Question

Examine how the lives of Paharias in the hills of Raj Mahal, were intimately connected to the forests.

Answer 1

1. They practised shifting cultivation and relied on a variety of forest products for survival.
2. The Paharias used to clear the forest by cutting down trees and then setting the remaining debris on fire. They used to grow pulses and millets for consumption on the land.
3. They scratched the ground lightly with hoes, cultivated the cleared land for a few years, then left it fallow so that it could recover its fertility, and moved to a new area.
4. From the forests they collected mahua (a flower) for food, silk cocoons and resin for sale, and wood for charcoal production.
5. The Paharias lives revolved around agricultural activities and forest produce.