NCERT Class 9 History Chapter 5 Notes
Pastoralists in the Modern World – Complete Explanation
 |
Complete Class 9 History Chapter 5 Notes with Important Questions and Answers – Pastoralists in the Modern World |
📚 Table of Contents
- 👉 Introduction: Role of Pastoralists in the Modern World
- 👉 Mountain Pastoral Communities of India
- ↳ Gujjar Bakarwals
- ↳ Gaddi Shepherds
- ↳ Bhotiya, Sherpa and Kinnauri
- 👉 Plains, Plateau and Desert Pastoralists
- ↳ Dhangars
- ↳ Kuruma, Kuruba and Golla
- ↳ Banjaras
- ↳ Raikas
- 👉 Colonial Rule and Its Impact on Grazing Lands
- ↳ Waste Land Rules
- ↳ Forest Acts
- ↳ Criminal Tribes Act (1871)
- ↳ Grazing Tax
- 👉 Effects on Pastoral Life
- ↳ Decline of Grazing Lands
- ↳ Changes in Migration
- 👉 Pastoral Life in Africa
- ↳ Division of Maasailand
- ↳ National Parks
- ↳ Trade Restrictions
- 👉 Drought and Pastoralists
- ↳ Natural Disasters
- ↳ Social Inequality
- 👉 Conclusion
- 👉 Important Questions
Introduction: Role of Pastoralists in the Modern World
In modern history, pastoral communities are often overlooked. When we talk about economic development, the focus usually remains on agriculture and industries, while pastoralists are seen as people of the past with little relevance today.
However, this perception is far from reality. In regions like India and Africa, pastoralism continues to be a major source of livelihood for millions.
Pastoralists are people who depend on livestock such as sheep, goats, camels, and cattle. Most of them are nomadic, moving from one place to another in search of grazing land and water. Their animals are not just economic assets but also central to their identity and survival.
This chapter highlights the struggles and transformations faced by pastoral communities during the colonial and modern periods.
Mountain Pastoral Communities of India
Gujjar Bakarwals
The Gujjar Bakarwal community of Jammu and Kashmir follows a seasonal migration pattern. During winters, when the high mountains are covered with snow, they move to the lower Shivalik hills.
With the arrival of summer, they travel northwards in groups, crossing difficult mountain passes to reach the Kashmir valley. The melting snow creates rich grasslands, which provide ideal grazing conditions for their animals.
Gaddi Shepherds
The Gaddi community of Himachal Pradesh follows a similar lifestyle. They spend winters in the lower hills and migrate to higher regions like Lahaul and Spiti during summer.
These high-altitude grasslands, known as bugyals, offer fresh pasture. By September, they return downhill, stopping in villages to harvest crops and prepare fields for the next season.
This cycle helps maintain ecological balance by allowing pastures to regenerate.
Bhotiya, Sherpa and Kinnauri
These communities in the Himalayan regions also practice seasonal migration. They shift locations depending on the availability of pasture.
Their movement prevents overuse of any one grazing area and allows vegetation to recover naturally.
Plains, Plateau and Desert Pastoralists
Dhangars
The Dhangars of Maharashtra traditionally worked as shepherds and blanket weavers. During the monsoon, they stayed in the semi-arid plateau regions.
After the monsoon, they moved towards the Konkan coast in search of pasture. Farmers welcomed them because their animals grazed on crop residues and fertilized fields with dung.
Before the next monsoon, they returned to the plateau, as their sheep could not survive in humid coastal conditions.
Kuruma, Kuruba and Golla
In the dry plateau regions of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, these communities depended on livestock.
- Gollas reared cattle and buffaloes
- Kurumas and Kurubas raised sheep and goats
Unlike mountain pastoralists, their migration depended on rainfall patterns rather than temperature changes. They moved during dry seasons and returned when rains began.
Banjaras
Banjaras were one of the most well-known nomadic groups in India. They traveled long distances across states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
They traded goods such as grain and fodder while continuously searching for better grazing lands.
Raikas
The Raikas of Rajasthan lived in the harsh environment of the Thar Desert. Due to low and uncertain rainfall, farming alone was not reliable.
They combined agriculture with pastoralism. When local grazing lands dried up, they migrated to other regions.
The Maru Raikas are especially known for camel rearing. Camel fairs like Pushkar and Balotra reflect their rich traditions.
Colonial Rule and Its Impact on Grazing Lands
Waste Land Rules
The British government considered grazing lands as “waste” because they did not generate revenue.
To increase income and supply raw materials like cotton and wheat to England, these lands were converted into agricultural fields.
As a result, pastoralists lost access to grazing grounds.
