question_answer

            How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under the colonial rule?      

Answer:

(i) Before the arrival of the British, in many areas the tribal chiefs were important people. They enjoyed economic power and had the right to administer and control their territories.

(ii) In some places, they had their own police and decide the local rules of land and forest management. Under British rule, the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs changed.

(iii) They were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of village and rent out lands, but they lost much of their administrative powers, and were forced to follow laws made by British officials in India.

(iv) They had to pay tribute to the British and discipline the tribal groups on behalf of the British. They lost the authority they had earlier enjoyed amongst their people, and were unable to fulfill their traditional functions.