Question

how did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule

Answer 1

The tribal chiefs lost their former Importance. Under the British, they lost all their authority and became mere agents of the British. They had to appease their British masters as well as control their own people. They also had to follow the laws made by the British and pay them tributes.

Answer 2

Under British rule, the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs changed considerably. They were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent outlands, but they lost much of their administrative power and were forced to follow laws made by the British officials in India. They also had to pay tribute to the British, and discipline the tribal groups on behalf of the British. They lost the authority that they had earlier enjoyed among their people and were unable to fulfil their traditional functions.