… - 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 silk growers of Hazaribagh in the nineteenth century:

The Mundas of Chottanagpur were the primary rearers of cocoons for silk production.
The growers were paid very low prices for the cocoons.
The silk was exported to Burdwan or Gaya.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Our Past -3 · Page 46

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

During the nineteenth century, the demand for Indian silk increased in European markets. The East India Company and its officials encouraged silk production to meet this growing demand. Hazaribagh (in present-day Jharkhand) was a significant center for cocoon rearing, involving local tribal communities interacting with traders and agents.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Hazaribagh was an area where the Santhals reared cocoons, not the Mundas. The traders dealing in silk sent their agents to give loans to the tribal people and collect the cocoons. The Mundas are primarily associated with the Chottanagpur region but, in the specific context of 19th-century silk rearing in Hazaribagh recorded in historical accounts, it was the Santhals who were the primary rearers.
Statement 2 is Correct. The growers were paid extremely low prices, typically Rs 3 to Rs 4 for a thousand cocoons. In contrast, these cocoons were sold at five times the price by the middlemen and traders. This disparity highlights the exploitation of tribal growers by market agents.
Statement 3 is Correct. The cocoons collected from Hazaribagh were exported to Burdwan or Gaya, where they were processed or sold at much higher rates. The middlemen made huge profits, while the silk growers earned very little.

Key Takeaway:
In 19th-century Hazaribagh, Santhal tribes were the primary rearers of silk cocoons. They faced severe economic exploitation, receiving negligible payments while traders exported the produce to Burdwan and Gaya for high profits.

Your note

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