Whose Forests?: CBSE Class 5 EVS Chapter 20

Who are Adivasis? The People of the Forest

The word 'Adivasi' means 'original inhabitants' or the first people to live in an area. For thousands of years, these communities have lived in and around forests. The forest is not just a place with trees for them; it is their home, their provider, and a part of their identity. They know the secrets of the forest – which plants are medicines, which fruits are edible, and how to use bamboo to make baskets and other useful items. Their songs, dances, and festivals are all connected to the seasons and spirits of the forest. This deep bond means they live in harmony with nature, taking only what they need and helping the forest to thrive. Their life is very different from ours in cities, as they rely directly on nature for their survival and well-being.

Suryamani's Journey: From Forest Girl to Activist

1. A Childhood in the Forest — Suryamani belonged to the Kuduk Adivasi community. As a child, she loved the forest deeply. She would walk through it with her family, learning to recognize plants and listen to the birds. For her, the forest was like a giant, open book.
2. Facing Challenges — As Suryamani grew up, she saw her village change. A big dam was being built, and mining activities started. Because of this, forests were being cut down, and many Adivasis lost their homes and land. They were forced to move to towns to find work, leaving their forest life behind.
3. The Power of Education — Suryamani was determined to do something. She studied hard and became the first girl in her village to get a B.A. degree. She joined the 'Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan' (Save the Forests of Jharkhand Movement) to fight for the rights of her people.
4. Founding 'Torang' — With the help of others, Suryamani opened a centre called 'Torang'. In the Kuduk language, 'Torang' means 'jungle'. At this centre, children learn about their Adivasi culture, their language, their music, and the use of herbs and bamboo crafts. The goal was to keep their traditions alive for future generations.

The Right to Forest Act, 2007

• This is a very important law made by the Government of India to protect the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
• It states that Adivasis who have been living in a forest for at least 25 years have a right to the land and its resources.
• This means they cannot be forced to leave the forest against their will.
• They have the right to collect minor forest produce like leaves, bamboo, honey, and medicinal plants.
• The Gram Sabha (village council) is given the power to manage and protect the forests in their area.

Threats to Forests and Jhum Farming

Forests today face many threats. They are cut down to build dams, roads, and factories, and for mining minerals from under the ground. This not only destroys the homes of animals but also displaces the Adivasi communities who have protected these forests for generations.

One traditional practice of farming in some Adivasi communities, like those in Mizoram, is 'Jhum farming' or 'shifting cultivation'. In this method, farmers clear a small patch of forest by cutting and burning the plants. The ash makes the soil fertile. After farming for a few years, they leave that patch of land to allow the forest to regrow and move to a new patch. This is a sustainable method when done traditionally, allowing the forest to regenerate over many years.

Practice Questions with Solutions

• Q: What is a 'Torang'? What do children learn there?
  A: Step 1: Recall the story of Suryamani. She opened a centre to preserve her culture.
  Step 2: The name of the centre was 'Torang', which means 'jungle' in the Kuduk language.
  Step 3: At Torang, children learn about the Kuduk language, their songs and music, traditional medicine using herbs, and the art of making things from bamboo.
  Final answer: 'Torang' is a centre started by Suryamani, which means 'jungle' in the Kuduk language. At this centre, children learn about their Adivasi culture, including their language, music, use of herbs, and bamboo crafts, to keep their traditions alive.

• Q: The Right to Forest Act, 2007 is very important for Adivasis. Explain why in two points.
  A: Step 1: Think about the main purpose of the law. It was created to give rights back to the forest dwellers.
  Step 2: The first key point is about their right to live there. The Act says people who have lived in the forest for over 25 years cannot be forced to leave.
  Step 3: The second key point is about their right to use forest resources. The Act gives them the right to collect things like wood, leaves, and honey for their livelihood.
  Final answer: The Right to Forest Act, 2007 is important for Adivasis because: 1. It gives them the right to live on their forest land if they have been there for more than 25 years. 2. It gives them the right to collect and use resources from the forest, which is essential for their survival.

• Q: List four things that Adivasis get from the forest.
  A: Step 1: Think about the basic needs of people: food, shelter, and medicine.
  Step 2: For food, Adivasis collect fruits, roots, and honey.
  Step 3: For shelter and making things, they use wood and bamboo.
  Step 4: For health, they collect medicinal herbs and plants.
  Final answer: Four things that Adivasis get from the forest are:

  1. Food (like fruits, tubers, and vegetables)
  2. Medicine (from different herbs and plants)
  3. Wood for fuel and building houses
  4. Bamboo for making baskets, mats, and other crafts.

• Q: Why are forests in danger today? Give two reasons.
  A: Step 1: Think about the large-scale projects that require a lot of land.
  Step 2: One major reason is the construction of big dams, which flood large forest areas.
  Step 3: Another reason is mining, where forests are cleared to dig up minerals like coal or iron ore from the ground.
  Final answer: Forests are in danger today for several reasons, including:

  1. Construction of large dams, which submerges vast areas of forest.
  2. Mining activities, which require clearing forests to extract minerals from the earth.

Frequently Asked Questions