CBSE Class 7 Social Science Chapter 7

Questions and Answers

What was a significant outcome of the emergence of new castes, or jatis, within society?

The complete dissolution of previous social hierarchies.

A shift in the organization of society from varna to jati. (correct)

The decline of the Brahmanas' influence.

An increase in tribal associations with agrarian practices.

Which group primarily recognized specialized artisans as separate jatis?

The Kshatriyas.

The tribal families.

The Rajputs.

The Brahmanas. (correct)

What was a common characteristic of the emerging Rajput clans in the 11th and 12th centuries?

They were considered descendants of older rulers.

They claimed descent from diverse lineages. (correct)

They were predominantly merchant-based groups.

They unified under a single lineage to form a stronger state.

What factor contributed to many tribes being absorbed into the caste system?

Influence from the Brahmanas. Signup and view all the answers

In the regions of Punjab, Sind, and the North-West Frontier, what was the general attitude towards the caste system?

It was rejected by those who had adopted Islam. Signup and view all the answers

Which tribe was mostly found across western and central India and had many clans still practicing hunting and gathering?

Bhils Signup and view all the answers

What primary goods did nomadic pastoralists exchange for with settled agriculturists?

Grain and textiles Signup and view all the answers

What title was given to the Banjaras' caravan?

Tanda Signup and view all the answers

Under whose rule were many Chero fortresses captured and the tribe subjugated?

Aurangzeb Signup and view all the answers

Which tribe is renowned as the most important trader nomads?

Banjaras Signup and view all the answers

What type of merchandise did petty pedlars travel with to sell?

Ropes and coarse sacks Signup and view all the answers

What type of livelihood did mendicants pursue within the context provided?

Performing in towns and villages Signup and view all the answers

Which general attacked and defeated the Cheros in 1591?

Raja Man Singh Signup and view all the answers

What led to the decline of the Gond kingdoms?

The rise of the Bundelas and Marathas Signup and view all the answers

What administrative division was controlled by a particular Gond clan?

Garhs Signup and view all the answers

Which Gond raja was known for marrying into the Rajput family?

Dalpat Signup and view all the answers

What significant event took place in 1565 regarding Garha Katanga?

Attack by Mughal forces under Asaf Khan Signup and view all the answers

How did Rani Durgawati respond to the Mughal invasion of Garha Katanga?

She chose to die rather than surrender Signup and view all the answers

What primarily united members of a tribe?

Kinship bonds Signup and view all the answers

Which activity was NOT commonly associated with tribes?

Fishing Signup and view all the answers

What was a common characteristic of tribal societies in relation to caste-based societies?

They depended on each other for diverse needs. Signup and view all the answers

Which tribe is mentioned as having significant influence in Punjab during the 13th and 14th centuries?

Khokhars Signup and view all the answers

What role did oral traditions play in tribal societies?

They served as a means for historical record-keeping. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Kamal Khan Gakkhar?

A noble appointed by the Mughal Empire Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following tribes was known to dominate the north-eastern part of the subcontinent?

Ahoms Signup and view all the answers

What type of land did many large tribes inhabit?

Forests, hills, and deserts Signup and view all the answers

What role did the paiks play in the Ahom state?

They were forced laborers for the state. Signup and view all the answers

Which kingdom was annexed by the Ahoms in 1581?

Koch-Hajo Signup and view all the answers

What technology did the Ahoms utilize in warfare by the 1530s?

Firearms Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ahom society primarily manage their agricultural land?

Villagers collectively managed and assigned land. Signup and view all the answers

What major change occurred in the religious practices of the Ahom kings during the rule of Sib Singh?

Hinduism emerged as the predominant religion. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the artistic advancements encouraged in Ahom society?

Promotion of theatre and drama. Signup and view all the answers

How did the Ahoms handle population distribution in their villages?

People from heavily populated areas shifted to less populated places. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the historical works known as buranjis in Ahom culture?

They chronicled history and was first written in the Ahom language. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Tribal Societies

Societies in the subcontinent existed outside Brahmanical social structures, forming tribes based on kinship.
Livelihoods were derived from agriculture, hunting, gathering, and herding, with some groups being nomadic.
Each tribal group controlled resources collectively, dividing them among families as per their own customs.
Tribes adapted to diverse landscapes, thriving in forests, hills, and deserts, often in conflict with caste-based societies.
Tribal groups maintained cultural independence while also relying on caste societies for various needs.

Tribal Histories

Historians and travelers offer limited information on tribes due to the absence of written records.
Oral traditions have played a key role in preserving tribal histories across regions.
Influential tribes included the Khokhars and Gakkhars in Punjab, and the Langahs and Arghuns in Sind.
Balochis were a large tribe divided into clans, while Gaddis were shepherds in the Western Himalayas.
Notable tribes in Bihar and Jharkhand included the Cheros, Mundas, and Santals.

Nomadic Life

Nomadic pastoralists traveled with livestock, primarily relying on animal products for sustenance and engaging in trade for essentials.
The Banjaras were significant trader nomads, transporting goods and supplying grain to Mughal armies.
Various other groups, like petty pedlars and entertainers, traveled to sell goods and perform.

The emergence of new skills led to the formation of smaller castes or jatis within the existing varna framework.
Several tribes were incorporated into caste society, with specialized artisans recognized as distinct jatis.
Rajput clans emerged among Kshatriyas, setting new social precedents.
Most dominant tribes, particularly in Punjab and Sind, adopted Islam but largely rejected the caste system.

The Gonds

The Gonds inhabited Gondwana and practiced shifting cultivation, with each clan led by its own raja.
Gond kingdoms emerged as significant powers during the decline of Delhi Sultanate control.
The kingdom of Garha Katanga, with around 70,000 villages, showcased a more centralized administrative system.
The Mughals defeated the Gonds in 1565, leading to the capture of wealth and territory, although Gond kingdoms persisted for a time.

The Ahoms

Ahoms migrated from Myanmar in the 13th century, establishing a new state by overthrowing the bhuiyans.
They expanded their territory significantly by defeating neighboring kingdoms during the 16th century.
The Ahoms employed firearms early on and exemplified organized military and public works systems.
They introduced land grants and the concept of forced labor known as paiks during their centralization process.
Despite adopting Hinduism, Ahom rulers retained elements of their original beliefs while also promoting cultural development through arts and literature.

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Explore the diverse world of tribes, nomads, and settled communities in India through this quiz. Learn about the social structures, livelihoods, and cultural practices that define these unique groups. This chapter offers insights into how tribal societies operate outside of mainstream social norms.