Forest Acts
From the mid-19th century, forests were declared reserved areas. These forests were valued for timber like teak and sal.
Pastoralists were either restricted or completely banned from entering these forests. Even when allowed, they needed permits with limited duration.
Criminal Tribes Act (1871)
The British viewed nomadic communities with suspicion. In 1871, many pastoral groups were labeled as “criminal tribes.”
They were forced to live in designated areas and were kept under strict surveillance. Their freedom of movement was severely restricted.
Grazing Tax
To increase revenue, the British imposed taxes on livestock. Pastoralists had to pay for each animal they owned.
Initially, taxes were collected through contractors who often exploited them. Later, the government directly collected taxes and issued passes.
Effects on Pastoral Life
Decline of Grazing Lands
With grazing areas converted into farmland, the pressure on remaining pastures increased.
This led to:
- Poor quality of grass
- Weak and unhealthy livestock
- Increased deaths during droughts
Changes in Migration
Pastoralists adapted by changing migration routes or reducing herd sizes.
After the Partition of 1947, communities like the Raikas could no longer move to traditional grazing areas near the Indus. Many shifted towards Haryana.
Some wealthy pastoralists bought land and became farmers, while poorer ones fell into debt and became laborers.
Pastoral Life in Africa
Division of Maasailand
Africa has more than half of the world’s pastoral population. The Maasai are one of the most important pastoral groups.
In 1885, their land was divided between British Kenya and German Tanganyika. Around 60% of their best grazing land was taken away and given to European settlers.
National Parks
Many traditional grazing areas were converted into national parks, such as Maasai Mara (Kenya) and Serengeti (Tanzania).
Pastoralists were banned from entering these areas, leading to a permanent shortage of grazing land.
Trade Restrictions
Colonial authorities restricted the movement of pastoralists. They needed permits to travel and were not allowed to enter certain markets.
This badly affected both their livelihood and trade.
Drought and Pastoralists
Natural Disasters
When pastoralists were prevented from moving to better grazing lands, droughts became devastating.
For example, during the drought of 1933–34, more than half of the Maasai livestock died.
Social Inequality
Colonial systems created inequality within pastoral communities.
Some leaders became wealthy and settled in towns, while poorer pastoralists lost everything and were forced into wage labor.
Conclusion
Today, experts recognize that pastoralism is one of the most sustainable ways of living in dry and mountainous regions.
Pastoralists are not outdated communities; they are adaptive and resilient. They continue to fight for their rights and play an important role in maintaining ecological balance.
Important Questions
Important Questions and Answers (Class 9 History Chapter 5)
❓ What are pastoralists?
Answer: Pastoralists are people who depend on livestock such as sheep, goats, camels, and cattle for their livelihood. They usually follow a nomadic lifestyle and move from one place to another in search of grazing land and water.
❓ Explain pastoralists in the modern world.
Answer: In the modern world, pastoralists continue to play an important role, especially in regions like India and Africa. They adapt to changing conditions and maintain ecological balance through seasonal migration.
❓ Explain the seasonal migration of Gujjar Bakarwals and Gaddi shepherds.
Answer: These communities move between lower hills in winter and higher mountains in summer. This migration helps them find fresh grazing land and protects their livestock from extreme weather conditions.
❓ Describe pastoral communities in plains, plateaus, and deserts.
Answer: In plains and plateaus, communities migrate based on rainfall patterns. In desert regions, they move when grazing land becomes scarce. Their lifestyle is adapted to survive in harsh climatic conditions.
❓ Who were Banjaras?
Answer: Banjaras were nomadic traders who traveled long distances carrying goods like grain and fodder. They combined trade with pastoralism and played an important role in the traditional economy.
❓ Who are Raikas and why are they important?
Answer: Raikas are a pastoral community of Rajasthan known for camel rearing. They play an important role in desert ecology and are famous for participating in camel fairs.
❓ What was the impact of colonial rule on pastoralists?
Answer: Colonial rule reduced grazing lands, imposed heavy taxes on livestock, and restricted movement through various laws. This made the life of pastoralists more difficult.
❓ Explain the Forest Acts and Waste Land Rules.
Answer: Forest Acts restricted pastoralists from entering forests, while Waste Land Rules converted grazing lands into agricultural fields. Both policies reduced the availability of pasture.
❓ Describe pastoral life in Africa with reference to the Maasai.
Answer: The Maasai are a major pastoral community in Africa. Their grazing lands were divided and reduced during colonial rule, and many areas were turned into national parks, restricting their movement.
❓ How did drought and social inequality affect pastoralists?
Answer: Drought led to the death of livestock due to lack of grazing land. Social inequality increased as some pastoralists became wealthy while others lost everything and were forced into labor work.