Question
How did the powers of tribal chiefs change under colonial rule?
Solution
Under the British rule, the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs changed considerably:
(i)They were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent out lands, but they lost much of their administrative power and were forced to follow laws made by British officials in India.
(ii)They had to pay tribute to the British and discipline the tribal groups on behalf of the British.
(iii)They lost the authority they had earlier enjoyed amongst their people, and were unable to fulfil their traditional functions.
