Social Structures in Historical Kingdoms

Societies in the subcontinent that differed from the social rules of the Brahmanas; not divided into unequal classes.

Rules dictating social division (varna) in the subcontinent.

A ranking of social classes, often with significant differences between rich and poor, powerful and weak.

Different types of societies existed in the subcontinent, with varying social structures.

Rulers who influenced and perpetuated the social hierarchy in the subcontinent.

Societies in the subcontinent that didn't follow the Brahmanas' rules. They didn't have as many social classes.

The ties that unite members of a family in tribal societies.

Tribal societies that got their food by hunting animals and gathering plants.

Tribal societies that lived by raising animals, such as cows or sheep.

Tribes combined hunting, gathering, and herding to use the natural resources of their area.

In tribes, land and pastures were shared and divided amongst households according to their own rules.

Tribes thrived in forests, hills, deserts, and remote areas.

Conflicts arose between tribes and the more powerful caste-based societies.

Tribes retained their independence and preserved their distinctive culture.

Caste-based and tribal societies depended on each other for various needs.

Tribes passed down their customs and traditions through oral stories to each generation.

A powerful Punjab tribe influential during the 13th and 14th centuries.

A Punjab tribe that became influential after the Khokhar.

The Gakkhar chief who gained a high position under Emperor Akbar.

Powerful tribes in Multan and Sind, before being subdued by the Mughals.

Another influential tribe in the northwest of the subcontinent.

A shepherd tribe living in the western Himalayas.

Important tribes in the northeastern region of the subcontinent.

Chiefdoms that emerged in Bihar and Jharkhand by the 12th century.

Akbar's general, Raja Man Singh, attacked and defeated the Chero tribe in 1591.

Aurangzeb's forces captured Chero forts and subjugated the tribe.

Other important tribes in Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal.

People who moved from place to place with their herding animals.

Nomads exchanged wool, ghee, etc. with settled farmers for grain, cloth, and tools.

Nomadic tribes found across different regions like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and southern India.

A large tribe spread across western and central India, some of whom became settled farmers.

A large tribe found in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.

Smaller castes that emerged within the varnas, representing specialized skills.

The emergence of Jatis and the inclusion of tribes led to changes in the social structure.

The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra Valley from Myanmar in the 13th century.

They created a powerful state by conquering previous rulers and tribes.