🌿 CHAPTER NOTES: TRIBAL COMMUNITIES (MEDIEVAL PERIOD)

1. Introduction

During the medieval period, Indian society had two main types of communities:

Caste-based society – Divided into high and low caste groups, strictly following Varna rules.
Tribal society – More equal, often did not follow the Varna system, lived in forests, hills, deserts, or remote regions.

🌿 DEFINITIONS

Tribe – A social group living in a particular region with its own culture, language, and traditions.
Nomads – People who move from place to place instead of settling permanently.
Settled agriculturists – Tribes who lived in one area and practiced farming.
Pastoralists – Tribal groups who reared animals and moved in search of grazing land.
Gaddis – Shepherd tribes found in Himalayan regions.
Gonds – A powerful tribal community in Central India.
Ahoms – A tribal community settled in Assam; later became rulers.
Garh – A cluster of villages controlled by a Gond chief.
Chaurasi – A group of 84 villages within a garh.
Barhot – A group of 12 villages.
Customs – Traditional practices passed from generation to generation.
Clan – A group of families sharing a common ancestor.

🌿 2. Tribal Societies – Features

Why we know little about them

Tribals did not keep written records.
Customs were passed orally.
Lived in remote, difficult-to-reach areas.
Avoided outsiders, preserving their distinct culture.

Occupation

Agriculture
Hunting-gathering
Herding
Some became traders (e.g., Banjaras)

🌿 3. Tribal Groups in India

Examples

Punjab – Khokhars, Gakkhars
Western India – Bhils, Kolis
Central India – Gonds
East – Khasis, Nagas, Mundas, Santals
South – Todas, Vetars, Badagas, Maravars, Koragars

🌿 4. Life of Nomadic Tribes

Moved frequently in search of grazing lands.
Exchanged milk, ghee, honey, and forest produce for grain and goods.
Banjaras were important traders who transported goods.

🌿 5. Changing Nature of Tribal Societies

Tribes gradually adopted new cultures.
Some became agriculturists.
Some tribes grew powerful and formed kingdoms.
Two major tribal kingdoms:
✔ Gonds
✔ Ahoms

🌿 6. The Gonds

Lived in Central India.
Controlled large forest areas.
Gond kingdoms were divided into garhs, each split into chaurasi and then barhots.
Most famous Gond queen: Rani Durgavati.
She fought bravely against Mughal king Akbar but died in battle.

🌿 7. The Ahoms

Migrated from present-day Myanmar to Assam.
Expanded power by defeating older rulers.
Fought against the Mughals.
Built a strong political system:
- Village communities
- Forced labour system
- Agriculture, wet rice cultivation
Worshipped tribal gods; later adopted Hinduism.
Wrote Buranjis – historical chronicles.
Became part of British India in the 19th century.

🌿 SUMMARY

Tribal people lived unique, independent lives.
Some tribes settled; others remained nomadic.
Gonds and Ahoms established strong kingdoms.
Tribal societies slowly transformed over time.

🟦 20 MCQs WITH ANSWERS

Tribal customs were preserved ______.
a) in books
b) orally
c) by priests
d) through paintings
Ans: b
Which tribe lived in Central India?
a) Bhils
b) Gonds
c) Kolis
d) Nagas
Ans: b
The Banjaras were mainly:
a) Soldiers
b) Traders
c) Farmers
d) Artisans
Ans: b
Nomads are people who:
a) Live in cities
b) Move from place to place
c) Work in temples
d) Always settle near rivers
Ans: b
Which queen fought bravely against the Mughals?
a) Razia Sultana
b) Rani Padmini
c) Rani Durgavati
d) Ahilyabai Holkar
Ans: c
The Ahoms settled mainly in:
a) Punjab
b) Assam
c) Tamil Nadu
d) Rajasthan
Ans: b
A garh was a:
a) River
b) Fort
c) Division of territory
d) Temple
Ans: c
Chaurasi consisted of:
a) 12 villages
b) 20 villages
c) 84 villages
d) 50 villages
Ans: c
Tribal societies lived mostly in:
a) Cities
b) Plains
c) Remote forests and hills
d) Coastal regions
Ans: c
The Ahoms wrote historical records called:
a) Arthashastra
b) Buranjis
c) Rajtarangini
d) Prithviraj Raso
Ans: b
Bhils and Kolis lived in:
a) Punjab
b) Western India
c) Central India
d) South India
Ans: b
The main occupation of nomadic tribes was:
a) Tailoring
b) Animal rearing
c) Metal work
d) Mining
Ans: b
Tribals avoided outsiders to:
a) Attack them
b) Preserve their culture
c) Migrate easily
d) Learn new skills
Ans: b
The Gonds were ruled by:
a) Prithviraj
b) Rani Durgavati
c) Shivaji
d) Ashoka
Ans: b
Ahoms built their houses using:
a) Stone
b) Bamboo & wood
c) Marble
d) Iron
Ans: b
Ahoms introduced:
a) Wet rice cultivation
b) Sheep rearing
c) Iron mining
d) Spice cultivation
Ans: a
A group of families having a common ancestor is called:
a) Clan
b) Garh
c) Tribe
d) Barhot
Ans: a
The Gakkhars lived in:
a) Assam
b) Punjab
c) Kerala
d) Odisha
Ans: b
Tribal histories were passed on mainly through:
a) Dramas
b) Oral tradition
c) Sculptures
d) Songs only
Ans: b
Ahoms were originally from:
a) China
b) Myanmar
c) Nepal
d) Thailand
Ans: b

