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.

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 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?

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

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

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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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?

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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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The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only

Explanation

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.