UPSC Prelims 2011 · GS Paper I

Question 55: History and Culture

Which amongst the following provided a common factor for tribal insurrection in India in the 19th century ?

aIntroduction of a new system of land revenue and taxation of tribal products

bInfluence of foreign religious missionaries in tribal areas

cRise of a large number of money lenders, traders and revenue farmers as middlemen in tribal areas

dThe complete disruption of the old agrarian order of the tribal communities

AnswerThe answer is (d).

The tribal revolts of the nineteenth century, such as those of the Santhals, Kols and Mundas, had local causes, but they shared one background: colonial rule disrupted the tribal agrarian order of community land, forest-based livelihood and customary authority. New revenue systems, forest rules, moneylenders, traders and missionaries each played a part, but all of them were pieces of that wider disruption, which makes it the common factor.

Why each option is right or wrong

(a) New revenue and taxes were one cause, not the single common factor.
(b) Missionary influence was present in some areas only.
(c) Middlemen and moneylenders were important, but they were part of the wider disruption.
(d) Right: the disruption of the old agrarian order was the common factor.

Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.

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Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2011, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.