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

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The revolt of Songram Sangma in 1906 was primarily a reaction against:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AThe exploitation by moneylenders.
BThe recruitment for tea plantations.
CThe introduction of Christian missionaries.
DThe colonial forest laws.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is

The colonial forest laws.

Explanation

The revolt of Songram Sangma is a significant tribal uprising that occurred in the early 20th century. It represents the resistance of indigenous communities against the intrusion of the colonial administration into their traditional economic and social spheres, specifically regarding land and forest rights.

Detailed Analysis:

Context: The revolt took place in 1906 in the Garo Hills region of Assam.
Primary Cause: The uprising was a direct reaction against the introduction of restrictive colonial forest laws.
Impact of Laws: The British administration classified forests as state property and imposed strict regulations on the traditional practice of shifting cultivation (Jhum). This deprived the tribal population of their customary rights to forest resources and threatened their livelihood.
Elimination of Other Options:
- The introduction of Christian missionaries. Christian missionaries: While missionary activities often caused social friction in tribal areas, they were not the primary trigger for this specific revolt in 1906.
- The exploitation by moneylenders. Moneylenders: Exploitation by moneylenders (dikus) was a central cause for other uprisings like the Santhal or Munda rebellions, but the Songram Sangma revolt was specifically centered on forest rights.
- The recruitment for tea plantations. Tea plantations: Recruitment issues related to tea plantations were a separate grievance concerning coolie labor, distinct from the forest-based grievances of the Garo people.

Key Takeaway:
The revolt of Songram Sangma (1906) in Assam was primarily a reaction against colonial forest laws that restricted shifting cultivation and customary forest rights.

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

The colonial forest laws.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Context: The revolt took place in 1906 in the Garo Hills region of Assam.
Primary Cause: The uprising was a direct reaction against the introduction of restrictive colonial forest laws.
Impact of Laws: The British administration classified forests as state property and imposed strict regulations on the traditional practice of shifting cultivation (Jhum). This deprived the tribal population of their customary rights to forest resources and threatened their livelihood.
Elimination of Other Options:
- The introduction of Christian missionaries. Christian missionaries: While missionary activities often caused social friction in tribal areas, they were not the primary trigger for this specific revolt in 1906.
- The exploitation by moneylenders. Moneylenders: Exploitation by moneylenders (dikus) was a central cause for other uprisings like the Santhal or Munda rebellions, but the Songram Sangma revolt was specifically centered on forest rights.
- The recruitment for tea plantations. Tea plantations: Recruitment issues related to tea plantations were a separate grievance concerning coolie labor, distinct from the forest-based grievances of the Garo people.

Key Takeaway:
The revolt of Songram Sangma (1906) in Assam was primarily a reaction against colonial forest laws that restricted shifting cultivation and customary forest rights.