🟩 20 VERY SHORT QUESTIONS (1-line answers)

Who were nomads?
People who move from place to place.
Where did the Gonds live?
In Central India.
Who was the famous Gond queen?
Rani Durgavati.
Which tribe settled in Assam?
The Ahoms.
What are Buranjis?
Ahom historical records.
What is a garh?
A large Gond territorial division.
What was the occupation of Banjaras?
Trading.
Name one tribe from eastern India.
Nagas / Khasis (any one)
Where were the Bhils found?
Western India.
What did nomads exchange with farmers?
Milk, ghee, honey, etc.
How did tribals pass on customs?
Orally.
What is a chaurasi?
A group of 84 villages.
What is a barhot?
A group of 12 villages.
Which tribe was powerful in Central India?
The Gonds.
Who invaded Gond kingdoms?
The Mughals.
What were Ahom houses made of?
Bamboo and wood.
Which river valley did Ahoms settle in?
The Brahmaputra valley.
Which tribe is known for herding?
Gaddis.
What type of society was tribal society?
More equal and less rigid.
Name one southern tribe.
Todas / Badagas (any one)

🟨 20 SHORT ANSWERS (30–40 words)

(Answering all 20; due to length limit, message becomes extremely long. If you want, I can send PART 2 separately.)

Below are the first 10.
Tell me “Continue Short Answers” to get the remaining 10.

1. Why do we know little about tribal societies?

We know little because tribes did not maintain written records. Their customs and traditions were preserved orally. They lived in remote forests, hills, and mountains where outsiders rarely visited, making information difficult to gather.

2. What were the occupations of tribal people?

Tribal people practiced agriculture, hunting-gathering, herding, and animal rearing. Some tribes also traded forest products, milk, ghee, and honey. The Banjaras became important transport traders in medieval India.

3. Describe the life of nomadic tribes.

Nomadic tribes moved from place to place in search of grazing land for their animals. They exchanged milk, honey, and ghee with settled farmers for food grains and other goods. Their lifestyle was flexible and mobile.

4. What were Banjaras known for?

Banjaras were famous traders and transporters. They carried goods from villages to towns using bullock carts. They played a significant role in trade by supplying grains, salt, and other items across long distances.

5. What changes occurred in tribal societies over time?

Over time, some tribes adopted agriculture, settled permanently, and developed kingdoms. They also started interacting with mainstream societies, adopting new customs, religions, and political systems.

6. Describe Gond political organization.

Gond lands were divided into large units called garhs, each subdivided into chaurasis (84 villages) and barhots (12 villages). Every garh had its own Gond chief who controlled the administration and collected revenue.

7. Who was Rani Durgavati and why is she remembered?

Rani Durgavati was a brave Gond queen who ruled after her husband’s death. She fought heroically against Mughal forces led by Akbar. She died in battle but is remembered for her courage and leadership.

8. How did the Ahoms build their power?

The Ahoms expanded their power by defeating older rulers in Assam. They developed wet rice cultivation, strengthened armies, built efficient administration, and created historical records called Buranjis.

9. Describe the Ahom society.

The Ahoms practiced forced labour, grew crops, reared animals, and built bamboo houses. Some Ahoms worshipped tribal gods, while others adopted Hinduism by the 18th century. They created an organized kingdom in Assam.

10. Write a short note on tribal religions.

Tribal religions were nature-based. They worshipped forests, animals, rivers, mountains, and ancestral spirits. Over time, some tribal groups adopted mainstream religions such as Hinduism while retaining old customs.

11. How did the Mughals interact with tribal groups?

Mughals tried to bring powerful tribal chiefs under their control by demanding taxes or services. Some tribes resisted and fought against them, while others agreed to pay tribute. Gonds and Ahoms especially came into frequent conflict with Mughal forces.

12. What factors helped Ahoms expand their kingdom?

The Ahoms expanded by defeating older rulers, absorbing smaller tribes, introducing wet rice cultivation, strengthening the army, and building a well-organized administrative system. Their ability to adapt and use new techniques helped them grow.

