Pastoralists in the Modern World Notes: Class 9 History Chapter 5
Class 9 History Chapter 5 covers Pastoral Nomads and their Movements, Colonial Rule and Pastoral Life, and Pastoralism in Africa (Maasai Community).
Overview of Topics & Subtopics (Click to Jump)
1. Pastoral Nomads in Mountains, Plateaus & Deserts of India
Short Note:
• Mountain Nomads: Gujjars & Bakarwals of Jammu & Kashmir and Gaddis of Himachal Pradesh move between high altitude summer pastures (Bugyals) and low altitude winter forests (Bhabar).
• Plateau & Plain Nomads: Dhangars of Maharashtra, Gollas, Kurumas & Kurubas of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh move between semi-arid central plateaus and coastal plains based on rainfall patterns.
• Desert Nomads: Raikas of Rajasthan combine cultivation with pastoralism, moving towards wetter zones during dry seasons.
2. Impact of Colonial Laws on Pastoralists in India
Short Note:
• Waste Land Rules: Uncultivated land was taken over by British officials to expand agriculture and land revenue.
• Forest Acts: Grazing lands were classified as Reserved or Protected, restricting pastoralist entry and movement.
• Criminal Tribes Act (1871): Nomadic and pastoral communities were branded as 'born criminals' and forced to live in notified settlements with strict supervision.
• Grazing Tax: Introduced in the mid-19th century; pastoralists had to pay tax per head of cattle entering pasture lands.
3. Pastoralism in Africa: The Story of Maasai Cattle Herders
Short Note:
• Loss of Grazing Lands: European powers carved up Africa in 1885. Maasai land was divided between British Kenya and German Tanganyika, reducing Maasai territory by 60%.
• Game Reserves: Large areas were turned into game reserves like Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) and Maasai Mara (Kenya), barring herders completely.
• Social Division: British authorities appointed chiefs of different sub-groups, creating a rift between wealthy sedentary chiefs and poor pastoralists.
Intext & Conceptual Questions
1. Winter (Low Hills): In winter, when high mountains are covered with snow, herders stay in the low hills of the Shivalik range (Bhabar) where dry forests provide pasture.
2. Summer (High Meadows): By April, with the onset of snow melt, they march upwards to lush green mountain pastures (Bugyals) rich in nutrient grass.
3. Return Migration: By the end of September, as winter sets in again, they begin their downward journey back to winter grazing grounds.
1. Stigmatization: Traditional mobile groups like traders, artisans, and pastoralists were classified as 'Criminal Tribes' by birth.
2. Restricted Movement: They were prohibited from moving without permits and forced to settle in specified locations.
3. Police Surveillance: Local police kept continuous watch over them, severely disrupting their traditional livelihoods.
Textbook Chapter End Exercise Questions
• Reasons for Movement: Nomads move continuously to secure pasture and water for their cattle according to seasonal changes and drought conditions.
• Environmental Advantages:
1. Pasture Regeneration: Continuous movement prevents overgrazing and gives pasture land time to naturally recover.
2. Soil Manuring: Cattle dung leaves valuable organic fertilizer on harvested farmland, enhancing soil fertility for agricultural crops.
1. Loss of Best Grazing Lands: European colonizers took over white settlement farms and game reserves, reducing Maasai land by over 60%.
2. Confinement to Arid Zones: Maasais were pushed into small, semi-arid regions with uncertain rainfall and poor pastures.
3. Cattle Mortality: Restrictions on movement meant cattle could not be moved during droughts, leading to massive livestock loss.
4. Breakdown of Traditional Governance: Appointment of chiefs created social inequality between rich sedentary elders and impoverished nomadic pastoralists.
Pastoralists adapted to colonial restrictions through various practical strategies:
1. Reducing Herd Sizes: Many reduced the total number of cattle as grazing areas shrank.
2. Changing Migration Routes: When old routes were blocked, herders discovered new pasture areas (e.g., Raikas moving to Haryana after border closures).
3. Combining Occupations: Wealthier herders bought land and settled down to farm, while poorer pastoralists turned to wage labor or petty trading.