With reference to the tribal economy, what was the significance of the mahua flower? 1. It was eaten. 2. It was strictly prohibited from being used to make alcohol. 3. Its seeds were used to extract oil for cooking. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only. Explanation The mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) is central to the subsistence and cultural economy of tribal communities in Central and Eastern India. It is often referred to as the "tree of life" for these communities due to its multiple uses in food, fodder, fuel, and medicine. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The flowers of the mahua tree are edible. They are collected, dried, and stored by tribal communities to be consumed as food, especially during lean periods when agricultural produce is scarce. They are a vital source of nutrition and sugar. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the traditional tribal economy, the mahua flower was not prohibited from being used to make alcohol; on the contrary, it was extensively used to brew a local liquor. This liquor held significant social and ritual importance. While British colonial forest laws later imposed restrictions and excise duties on home brewing to generate revenue, the flower's intrinsic significance to the tribal economy included its use for alcohol production. - Statement 3 is Correct: The seeds of the mahua fruit are rich in oil. Tribal communities extract this oil and use it primarily for cooking purposes and for lighting lamps. Key Takeaway: In the tribal economy, the mahua flower is a multi-purpose resource used for food (flowers), alcohol (fermented flowers), and oil (seeds), making it crucial for subsistence.

With reference to the tribal economy, what was the... - NCERT Class 8 History MCQ

Solution

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

Explanation

The mahua tree (Madhuca longifolia) is central to the subsistence and cultural economy of tribal communities in Central and Eastern India. It is often referred to as the "tree of life" for these communities due to its multiple uses in food, fodder, fuel, and medicine.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The flowers of the mahua tree are edible. They are collected, dried, and stored by tribal communities to be consumed as food, especially during lean periods when agricultural produce is scarce. They are a vital source of nutrition and sugar.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: In the traditional tribal economy, the mahua flower was not prohibited from being used to make alcohol; on the contrary, it was extensively used to brew a local liquor. This liquor held significant social and ritual importance. While British colonial forest laws later imposed restrictions and excise duties on home brewing to generate revenue, the flower's intrinsic significance to the tribal economy included its use for alcohol production.
Statement 3 is Correct: The seeds of the mahua fruit are rich in oil. Tribal communities extract this oil and use it primarily for cooking purposes and for lighting lamps.

Key Takeaway:
In the tribal economy, the mahua flower is a multi-purpose resource used for food (flowers), alcohol (fermented flowers), and oil (seeds), making it crucial for subsistence.

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

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