13. What type of houses did the Ahoms build?

The Ahoms built houses using bamboo and wood, which were materials easily available in the thick forests of Assam. These houses were well-suited to the climate and landscape of the region, especially during heavy rains.

14. Why were tribal regions difficult for outsiders to access?

Tribes lived in thick forests, hills, mountains, and deserts that were far from towns and cities. Harsh climates, lack of roads, and difficult terrain made their regions hard to reach for outsiders.

15. What role did forests play in tribal life?

Forests were essential to tribal life. They provided food, fuel, medicinal plants, timber, and grazing areas for animals. Tribes used forest products for trade and daily survival, making forests central to their economy and culture.

16. Explain the administration of the Gond kingdom.

The Gond kingdom had a structured system. It was divided into garhs, each ruled by a chief. Each garh had 84 villages called chaurasi, further divided into barhots of 12 villages. Chiefs collected revenue and maintained order.

17. How did the Ahoms record their history?

Ahoms recorded their history in written chronicles called Buranjis. These records described events, kings’ achievements, wars, administration, and social life. They are valuable sources for understanding Ahom history.

18. How did tribal societies preserve their culture?

Tribal societies preserved culture through oral traditions, storytelling, dances, songs, rituals, and festivals. Elders taught youngsters about customs and ancestral practices. Their isolation allowed them to maintain unique lifestyles.

19. Why did some tribal groups become powerful?

Some tribes controlled large territories, trade routes, and forest resources. Their strong leadership and military strength helped them form kingdoms, like the Gonds and Ahoms, which became politically influential.

20. What caused conflict between the Ahoms and Mughals?

The Mughals wanted to expand into Assam, while the Ahoms wished to keep their independence. This led to repeated battles. Though the Mughals sometimes won, they could not control Assam for long because of Ahom resistance.

🟥 10 LONG ANSWERS (70–80 words each)

1. Describe the main characteristics of tribal societies in medieval India.

Tribal societies in medieval India were distinct from caste-based societies. They lived in remote regions such as forests, hills, and deserts and relied heavily on natural resources. Their customs and traditions were passed orally because they rarely kept written records. They believed in social equality within the tribe and did not strictly follow the Varna system. Many tribes practiced hunting-gathering, herding, and agriculture, while others such as the Banjaras engaged in trade.

2. Explain the life and movement of nomadic tribes.

Nomadic tribes did not live permanently in one place. They moved around with their animals in search of grazing lands and water. Their lifestyle depended largely on weather and availability of natural resources. They exchanged milk, ghee, wool, and honey with settled farmers in return for grains and metal goods. Movement allowed them flexibility but also made them dependent on nature. Their mobility helped in spreading goods, culture, and ideas across regions.

3. Discuss the growth and political power of Gond tribes.

The Gonds emerged as a strong tribal community in Central India. They controlled vast forest areas and established a well-organized administrative structure. Their territory was divided into garhs, each headed by a local chief. These were further divided into chaurasi and barhots. Under leaders like Rani Durgavati, the Gonds expanded their kingdom and improved agriculture. Their strategic location and natural resources made them powerful until Mughal expansion weakened their rule.

4. Describe the life, administration, and economy of the Ahoms.

The Ahoms migrated from present-day Myanmar and settled in Assam. They introduced advanced techniques like wet rice cultivation and built bamboo houses suited to the climate. Their administration was strong; village communities provided labour, and peasants cultivated land. The Ahoms maintained a powerful army and recorded their history in Buranjis. They worshipped tribal gods but gradually adopted Hinduism. Despite Mughal attacks, the Ahoms retained their autonomy and built a flourishing kingdom.

5. Explain the role of Banjaras in medieval trade.

The Banjaras were important nomadic traders who transported goods across long distances. They travelled in large caravans with families and herds. Their bullock carts carried grains, salt, spices, metals, and forest products from villages to towns. Banjaras supplied essential goods to armies and played a key role in economic movement before modern transport existed. Their continuous movement helped connect distant regions and promote trade and cultural exchange in medieval India.

6. How did tribal cultures evolve over time?

Tribal cultures gradually evolved as tribes came into contact with settled populations, traders, and rulers. Some adopted settled agriculture and learned new farming techniques. Others absorbed elements of Hinduism, such as worshipping mainstream gods. A few tribes grew into powerful kingdoms, establishing administrative systems. Trade brought new products and interactions. Thus, tribal societies changed while still preserving important parts of their traditions and identity.

7. Describe Rani Durgavati’s rule and her conflict with the Mughals.

Rani Durgavati became ruler of the Gond kingdom after her husband’s death. She governed wisely, improved administration, and expanded her territory. Her kingdom’s rich forests and resources attracted Mughal interest. When Akbar’s forces attacked, she bravely led her army. Despite fierce resistance, she was defeated. Rather than surrender, she chose death on the battlefield. Her bravery, leadership, and sacrifice made her a symbol of courage in Indian history.

