Question Q11GS1GS1
Bring out the reasons behind the tribal unrest in British India. Also, analyze the causes for their limited success. (15 marks, 250 words)
Introduction
The British policies in India were characterized by a systematic destruction of tribal life, livelihood and culture. As a result, many tribals revolted.
23 words
Main Body
Reasons behind the tribal unrest:
1British forest policies like the Indian Charter for Forests (1865), Act of 1865 and Forest Act of 1927 restricted tribal access to forest land which was crucial for their lifestyle
2The advent and expansion of railways in 1853 forced many tribals to relocate and led to large scale destruction/deforest - tion of their forests
3The British government preferred a settled population which could be easily monitored and taxed. As a result, many tribals were either killed or forcibly converted into agriculturalists
Ex - PaikasSanthals
4The British also interfered with tribal culture and way of life, leading to unrest
Ex - Dihaltan by Bisia Munda
5In many instances the British refused to acknowledge the rights of tribals & did not do much to check their exploitation by money lenders or [illegible]
Ex - Santhal revolt for demand of a separate pricing
Reasons for limited success:
Tribal revolts and uprisings were often short-lived and unsuccessful because:
Most of the revolts were sporadic and not well-organised
They were very leader centric - once the leader was captured, it fell apart
Ex: Bisia Munda led Kol revolt
Tribals mostly fought with primitive arms while there was no match for superior English arms
The uprisings did not have a clear goal or ideology as to being violent when it would be done if it could be easily crushed by the British.
In spite of the limited success, the uprisings were useful in inspiring tribals to revolt & establish their ideal tribe.
263 words16 paragraphs
- Clear categorization of reasons
- Uses specific legislative acts
- Names specific tribal leaders and revolts
Topper
Ritika Rath
AIR 48
Subject & Paper
GS1GS1
Topic
The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country
Tribal Movements and Unrest
British Policies and Tribal Revolts
Writing Stats
286
Total words
16
Paragraphs
analytical
Tone