📘 Class 7 History – Chapter 7
Tribes, Nomads and Settled Communities
(NCERT Notes)

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1️⃣ Introduction

In medieval India, many people lived in tribes or as nomads, while others lived in settled agricultural communities. Each group had its own way of life, occupation, and social organisation.

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2️⃣ Who were Tribes?

Tribes were groups of people who:

• Shared a common ancestor
• Lived in forests, hills, or remote areas
• Had their own customs and traditions
• Did not follow strict caste rules

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3️⃣ Features of Tribal Society

• Strong sense of unity and cooperation
• Decisions taken by tribal councils
• Common ownership of land
• Simple life and close connection with nature

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4️⃣ Nomads

Nomads were people who moved from place to place. They did not live permanently in one area.

• Dependent on animals and seasonal resources
• Included shepherds, hunters, and traders
• Examples: Banjaras

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5️⃣ Banjaras – A Trading Nomadic Tribe

The Banjaras were an important nomadic trading community.

• Transported goods like grain, salt, and cattle
• Used bullocks and pack animals
• Supplied goods to armies and towns

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6️⃣ Settled Communities

Settled communities lived permanently in one place.

• Practised agriculture
• Paid taxes to kings
• Followed caste-based social structure

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7️⃣ Tribal Chiefs and Kings

Some tribal leaders became powerful and established kingdoms.

• Collected taxes
• Maintained armies
• Adopted royal titles

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8️⃣ Change in Tribal Life

• Expansion of agriculture reduced forest land
• Tribes were forced to settle
• Some became farmers or soldiers

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9️⃣ Difference Between Tribal and Caste Society

• Tribal society was based on kinship, not caste
• Caste society followed fixed social rules
• Tribes had more freedom in occupations

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📌 Exam Tip:
Remember examples like Banjaras. Write differences in points for better marks.

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