8. How were tribal regions important economically and politically?

Tribal regions were rich in natural resources such as forests, minerals, and fertile land. They controlled trade routes and grazing grounds, making them economically valuable. Politically, tribes could form strong kingdoms like the Gonds and Ahoms, which posed challenges to larger empires such as the Mughals. Their territories acted as buffer zones and controlled strategic areas. This made tribal regions crucial in medieval politics and trade.

9. How did the Ahoms defend themselves against Mughal expansion?

The Ahoms used their knowledge of Assam’s geography—dense forests, hills, and rivers—to resist Mughal attacks. They employed guerilla tactics, strong fortifications, and a well-trained army. Although Mughals temporarily captured parts of Assam, the Ahoms repeatedly pushed them back. Their unity, military strategy, and administrative strength allowed them to maintain independence for many years, resisting Mughal rule more successfully than many other kingdoms.

10. Compare settled agriculturist tribes with nomadic tribes.

Settled agriculturist tribes lived in one place, farming crops and maintaining stable villages. They built permanent houses and developed organized political systems. Nomadic tribes, however, moved frequently in search of grazing lands for animals. Their homes were temporary, and economy centered on herding and trade. While settled tribes gradually adopted mainstream cultures, nomadic tribes preserved older customs. Despite differences, both types contributed significantly to the economy and culture of medieval India.

🟦 5 CASE STUDIES (Each with 3 Qs + Answers)

CASE STUDY 1 – The Banjaras

The Banjaras travelled with families in large caravans and transported grain and goods from villages to towns. They moved on bullock carts and exchanged forest products with settled communities.

Q1. What was the main occupation of Banjaras?
Ans. Transporting and trading goods.

Q2. What did they use for movement?
Ans. Bullock carts.

Q3. Why were Banjaras important?
Ans. They supplied goods to distant regions and armies.

CASE STUDY 2 – Rani Durgavati

Rani Durgavati led the Gond kingdom after her husband’s death. She was known for her bravery. She fought against the Mughal forces but died in battle rather than surrender.

Q1. Which tribe did Rani Durgavati belong to?
Ans. Gonds.

Q2. Why did the Mughals attack Gond territory?
Ans. Because it was rich in resources.

Q3. How is Rani Durgavati remembered?
Ans. As a symbol of courage and sacrifice.

CASE STUDY 3 – The Ahom Kingdom

The Ahoms migrated to Assam and built a strong kingdom. They practiced wet rice cultivation and recorded their history in Buranjis.

Q1. What technique did Ahoms introduce?
Ans. Wet rice cultivation.

Q2. What are Buranjis?
Ans. Ahom historical chronicles.

Q3. Which river valley did they settle in?
Ans. Brahmaputra valley.

CASE STUDY 4 – Tribal Life in Forests

Tribal groups lived deep inside forests, relying on plants, animals, and rivers. Their life was simple but closely connected to nature.

Q1. Why did tribes prefer forest regions?
Ans. Forests provided food, shelter, and security.

Q2. How did they use forest resources?
Ans. For food, medicines, tools, and trade.

Q3. Why did outsiders find it hard to reach their regions?
Ans. Because of difficult terrain and isolation.

CASE STUDY 5 – Changing Tribal Societies

With time, many tribes adopted settled life, farming, and new religious practices. Some even formed kingdoms.

Q1. Why did tribal cultures change over time?
Ans. Due to contact with settled societies and rulers.

Q2. Name two tribes that became powerful.
Ans. Gonds and Ahoms.

Q3. What new practices did tribes adopt?
Ans. Agriculture, Hindu worship, and organized administration.

🟧 10 ASSERTION–REASON (With Answers)

1. A: Tribal people lived in remote areas.

R: They wanted to protect their culture.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

2. A: Tribes preserved traditions orally.

R: They did not maintain written records.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

3. A: Nomads moved frequently.

R: They followed their animals for grazing.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

4. A: Banjaras were important traders.

R: They transported goods over long distances.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

5. A: Rani Durgavati lost her kingdom.

R: She fought bravely against the Mughals.
Ans: A is true, R is true but does not explain A.

6. A: The Gonds formed a powerful kingdom.

R: They had a well-organized administrative system.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

7. A: Ahoms resisted Mughal power.

R: They had a strong army and used local terrain.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

8. A: The Ahoms adopted Hinduism.

R: They came in contact with Brahmin priests.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

9. A: Tribals were not part of the Varna system.

R: They lived independently with their own rules.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

10. A: The Mughals failed to control Assam.

R: The Ahoms fiercely protected their kingdom.
Ans: Both A and R are true, and R explains A.

My Blog List

Saturday, November 22, 2025

class 7 Tribal Communities