Chapter Mock Test
Total Marks:40
Duration:45 min
Total Questions:20
Difficulty:Mixed
Test Structure
- —Section A: 10 MCQs (1 mark each)
- —Section B: 6 Short Answer (3 marks each)
- —Section C: 2 Long Answer (5 marks each)
Before taking the test
- —Know the key features of tribal societies: no caste, kinship bonds, collective land ownership, shifting cultivation
- —Remember tribes by region: Khokhars/Gakkhars (NW), Gaddis (Himalayas), Nagas/Ahoms (NE), Mundas/Santals (Bihar), Gonds/Bhils (Central)
- —Master Banjara facts: tandas (caravans), transported goods for Alauddin Khalji and Mughals, described by Peter Mundy (17th century)
- —Understand how tribes were absorbed into caste: elite as Kshatriyas/Rajputs, others lower ranks; Islam in Punjab/Sind as alternative
- —Know Gond kingdom facts: Gondwana, Garha Katanga (70,000 villages), Garh > Chaurasi (84) > Barhot (12), Ain-i Akbari
- —Remember Gond rulers: Aman Das (Sangram Shah), Dalpat Shah, Rani Durgawati vs Asaf Khan (1565)
- —Study Ahom kingdom: from Myanmar (13th century), paiks (forced labour), khels (clans), Buranjis (chronicles)
- —Know Ahom expansion: defeated bhuiyans, annexed Chhutiyas (1523) and Koch-Hajo (1581), fought Mir Jumla (1662)
- —Understand Ahom society: community land ownership, King Sib Singh (1714-1744) brought Hindu influence, blended traditions
- —Be able to compare Gonds vs Ahoms: administration, military, interaction with Mughals, social changes
Key Concepts to Remember
Tribal Society Features
No caste + Kinship bonds + Collective land + Shifting cultivation = Tribal identity distinct from caste-based society
Banjaras and Trade
Tandas (caravans) + Alauddin Khalji/Mughals + Peter Mundy = Banjaras as economic lifeline of medieval India
Gond Kingdom
Gondwana + Garha Katanga (70,000 villages) + Garh > Chaurasi > Barhot + Rani Durgawati vs Asaf Khan (1565)
Ahom State
Myanmar to Assam (13th c.) + Paiks (forced labour) + Khels (clans) + Buranjis (chronicles) + Resisted Mughals