Nomads Movements on the Plateaus, Plains, and Deserts – Long Answer Questions
Medium Level (Application & Explanation)
Q1. Explain how the seasonal movements of the Dhangars were linked to the environment and the farming cycle.
Answer:
- The Dhangars lived on the central plateau of Maharashtra during the monsoon.
- This area had low rainfall, poor soil, and thorny bushes, which their herds could manage.
- In October, they harvested bajra, which is a dry crop suited to that region.
- After harvest, they migrated west to the Konkan for about a month.
- In the Konkan, there was high rainfall and rich soil, so they helped to fertilize fields.
- In return, they received rice from local farmers.
- After the monsoon, they returned to the plateau, as sheep do not like wet weather.
Q2. Why were the Dhangars welcomed in the Konkan? Explain the mutual benefits for both pastoralists and farmers.
Answer:
- The Konkan region had rich soil and heavy rainfall.
- Dhangars brought their sheep and buffaloes after the bajra harvest.
- Their herds helped fertilize fields with manure, which improved the soil.
- The local farmers benefited from better crop yields due to this natural fertilization.
- In return, the Dhangars received rice and a place to graze for a short period.
- This created a mutual exchange of services and food.
- It also built trust and relationships between pastoralists and farmers.
Q3. Describe how the Raikas adapted their lifestyle to the Thar Desert's climate and resources.
Answer:
- The Raikas lived in the Thar Desert with low and unpredictable rainfall.
- They practiced both cultivation and pastoralism to reduce risk.
- During the monsoon, they stayed in villages with pasture.
- By October, when the ground dried up, they moved to find new pastures and water.
- There were two groups: Maru Raikas who herded camels, and others who raised sheep and goats.
- Their movements matched seasons, rainfall, and grass availability.
- This mix of farming and herding helped them survive in a tough desert climate.
Q4. Explain the movement pattern of Gollas, Kurumas, and Kurubas between the plateau and the coast.
Answer:
- In Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, the Gollas herded cattle.
- The Kurumas and Kurubas raised sheep and goats.
- They moved from the dry plateaus to the coast during the dry season.
- The coast had better moisture and more grass at that time.
- When the rains came, they returned to the plateau.
- Their timing followed seasons, pasture growth, and water sources.
- This regular migration kept their herds healthy and fed.
Q5. Who were the Banjaras and how did their movements support both grazing and trade?
Answer:
- The Banjaras were a group of grazers spread across several states.
- They moved long distances in search of good pasture.
- They also sold animals and goods in villages.
- In return, they received grain and fodder through trade.
- Their mobility helped them find grass and also keep markets supplied.
- This gave them food for themselves and feed for their herds.
- Their life joined pastoral needs with commerce.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. Suppose the central plateau faces a severe drought. How might the Dhangars change their route and timing to protect their herds?
Answer:
- The Dhangars would leave the central plateau earlier than usual.
- They might reach the Konkan sooner to access moist soil and green fields.
- They would shorten stays in dry zones with poor grass.
- They would rely more on exchange with farmers for rice and fodder.
- They would plan moves around water sources and harvested fields.
- They would avoid overcrowded pastures to reduce stress on grass.
- This flexible timing and route would keep their sheep and buffaloes healthy.
Q7. “Sheep do not like wet weather.” Analyze how this affects the Dhangars’ migration calendar between the plateau and the Konkan.
Answer:
- Wet weather can cause disease and hoof problems in sheep.
- So, the Dhangars avoid long stays in the Konkan during heavy rains.
- They go there after harvest mainly to fertilize fields and get rice.
- They return to the plateau when it is drier and safer for sheep.
- This timing reduces risk and protects herd health.
- It matches animal needs with seasonal changes in rainfall.
- Thus, the migration calendar follows both environment and animal care.
Q8. A Raika group finds that October pastures are still dry. What steps should they take to decide their next movement?
Answer:
- First, they assess nearby water points and grass patches.
- They check rainfall signs and talk to villagers about local conditions.
- They compare routes used by Maru Raikas and sheep-goat groups.
- They plan a move to areas with harvested fields for grazing.
- They avoid long stretches without fodder or water.
- They keep herd size together and adjust pace to reduce losses.
- These careful decisions help them manage risk in the Thar Desert.
Q9. How do strong relationships with farmers reduce risks for pastoralists? Use examples from the Dhangars and other groups.
Answer:
- Dhangars gain access to Konkan fields after harvest.
- Their manure helps farmers, and they get rice in return.
- This exchange ensures food and short-term grazing.
- Other groups graze on harvested fields, which reduces fodder costs.
- Trust allows better timing, safe camping, and fewer conflicts.
- In dry seasons, these ties offer support and information.
- Strong relationships make migration safer and more predictable.
Q10. The Banjaras enter a district with strict grazing controls. Suggest strategies to sustain their herds while keeping their trade active.
Answer:
- They can focus on trade of animals and goods to earn more grain.
- They can buy fodder from villages using trade returns.
- They should seek harvested fields where grazing is allowed.
- They can split routes to less restricted paths with better pasture.
- They must build agreements with local farmers and leaders.
- They should keep stays short to avoid pressure on grass.
- This keeps both grazing and commerce going under rules.