Page 112 - Understanding NCERT Histroy 09th

pasture lands were turned into cultivable fields. In pre-colonial times, the Maasai
pastoralists had dominated their agricultural neighbours, both economically and
politically. By the end of the colonial rule, the situation was completely different.
(iii) Setting up of reserves : Large areas of grazing land were also turned into game
Goyal Brothers Prakashan
reserves like the Maasai Mara and Samburu National Park in Kenya and Serengeti
Park in Tanzania. Pastoralists were not allowed to enter these reserves; they could
neither hunt animals nor graze their herds in these areas. Very often, these reserves
were in areas that had traditionally been regular grazing grounds for the Maasai herds.
The Serengeti National Park, for instance, was created over 14,760 km. of the Maasai
grazing land.
(iv) Deterioration of the quality of pastures : The loss of the finest grazing lands and
water resources created pressure on the small area of land that the Maasai were confined
within. Continuous grazing within a small area inevitably meant a deterioration of the
quality of pastures. Fodder was always in short supply. Feeding the cattle became a
continuous problem.

4. There are many similarities in the way in which the modern world forced changes in the
lives of pastoral communities in India and East Africa. Write about any two examples of
changes which were similar for Indian pastoralists and the Maasai herders.
Ans. (i) In both countries pastoralists reduced the number of cattle in their herds since there
were scarcity of pasture fields to feed the large number of animals.
(ii) New pastures were found when movement to old grazing grounds became difficult.
(iii) Many of them combined pastoral activity with other forms of income and thus adapted
to changes in the modern world.

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS

I. Multiple Choice Questions
1. In pre-colonial period, the African society was divided into
(a) elders and warriors (b) priests and warriors
(a) agriculturists and industrialists (d) none of the above
Ans. (a) elders and warriors

2. How was the authority of both elders and warriors adversely affected by the British efforts
to administer the affairs of the Maasai?
(a) The British appointed chiefs of different sub-groups of Maasai
(b) These chiefs were made responsible for the affairs of the tribe
(c) The British imposed various restrictions on raiding and warfare
(d) All the above
Ans. (d) All the above

3. Which seasonal movements affect the Dhangars of Maharashtra?
(a) Cold and snow (b) Climatic disturbance
(c) Drought and flood (d) Alternate monsoon and dry seasons
Ans. (d) Alternate monsoon and dry seasons

4. Who are Bhotiyas, Sherpas and Kinnaris?
(a) Pastoral community of Africa (b) Cattle herders of Rajasthan
(c) Shepherd community of Maharashtra (d) Pastoral communities of the Himalayas
Ans. (d) Pastoral communities of the Himalayas

History Class IX H-103