Pastoralists in the Modern World
NCERT Class 9 Chapter 5 Solutions




Pastoralists in the Modern World



India and the Contemporary World-I


Jump to the desired chapter
by clicking the links provided below


Ch 1: The French Revolution
Ch 2: Socialism in Europe and TheRussian Revolution
Ch 3: Nazism and The Rise of Hitler
Ch 4: Forest Society and Colonialism
Ch 5: Pastoralists in the ModernWorld


Q1: Explain why nomadic tribes need to move from one place to another place. What are the advantages to the environment of this continuous movement?
NCERT CLUB Solution:
Nomadic tribes need to move from one place to another primarily to ensure that their herds have enough pasture for grazing. This constant movement is essential for their livelihood, as their herds provide them with food, clothing, and sometimes, a source of income through trade. Additionally, moving between summer and winter grazing grounds helps them utilize the available resources efficiently. 
The continuous movement of nomads benefits the environment in several ways. It prevents overgrazing in any one area, allowing vegetation to regenerate. It also helps in the natural dispersal of seeds and nutrients, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. By not staying in one place for too long, nomadic tribes help maintain a balance in the ecosystem, ensuring that no single area is exploited excessively.
Q2: Discuss why the colonial government in India brought in the following laws.. and In each case, explain how the law changed the lives of pastoralists.
NCERT CLUB Solution:
a) Waste Land Rules: The Waste Land Rules were introduced by the colonial government to take over uncultivated land and allocate it to selected individuals. This rule was implemented to promote agriculture and settlement in these areas. However, this had a detrimental effect on the lives of pastoralists, as these lands were often used as grazing tracts. The allocation of these lands to others meant that pastoralists lost access to valuable grazing grounds, impacting their livelihoods.
b) Forest Acts: The Forest Acts were passed to regulate and manage forests more effectively. However, these acts restricted the access of pastoralists to forest areas, which were important for grazing their cattle. Pastoralists had to obtain permits to graze their cattle in these forests, and any violation of these rules resulted in fines or punishment. This significantly affected the ability of pastoralists to find adequate pasture for their herds.
c) Criminal Tribes Act: The Criminal Tribes Act was enacted to control and monitor certain communities, including pastoralists. This act restricted the movement of pastoralists and forced them to live in designated settlements. This restricted their traditional way of life and made it difficult for them to move freely in search of pasture for their herds.
d) Grazing Tax: The imposition of grazing tax was another way for the colonial government to generate revenue. Pastoralists had to pay taxes for grazing their animals on pastures, which added to their economic burden. This tax made it more challenging for pastoralists to sustain their traditional way of life, as it increased their expenses.
Q3: Give reasons to explain why the Maasai community lost their grazing lands.
NCERT CLUB Solution:
The Maasai community lost their grazing lands primarily due to colonial expansion and land acquisition by European powers. As European powers colonized Africa, they imposed boundaries and claimed large tracts of land, including those traditionally used by the Maasai for grazing. This loss of land led to a reduction in the available pasture for the Maasai herders.
Additionally, the conversion of grazing lands into agricultural fields further reduced the grazing areas available to the Maasai. The British colonial government in East Africa encouraged local communities to expand cultivation, leading to the conversion of traditional grazing lands into cultivated fields.
Furthermore, the establishment of game reserves and restrictions on hunting and grazing in these areas also contributed to the loss of grazing lands for the Maasai. These restrictions limited the areas where the Maasai could graze their herds, leading to overgrazing and scarcity of fodder in the remaining areas.
Q4: There are many similarities in the way in which the modern world forced changes in the lives of pastoral communities in India and East Africa. Write about any two examples of changes which were similar for Indian pastoralists and the Maasai herders.
NCERT CLUB Solution:
a) Impact of Forest Acts: Both Indian pastoralists and Maasai herders were affected by forest acts that restricted their access to forest areas for grazing. In India, forest acts declared certain forests as "reserved," limiting the access of pastoralists. Similarly, in East Africa, large areas of grazing lands were turned into game reserves, restricting the Maasai's access to these areas.
b) Loss of Traditional Grazing Lands: Both Indian pastoralists and Maasai herders experienced the loss of their traditional grazing lands due to colonial expansion and land acquisition. European colonial powers in both regions imposed boundaries and claimed large tracts of land, leading to the loss of grazing lands for pastoral communities.


India and the Contemporary World-I


Jump to the desired chapter
by clicking the links provided below


Ch 1: The French Revolution
Ch 2: Socialism in Europe and TheRussian Revolution
Ch 3: Nazism and The Rise of Hitler
Ch 4: Forest Society and Colonialism
Ch 5: Pastoralists in the ModernWorld






Chapter 5 – Pastoralists in the Modern World


1. Overview of Pastoral Nomads and their Movements

- Mountainous Regions: Gujjar Bakarwals and Gaddi shepherds of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh respectively, migrated seasonally in search of pastures. This cyclical movement ensured their animals had access to grazing lands throughout the year.

- Plateaus, Plains, and Deserts: Dhangars in Maharashtra, Gollas in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and Banjaras in various states followed similar seasonal movements, reflecting a widespread pastoral lifestyle in India.

2. Impact of Colonial Rule on Pastoral Life

- Regulation of Movements: Colonial policies imposed restrictions on pastoral nomads, leading to a decline in available grazing lands and disrupting traditional migration patterns.

- Changes in Land Use: Land revenue policies and Forest Acts aimed at transforming grazing lands into cultivated farms or protected forests, significantly reducing the available pasturelands.

- Taxation and Criminalization: Pastoralists were subjected to various forms of taxation, and laws like the Criminal Tribes Act categorized them as criminals, further marginalizing their traditional way of life.

3. Coping Mechanisms of Pastoralists

- Adaptation Strategies: Faced with shrinking grazing lands, pastoralists adapted by reducing cattle numbers, exploring new pastures, or transitioning to settled lifestyles.

- Impact of Partition: The political division in 1947 affected the movements of pastoralists like the Raikas, who found their traditional grazing routes disrupted.

4. Pastoralism in Africa

- Changes in Maasailand: Maasai pastoralists in Africa faced similar challenges, as colonial actions reduced their grazing lands, forcing them into smaller areas and impacting their traditional way of life.

- Impact of Boundaries: Territorial boundaries and restrictions imposed by colonial powers disrupted the movements of African pastoralists, severely affecting their livelihoods.

5. Conclusion

- Adaptation to Change: Despite these challenges, pastoral communities globally have shown resilience and adaptability, altering their traditional practices and seeking support from governments to sustain their way of life.