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?

Correct Option The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, was a prevalent practice among tribal communities in the hilly and forest tracts of North-East and Central India during the 19th century. It stood in contrast to the settled plough cultivation encouraged by the British administration. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Correct: This form of cultivation was primarily practised on small patches of land within forests. Cultivators cut the tops of trees to allow sunlight to reach the ground and burnt the vegetation on the land to clear it for cultivation. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cultivators did not use chemical fertilizers. Instead, they spread the ash from the firing, which contained potash, to fertilise the soil naturally. Chemical fertilizers were not a component of this traditional tribal practice in the 19th century. - Statement 3 is Correct: In jhum cultivation, the land was not ploughed. Instead of using a plough to turn the soil and sow seeds in furrows, cultivators simply broadcast or scattered the seeds on the field once the crop was ready to be sown (usually after the first monsoon rains). Key Takeaway Shifting cultivation relied on the slash-and-burn technique and natural fertility (potash from ash), explicitly avoiding the use of ploughs and modern inputs like chemical fertilizers.

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

mcqmedium

With reference to the practice of jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements:

It was primarily practised on small patches of land in forests.
Cultivators used chemical fertilizers to fertilise the soil.
Seeds were broadcast or scattered on the field instead of ploughing the land.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

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

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Jhum cultivation, also known as shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn agriculture, was a prevalent practice among tribal communities in the hilly and forest tracts of North-East and Central India during the 19th century. It stood in contrast to the settled plough cultivation encouraged by the British administration.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: This form of cultivation was primarily practised on small patches of land within forests. Cultivators cut the tops of trees to allow sunlight to reach the ground and burnt the vegetation on the land to clear it for cultivation.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cultivators did not use chemical fertilizers. Instead, they spread the ash from the firing, which contained potash, to fertilise the soil naturally. Chemical fertilizers were not a component of this traditional tribal practice in the 19th century.
Statement 3 is Correct: In jhum cultivation, the land was not ploughed. Instead of using a plough to turn the soil and sow seeds in furrows, cultivators simply broadcast or scattered the seeds on the field once the crop was ready to be sown (usually after the first monsoon rains).

Key Takeaway

Shifting cultivation relied on the slash-and-burn technique and natural fertility (potash from ash), explicitly avoiding the use of ploughs and modern inputs like chemical fertilizers.

Your note

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

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?

easy

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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Correct Option

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Correct: This form of cultivation was primarily practised on small patches of land within forests. Cultivators cut the tops of trees to allow sunlight to reach the ground and burnt the vegetation on the land to clear it for cultivation.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Cultivators did not use chemical fertilizers. Instead, they spread the ash from the firing, which contained potash, to fertilise the soil naturally. Chemical fertilizers were not a component of this traditional tribal practice in the 19th century.
Statement 3 is Correct: In jhum cultivation, the land was not ploughed. Instead of using a plough to turn the soil and sow seeds in furrows, cultivators simply broadcast or scattered the seeds on the field once the crop was ready to be sown (usually after the first monsoon rains).

Key Takeaway

Shifting cultivation relied on the slash-and-burn technique and natural fertility (potash from ash), explicitly avoiding the use of ploughs and modern inputs like chemical fertilizers.