Question

Describe the life of the tribal people of bastar in 50 to 60 words

Answer 1

Shifting cultivation, hunting and collection of forest product were the important professions of the people of Bastar. However their way of life was affected by the declaration of forests as reserved areas in 1908, by the British. Only government contractors were allowed to take forest timber for the construction of railways. As a result there was a widespread tribal movement affecting more than half of the 84 parganas of Bastar. The tribals wanted to reassert their traditional rights over the forests and natural resources of the region. Other reasons included the humiliation of the tribal king by the British and disrespect for tribal traditions. The tribals also felt that their culture was threatened by British education policy. The movement was a continuation of previous protests in the region. It was symbolical of tribal resistance to attempts to change their way of life. Ultimately it was crushed by the use of brutal force by the British.