Question

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

Answer 1

The tribal chiefs were important people. They enjoyed a certain amount of economic power and had the right to administer and control their territories. Under the British rule, the functions and powers of these tribal chiefs changed to a great extent:

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

(il) They had to pay tribute to the British and discipline the tribal groups on behalf of the British.

(iii) They lost the authority they had earlier enjoyed amongst their people, and were unable to fulfil their traditional functions.