🌿 Chapter 4: Tribes, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

📌 Introduction

India, during the 18th and 19th centuries, was not only a land of kings, kingdoms, and farmers but also of tribal communities who lived in forests, hills, and difficult terrains. These communities had their own way of life—different from settled farmers and townsfolk.

But when the British colonised India, they disturbed this natural balance. The British wanted land, forests, and taxes, which interfered with tribal life. This chapter explains:

• How tribal societies lived 🏞️
• Who the Dikus (outsiders/enemies) were 👤
• How the British exploited tribes ⚖️
• The revolts and resistance movements led by tribal heroes ⚔️
• The vision of a Golden Age (Satyug) ✨

🌲 1. The Tribal World: Life of the Tribes

Tribes were different from farmers and townsfolk.

🌿 Characteristics of Tribal Life:

1. Shifting cultivation (Jhum farming):
   • Tribes cleared small patches of forest, burned them, and grew crops like millets, pulses, and rice.
   • After harvest, they moved to another patch.
   • Example: The Santhals of Jharkhand, Khonds of Orissa.
2. Forest dependence:
   • Collected fruits, roots, honey, gum, herbs.
   • Hunted animals 🐗 and fished.
   • Forest was their life and culture.
3. Crafts and Handicrafts:
   • Some made bamboo baskets, mats, and tools.
   • Exchanged these with villagers for salt, rice, or clothes.
4. Pastoral Life:
   • Some tribes like Van Gujjars and Gaddis reared animals (goats, buffaloes, yaks).
   • Moved seasonally in search of pasture ⛺.

👉 In short: Tribes were independent, self-sufficient, and free.

👥 2. Who were the Dikus?

The tribes called outsiders as Dikus.

• “Dikus” = Enemies / Strangers / Exploiters.

Types of Dikus:

1. British officials & soldiers – Took away their land and forests.
2. Moneylenders (Sahukars) – Gave loans at high interest, trapped tribals in debt.
3. Zamindars – Collected high rent and forced labour.
4. Missionaries & traders – Tried to change their religion and culture.

👉 For tribes, Dikus destroyed their freedom.

🏞️ 3. Impact of British Rule on Tribals

🔹 (a) Land and Agriculture

• British introduced permanent land settlements (zamindari, ryotwari).
• Tribals who practised shifting cultivation were forced to become settled farmers.
• If they refused → they lost their land.
• Result: Poverty, hunger, and loss of independence.

🔹 (b) Forest Laws

• British declared forests as “Reserved” or “Protected”.
• Tribes were banned from:
  • Hunting 🏹
  • Grazing cattle 🐄
  • Collecting firewood 🌲
• They had to work for the Forest Department (cutting trees, carrying logs).

🔹 (c) Exploitation by Moneylenders

• Tribes needed cash (for land revenue & daily needs).
• Took loans → couldn’t repay → lost land.
• Became bonded labourers for moneylenders.

🔹 (d) Forced Labour & Taxes

• Tribes had to pay taxes on land, cattle, and even salt.
• British forced them to work on roads, plantations, railways (without proper wages).

👉 In short: The British turned free tribal life → into slavery & suffering.

⚔️ 4. Tribal Movements and Rebellions

Tribals didn’t accept exploitation silently. They fought back bravely.

🌟 (a) Santhal Rebellion (1855–56)

• Leaders: Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu.
• Cause: Land loss, high rents, moneylenders’ debt, forest restrictions.
• Event: 60,000 Santhals took up bows, arrows, axes and fought against British & zamindars.
• Result: Brutally crushed, but remembered as first major tribal revolt.

🌟 (b) Birsa Munda Movement (1895–1900)

• Leader: Birsa Munda (Jharkhand).
• Preached a return to “Golden Age – Satyug” when tribals lived free, without dikus.
• Wanted to establish Munda Raj (independent rule).
• Fought against landlords, missionaries, moneylenders, British officials.
• Though Birsa was captured and died in jail (1900), he became a hero and god-like figure.

🌟 (c) Other Movements

• Khond uprising (Orissa) – against forest laws.
• Kols rebellion (Chhotanagpur, 1831) – against moneylenders and zamindars.
• Tana Bhagat Movement (1913, Oraon tribals) – against taxes, alcohol, and British laws.

🌈 5. The Vision of a Golden Age (Satyug)

For tribals, Satyug meant:

• No British, no dikus 🚫
• Free access to forests 🌲
• No taxes, no debt ⚖️
• Land belonged to community 🏞️
• Harmony, equality, prosperity ✨

👉 Leaders like Birsa Munda gave this dream to people.

📖 6. Importance of Tribal Resistance in Indian History

1. First voices of freedom – even before 1857, tribals revolted.
2. Unity & courage – Tribals fought against powerful British with bows and arrows.
3. Inspired later struggles – Their sacrifices inspired peasants and freedom fighters.
4. Identity & culture – Tribes preserved their unique traditions, songs, dances, and beliefs.

📝 Quick Revision Points (Notes )

🔸 Tribes lived in forests and practised Jhum cultivation.
🔸 Dikus = Outsiders (British, moneylenders, zamindars, traders).
🔸 British impact: Land loss, forest laws, forced labour, debt.
🔸 Major Rebellions: Santhal (1855–56), Birsa Munda (1895–1900).
🔸 Golden Age (Satyug): Free life without dikus, forests & land for all.
🔸 Legacy: Tribals = brave freedom fighters of India.

❓ Practice Questions

🔹 Short Answer

1. Who were the Dikus in the eyes of tribals?
2. Why did British introduce forest laws?
3. What was Jhum cultivation?
4. Who led the Santhal Rebellion?
5. What did Birsa Munda mean by “Satyug”?

🔹 Long Answer

1. Explain the impact of British forest laws on tribal life.
2. Describe the causes and effects of the Santhal Rebellion.
3. Write a note on Birsa Munda’s movement and its significance.
4. Discuss how tribals resisted exploitation under British rule.

✨ Conclusion:
The chapter “Tribes, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age” shows how ordinary tribal men and women stood against the powerful British Empire. Their courage, vision of freedom, and dreams of equality contributed greatly to India’s freedom struggle.