Question 1

What did the term 'Dikus' refer to in the context of tribal societies in 19th-century India?

Accepted Answer

The term 'Dikus' was used by tribal groups to refer to outsiders, such as moneylenders, traders, and British officials, who came into their areas and exploited them.

Question 2

Which tribal group lived in the Chota Nagpur region and worked as weavers?

Accepted Answer

The Santhals and Oraons lived in the region, but the question specifically points to communities like the Tantis who were weavers, although among forest tribes, the Baigas and Khonds practiced shifting cultivation.

Question 3

What was jhum cultivation also known as?

Accepted Answer

Jhum cultivation is also known as shifting cultivation, where patches of land are cleared by cutting vegetation and burning it for farming.

Question 4

Who was Birsa Munda?

Accepted Answer

Birsa Munda was a charismatic tribal leader from the Munda tribe who led the Ulgulan (rebellion) against British rule and the exploitation by Dikus in the Chota Nagpur region.

Question 5

In which state is the Chota Nagpur region primarily located today?

Accepted Answer

The Chota Nagpur region is primarily located in the modern-day state of Jharkhand, along with parts of Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age