Mughal Empire in NCERT Class 8 History: Tribal Communities and Diku Settlers

Mughal Empire in NCERT Class 8 History Chapter 4: Tribal Communities, Diku Settlers, and the Vision of a Golden Age

In this chapter from NCERT Class 8 history, we delve into the complex world of the Mughal Empire, which ruled over a vast stretch of land during the 16th and 17th centuries. This empire was multicultural and diverse, with various communities living under its rule. Among these were the tribal people known as Adivasis and the settlers called Dikus. We will explore how they interacted with each other and how their lives changed within the context of the Mughal Empire's reign.

Adivasi Tribes

The term 'Adivasi' is used by the Indian government to describe indigenous people who have lived in their traditional habitats for generations before the arrival of outsiders. These tribes had their own languages, customs, traditions, and methods of subsistence. Some of them even maintained social structures similar to those found among nomadic pastoralists.

During the expansion of the Mughal Empire across India, many tribes resisted the new rulers due to their different religious beliefs and practices. They often fought against the Mughals and their policies, sometimes winning battles and influencing future actions taken by the empire.

Diku Settlers

'Dikus' refers to non-indigenous settlers, usually foreign traders who came to India seeking wealth. These individuals brought goods such as salt, cotton fabrics, opium, and other luxuries to Indian markets. In return, they received items like gold, silver, copper, and textiles produced locally. This trade led to the improvement of agricultural production and the emergence of a class of wealthy farmers who paid taxes to the Mughal Empire.

The Vision of a Golden Age

Emperor Akbar envisioned a harmonious society where all religions could coexist peacefully. He believed in tolerance and equality among his subjects, regardless of their faith. To achieve this goal, he established a system of governance called Din-i Ilahi, which aimed to unify the diverse religious groups under one set of laws. However, after Akbar's death, the system fell apart, leading to tensions between Muslims and Hindus.

Despite these challenges, the Mughal period saw significant progress in arts, literature, and architecture. It marked a time when Indians started using Hindu-Muslim syncretism in art forms, creating works that combined elements from both cultures. Many structures built during this era still stand today, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the time.

Conclusion

The Mughal Empire was indeed a complex web of cultural interactions, conflicts, and accommodations. From the resistance of tribal communities to the economic opportunities offered by diku settlers to Emperor Akbar's dream of unity through Din-i Ilahi, the story of the Mughal Empire reflects the deep contradictions and hopes of its times. As students of history, it is our task to understand these complexities and learn from them.