Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities Class 7 Social Science History Chapter 5 CBSE Notes - 2025-26

Introduction

With the change in economic and political development, social changes also happened in different kinds of society. Society was divided according to the rules of Varna in large parts of the Indian subcontinent. The Varna system was imposed by the Brahmanas. Gradually, the difference between the high and low and between the rich and poor, increased. Under the Delhi Sultans and the Mughals, the hierarchy between social classes grew further.

Tribal Societies Beyond Big Cities

The groups of people who did not follow the Brahmins' social rules and rituals and were not divided into unequal communities are called tribes. 

Characteristics of Tribal Societies

• The tribes have kinship bonds; they live their lives by performing occupations like agriculture, hunter-gathering, using natural resources, and many more. 

• Some tribes lived in hills, forests, and interiors of deserts where it was difficult to reach. 

• The caste-based and tribal societies also depended on each other for their different needs. This relationship, of conflict and dependence, caused a phenomenal change in both societies.

Who Were Tribal People?

• Tribal people were found in different regions of a continent. Their power and influence varied in the other areas.

• In Punjab, the Khokhar tribe was very influential during the 13th and 14th centuries. Later the Ghakkars became more important, their chief, Kamal Khan Ghakkar, was a noble (mansabdar) in Akbar's regime.

• In Multan and Sindh, the Langahs and Arghuns held power and influence in many regions.

• The Balochis were another large and powerful tribe in the North-West.

• The shepherd tribe of Gaddis lived in the Western Himalayas.

• The northeastern part was dominated by the Nagas, Ahoms, and many others.

• In many areas of present-day Jharkhand and Bihar, there emerged Chero chiefdoms by the 12th century.

• The Mundas and Santals were among the other important tribes that lived in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and Bengal.

• The Maharashtra highlands and Karnataka were home to Kolis, Beards, and numerous others. The Kolis lived in many areas of Gujarat.

• The Bhils tribe was spread in the areas of Central and Western India. The Gond tribe was found across the states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.

• All these tribes were dependent on agriculture, hunter-gatherers, etc.

How did the Nomadic People Live?

• Nomadic people travel long distances with their animals, and they consume milk and pastoral products. They exchanged milk and products with the settled farmers to get cloth, utensils, and other products. 

• The trader nomads were also known as Banjara, and their Caravan was called tanda. 

• Emperor Alauddin Khilji and Jahangir used banjaras to transport and sell grains to the markets and sold them in different towns and areas. Banjaras also transported food for the Mughal army at the time of military campaigns. 

• Different castes travelled from village to village to sell ropes, coarse sacks, and straw matting.

How did Mobile People Live?

In "Tribes, Nomads, and Settled Communities," mobile people, such as nomads and pastoralists, lived a life of constant movement. They did not settle in one place but moved from one region to another in search of fresh pastures for their animals or new trade opportunities. These groups, like the Banjaras, often travelled long distances, carrying goods like grains, salt, and other necessities. Their lifestyle was flexible, allowing them to adapt to changing seasons and environments. They lived in temporary shelters, and their social structures were often based on kinship and clans. Despite their mobility, they played a crucial role in the economy by connecting different regions through trade and exchange. Their way of life was vital in maintaining the flow of goods and cultural exchanges across vast areas.

Changing Society with New Castes and Hierarchies

• As the economy and the needs of society grew, people with new skills were required. Smaller castes, or jatis, emerged within varnas. 

• Specialised artisans like smiths, carpenters, and masons were also recognised as separate jatis by the Brahmanas.

• Among the Kshatriyas, new Rajput clans became powerful by the 11th and 12th centuries. They belonged to different lineages, such as Hunas, Chandelas, Chalukyas, etc.

The Two Most Important Tribal Groups of Indian History Are: 

The Gonds, Administrative Setup,& Changes in Gond Society

• The Gonds lived in a vast forested region known as Gondwana, meaning "the land of the Gonds."

• They practised shifting cultivation and were organised into smaller clans, each led by its raja or leader.

• As the Delhi Sultanate's power declined, larger Gond kingdoms began to dominate smaller chiefs.

