Pastoralists in the Modern World - Long Answer Questions
People who do not settle in one place but move from one area to another to find pastures for their cattle, sheep, goats, or camels.
Pastoralists of J&K. They herd goats and sheep. They migrate between Shiwalik (winter) and Kashmir valley (summer).
From Himachal Pradesh. They spend winter in low hills of Shiwalik and summer in Lahul and Spiti (high meadows).
An important pastoral community of Maharashtra. They stay in the central plateau during monsoon and move to Konkan in dry season.
Pastoralists of Rajasthan. Rain is uncertain in deserts. They move to find pasture. Maru Raikas herd camels.
Bhabar: Dry forested area below foothills of Garhwal. Bugyal: Vast meadows in the high mountains.
1. Grazing grounds shrank (agriculture expansion). 2. Movements were restricted (Forest Acts). 3. Revenue increased (Tax on animals). 4. They were viewed as criminals.
British considered uncultivated land as 'waste'. It produced no revenue. They gave it to individuals to cultivate, taking away pastures.
Communities of craftsmen, traders, and pastoralists were classified as Criminal Tribes. They were forced to live in settlements and not move.
A pastoral tribe in East Africa (Kenya/Tanzania). They lost 60% of their land to white settlers and game reserves (Serengeti). They were confined to dry zones.
Traditionally divided into Elders (rulers) and Warriors (fighters). British appointed chiefs. Chiefs became rich (trading/land). Poor pastoralists lost everything in droughts.
Tax imposed per head of cattle. It increased the burden on pastoralists.
To find food/water for animals and to avoid extreme weather. Their movement allows pastures to regrow.
European powers met in Berlin and carved up Africa (Scramble for Africa). Maasailand was cut in half between British Kenya and German Tanganyika.
The process of becoming dry/desert-like. Lake Chad dried up.
Young men who protected the tribe and raided cattle of others.
A group of people traveling together (caravan).
Rich pastoralists adapted (bought land/traded). Poor ones became labourers.
Yes. Their way of life is ecologically sustainable in dry/mountain regions.
Nomadic traders found in UP, Punjab, Rajasthan, MP. They sell cattle and goods.
Pastoralists in the Modern World - Important Facts
Nomadism is a way of life.
Pastoralists produce milk, meat, wool.
Cycles of seasonal movement.
Gujjars move vertically (mountains).
Dhangars move horizontally (plateau).
Konkan peasants give rice to Dhangars.
Dhangar sheep manure fertilizes Konkan fields.
Raikas live in Barmer, Jaisalmer.
Camel fairs (Pushkar) are famous.
Colonial state wanted revenue.
Settled population was easier to control.
Forest Acts classified forests.
Pastoralists were banned from 'Reserved' forests.
Cattle damaged saplings (British view).
Grazing tax introduced in mid-19th cen.
Maasai means 'My People'.
300,000 Maasai in Kenya.
150,000 Maasai in Tanzania.
Scramble for Africa divided them.
Best grazing lands taken for white settlements.
Game reserves: Samburu, Serengeti, Maasai Mara.
Game reserves banned hunting.
Maasai herds could not enter reserves.
Severe droughts kill cattle.
1933-34 drought killed half cattle.
Elders decided affairs.
Warriors defended tribe.
British stopped raiding.
Chiefs accumulated wealth.
Poor pastoralists do odd jobs.
Pastoralism is not primitive.
It is a complex adjustment.
Bhotiyas and Sherpas are also pastoralists.
Rights of forest dwellers are debated.
Mobility is key to survival.
Banjara women wear colourful clothes.
Changes in modern world force adaptation.
Reducing pasture leads to overgrazing.
Quality of livestock declines.
Famines affect nomads severely.
Pastoralists in the Modern World - Important Dates/Terms
Criminal Tribes Act
Division of Africa (Berlin Conf)
India Independence