Displacing Indigenous Peoples – Class 11 History Chapter 6 NCERT Solutions

1. Answer the following questions in about 30 words.

1. What were the reasons for the Europeans to establish colonies in America and Australia?

Answer: Europeans established colonies in America and Australia to acquire land, exploit natural resources, seek economic opportunities, and spread their influence. The desire for agricultural land, wealth from gold mines, and the prospects of trade and commerce motivated them to expand and settle in these continents.

2. What was the impact of European settlement on the indigenous peoples of America and Australia?

Answer: The impact included loss of ancestral land, displacement, decline in population due to diseases, disruption of traditional societies, and cultural changes. Europeans imposed their systems, forced natives off fertile land, and in many cases, enacted policies that undermined native rights and identity.

3. Explain the term ‘Terra Nullius’ and its significance in Australian history.

Answer: ‘Terra Nullius’ means ‘land belonging to no one’. The European settlers used this term to justify the takeover of Australian land, ignoring indigenous ownership. It denied legal recognition of Aboriginal people’s land rights until the concept was challenged in recent history.

4. How did gold rushes affect the development of the United States of America?

Answer: Gold rushes, especially in California, led to rapid population increase, economic growth, and westward expansion in the USA. Railways expanded, trade flourished, and settlements grew, leading to further displacement of native populations and transformation of the landscape.

5. What were the main occupations of native peoples in North America?

Answer: Native peoples in North America mainly practiced agriculture, hunting, fishing, and gathering. They grew crops like maize and vegetables, hunted wild animals for meat, and lived in villages along rivers, often relying on local resources for sustenance.

2. Answer the following questions in about 150 words.

1. Discuss the process and consequences of European expansion in America and Australia.

Answer: European expansion in America and Australia began with exploration and settlement, driven by the search for land, wealth, and resources. Settlers established farms, towns, and industries, often displacing native populations. In America, indigenous peoples were forced westward, their numbers reduced drastically due to wars and diseases. In Australia, the doctrine of Terra Nullius enabled Europeans to seize land without treaties. Both continents saw a decline in native cultures and ways of life. European policies included forced assimilation, loss of land, and denial of native rights. Eventually, resistance and social movements led to some recognition of indigenous rights. However, the consequences continue to impact social, economic, and political conditions for indigenous communities today.

2. Describe the role of ‘Declaration of Indian Rights’ and the recognition of aboriginal rights in Canada.

Answer: In response to policies ending special provisions for natives, indigenous people in Canada prepared the ‘Declaration of Indian Rights’ in 1954, asserting their demands for land and autonomy. It was a pivotal step towards political awareness and activism among Canadian natives. The movement culminated in major opposition to government attempts to deny aboriginal rights, leading to debates, demonstrations, and legal battles. In 1982, the Constitution Act formally recognized existing aboriginal and treaty rights. This marked a significant shift, establishing legal acknowledgment of indigenous claims and leading to ongoing work to secure social justice and self-determination for First Nations people.

3. What were the arguments in favor and against the policy of assimilation of indigenous people into mainstream society?

Answer: Arguments in favor of assimilation suggested that integrating indigenous people into mainstream society would provide them with better economic opportunities, education, and social benefits. Supporters believed it would lead to national unity and reduction of poverty among natives. However, critics argued that assimilation policies destroyed indigenous cultures, languages, and identities. It forced natives to abandon their heritage, caused emotional trauma, and led to the loss of traditional lands and practices. Ultimately, assimilation overlooked the value of cultural diversity and the rights of indigenous communities to maintain their distinct ways of life.

3. Passage Based Questions

Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow:

Passage 1:

Rousseau viewed the natives as ‘the noble savages’. The poet William Wordsworth depicted them as living amid wilds with limited powers of emotions and imagination.

• (i) What different terms are used in English to describe the native peoples of the New World?
• (ii) What was Rousseau’s view about natives?

Answer:

• (i) The different terms are Aborigines, Aboriginal, American Indians, Amerind, Red Indians, Native Americans, etc.
• (ii) Rousseau viewed natives as ‘the noble savages’ who were uncorrupted by civilization.

Passage 2:

Thomas Jefferson was a renowned author. He wrote the book “Declaration of Independence.” Thomas Jefferson was always in favor of the native Americans. He was of the opinion that this unfortunate race has suffered a lot to civilize the others.

• (i) Name the book written by Thomas Jefferson.
• (ii) What was his opinion about native Americans?

Answer:

• (i) “Declaration of Independence.”
• (ii) He believed native Americans had suffered greatly to help civilize others.

Passage 3:

The European settlers forced the natives to evacuate their lands and deprived them of their resources. Some of them were employed by European settlers in their farms under the conditions of work, which were very different from slavery. “Multiculturalism” was adopted as the official policy in Australia. Under this policy, equal respect was given to native cultures and to the different cultures of the immigrants from Europe and Asia.

• (i) What policy did Australia adopt to respect diverse cultures?
• (ii) How were working conditions for natives different from slavery?

Answer:

• (i) Australia adopted “Multiculturalism” as an official policy.
• (ii) Natives worked as laborers in European farms but were not legally held as slaves.

Passage 4:

Karl Marx (1818-83), the great German philosopher, described the American frontier as “the last positive capitalist utopia… the limitless nature and space to which the limitless thirst for profit adapts itself.” —‘Bastiat and Carey’, Grundrisse

• (i) What view did Karl Marx have regarding the American frontier?
• (ii) With what theory is Karl Marx associated?

Answer:

• (i) He believed it was the “last positive capitalist utopia” with limitless scope for profit.
• (ii) He is associated with the theory of communism.

4. Map Skills

Locate and label the following on an outline map:

• Canada
• America
• New Zealand
• Australia

Answer: Students should locate and label Canada, America (USA), New Zealand, and Australia on a world map as part of their map skills activity.

NCERT Solutions Class 11 History Chapter 6 Displacing Indigenous Peoples (2025-26) – Overview

Strengthen your understanding of Displacing Indigenous Peoples in Class 11 History with our concise solutions. Grasp key concepts like Terra Nullius, European expansion, and indigenous resistance for thorough exam preparation.

Focusing on NCERT Solutions for Class 11 History Chapter 6 empowers students to answer questions effectively. Reviewing themes like impact on native communities enhances your critical analysis and helps you excel in assessments.

Regular revision of chapter-wise NCERT solutions boosts retention and confidence. Practice drawing maps and writing clear, factual answers to ensure strong performance in your Class 11 History exams.