• The Gond tribe was divided into several smaller clans, and each had its own Raja. 

• When Delhi Sultans were declining, a few large Gond kingdoms were beginning to dominate the smaller Gond chiefs. 

• The administrative system of these kingdoms was becoming centralised. The kingdom was divided into parts.

• With the emergence of large states, the nature of Gond society changed. The Gond chiefs wished to be recognised as Rajputs. Aman Das, the Gond raja of Garha Katanga, assumed the title of Sangram Shah.

• In 1565, Mughal forces under Asaf Khan attacked Garha Katanga; Rani Durgawati resisted bravely but was defeated and chose to die rather than surrender, with her son also dying in battle.

• After the Mughal victory, they captured valuable treasures and elephants, annexed part of the kingdom, and granted the rest to Bir Narain's uncle, Chandra Shah.

• Although the Gond kingdoms survived for some time, they became weaker and later struggled unsuccessfully against the stronger Bundelas and Marathas.

The Ahoms, Religious & Cultural Beliefs of Ahoms

The Ahoms migrated to the Brahmaputra valley from present-day Myanmar in the 13th century and established a new state by overthrowing the older political system of the bhuiyans (landlords). In the 16th century, they annexed the kingdoms of the Chhutiyas (1523) and Koch-Hajo (1581) and subjugated many other tribes, building a large state. The Ahoms were early adopters of firearms, using them by the 1530s, and by the 1660s, they were producing high-quality gunpowder and cannons. Despite facing invasions, including a Mughal attack under Mir Jumla in 1662, their direct control did not last long. The Ahom state relied on forced labour, with workers called paiks, who were rotated by the census. The administration became centralised by the 17th century, with all adult males serving in the army and public works. The Ahoms introduced new rice cultivation methods and had a society divided into clans or khels. Artisans were few, so they came from neighbouring kingdoms. Land was allocated by village communities, and even the king couldn't take it without their consent. Initially, the Ahoms worshipped tribal gods, but the influence of Brahmanas grew, and during the reign of Sib Singh (1714-1744), Hinduism became predominant, though traditional beliefs persisted. Ahom society was sophisticated, with support for poets, scholars, and the arts, including theatre. Important Sanskrit works were translated, and historical works called buranjis were written in the Ahom language and later in Assamese.

5 Important Topics of Class 7 History Chapter 5 Tribes Nomads and Settled Communities Notes

Importance of Class 7 History Chapter 5 Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

• Revision notes help us quickly understand and remember key concepts before exams.

• They save time by focusing on essential information and skipping unnecessary details.

• These notes simplify complex topics, making them easier to understand and use.

• They provide practical examples that show how theoretical knowledge is used in real-life situations.

• Revision notes ensure thorough preparation by covering all important topics in a structured manner.

• They increase confidence by clearly understanding what to expect in exams.

• Accessible formats like PDFs allow for easy studying anytime and anywhere.

Tips for Learning the Class 7 History Chapter 5 Notes on Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities

• Start by Identifying and understanding the different tribes, nomads, and settled communities mentioned in the chapter, focusing on their lifestyles and social structures.

• Learn how tribal societies emerged and evolved, paying attention to the differences between nomadic and settled

• Understand the significance of nomadic pastoralists, their migratory patterns, and their economic activities. This will help you grasp their role in society.

• Focus on the interactions between tribes and settled communities, including conflicts, alliances, and the influence of tribal societies on settled communities.

• Relate the concepts to real-life examples or current events to make them easy and more understandable.

Conclusion

The revision notes for Class 7 History Chapter 5, "Tribes, Nomads, and Settled Communities," by Vedantu provide a clear and concise overview of the diverse groups that existed in mediaeval India. The notes highlight the unique lifestyles of tribes and nomads, their interactions with settled communities, and the significant changes these groups underwent over time. By using these notes, students can easily grasp the key concepts and understand the importance of these communities in shaping Indian history. Vedantu’s notes simplify complex ideas, making them accessible and helping students prepare effectively for their exams. They serve as a valuable resource for revising and reinforcing the key points of the chapter.

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