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Question

Direction for the question 41 to 45: Read the following passage and answer the question:

Nomadic herding or pastoral nomadism is a primitive subsistence activity, in which the herders rely on animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools and transport. They move from one place to another along with their livestock, depending on the amount and quality of pastures and water. Each nomadic community occupies a well-identified territory as a matter of tradition.

A wide variety of animals is kept in different regions. In tropical Africa, cattle are the most important livestock, while in Sahara and Asiatic deserts, sheeps, goats and camel are reared. In the mountainous areas of Tibet and Andes, Yak and llamas and in the Arctic and sub-Artic areas, reindeer are the most important animals.

Pastoral nomadism is associated with three important regions. The core region extends from the Atlantic shores of North Africa eastwards across the Arabian Peninsula into Mongolia and Central China. The second region extends over the Tundra region of Eurasia. In the southern hemisphere there are small areas in south-West Africa and on the islands of Madagascar.

Movement in search of pastures is undertaken either over vast horizontal distances or vertically from one elevation to another in the mountainous regions. The process of migration from plain areas to pastures on mountain during Summer and again from Mountain pastures to plain areas during winters is known as Transhumance. In mountain regions such as Himalayas, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Gaddis and Bhotiyas migrate from plains to the mountains in summers and to the plains from the high-altitude pastures in winters.

Similarly, in the Tundra regions, the nomadic herders move from south to north in summers and from north to south in winters.

The number of pastoral nomads has been decreasing and the areas operated by them shrinking. This is due to: (a) imposition of political boundaries, (b) new settlement plans by different countries.

The number of pastoral nomads have been decreasing and operated area shrinking due to?

The correct answer is

Imposition of political boundary

Analyzing the Decline of Pastoral Nomadism

The question asks about the reasons for the decreasing number of pastoral nomads and the shrinking areas they operate in. To answer this, we need to refer to the provided passage.

Identifying the Reasons from the Passage

The last paragraph of the passage directly addresses the decline of pastoral nomadism:

The number of pastoral nomads has been decreasing and the areas operated by them shrinking. This is due to: (a) imposition of political boundaries, (b) new settlement plans by different countries.

This sentence clearly lists the reasons for the decline.

Evaluating the Options

Let's examine each option in light of the passage:

  • Option 1: Global warming and shrinking - The passage does not mention global warming as a reason for the decline in pastoral nomadism.
  • Option 2: Imposition of political boundary - The passage explicitly states that the imposition of political boundaries is one of the reasons for the decrease in the number and area of pastoral nomads.
  • Option 3: Increasing altitude of Himalaya - The passage mentions migration patterns in the Himalayas (Transhumance) but does not link an increasing altitude to the decline of nomadism.
  • Option 4: People are not interested in pastoral activities - The passage does not suggest a lack of interest among people as a reason for the decline; it points to external factors like political boundaries and settlement plans.

Based on the direct information provided in the passage, the imposition of political boundaries is identified as a key factor contributing to the decrease in pastoral nomads and their operating areas.

Conclusion

The passage clearly states that the decrease in the number of pastoral nomads and the shrinking of the areas operated by them are due to the imposition of political boundaries and new settlement plans. Therefore, the imposition of political boundary is a correct reason based on the text.

Revision Table: Understanding Pastoral Nomadism Terms

Term Explanation based on Passage
Pastoral Nomadism Primitive subsistence activity relying on animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools, transport; herders move with livestock.
Transhumance Seasonal migration of livestock and herders between plains (winter) and mountain pastures (summer).
Political Boundaries Lines or borders established between countries or regions, which the passage states contribute to the decline of nomadism.
New Settlement Plans Government initiatives to settle nomadic communities, also cited as a reason for the decline.

Additional Information: Factors Affecting Nomadic Herding

Pastoral nomadism, while a traditional way of life, is facing challenges leading to its decline. Beyond the imposition of political boundaries mentioned in the passage, other factors can also play a role globally, although not explicitly listed in this specific text:

  • Modernization and Economic Changes: As countries develop, alternative livelihoods become available, and younger generations may choose not to continue the nomadic lifestyle.
  • Reduced Access to Land: Expansion of agriculture, industries, and urban areas can reduce the availability of traditional grazing lands.
  • Changes in Government Policies: Policies that encourage settlement or restrict movement can limit nomadic practices.
  • Environmental Changes: While not mentioned in the passage, factors like desertification or climate change could theoretically impact pasture availability, though the passage focuses on political and settlement reasons for decline.
  • Integration into Market Economy: Nomads may face pressure to integrate into the market economy, which can alter traditional herding practices.

Understanding these factors helps provide a broader context for the changes happening to pastoral nomadic communities worldwide.

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Important Questions from Primary Activities

  1. The activity solely dependent upon animals is called:

  2. Which of the following is a mining town?

  3. According to density of population arrange the given continents in descending order.

    A. Europe

    B. Africa

    C. Asia

    D. North America

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below: 

  4. Which of the following Geographers has emphasized on ‘synthesis study of relationship between human societies and earth’s surface’ while defining Human Geography?

  5. Direction for the question 41 to 45: Read the following passage and answer the question:

    Nomadic herding or pastoral nomadism is a primitive subsistence activity, in which the herders rely on animals for food, clothing, shelter, tools and transport. They move from one place to another along with their livestock, depending on the amount and quality of pastures and water. Each nomadic community occupies a well-identified territory as a matter of tradition.

    A wide variety of animals is kept in different regions. In tropical Africa, cattle are the most important livestock, while in Sahara and Asiatic deserts, sheeps, goats and camel are reared. In the mountainous areas of Tibet and Andes, Yak and llamas and in the Arctic and sub-Artic areas, reindeer are the most important animals.

    Pastoral nomadism is associated with three important regions. The core region extends from the Atlantic shores of North Africa eastwards across the Arabian Peninsula into Mongolia and Central China. The second region extends over the Tundra region of Eurasia. In the southern hemisphere there are small areas in south-West Africa and on the islands of Madagascar.

    Movement in search of pastures is undertaken either over vast horizontal distances or vertically from one elevation to another in the mountainous regions. The process of migration from plain areas to pastures on mountain during Summer and again from Mountain pastures to plain areas during winters is known as Transhumance. In mountain regions such as Himalayas, Gujjars, Bakarwals, Gaddis and Bhotiyas migrate from plains to the mountains in summers and to the plains from the high-altitude pastures in winters.

    Similarly, in the Tundra regions, the nomadic herders move from south to north in summers and from north to south in winters.

    The number of pastoral nomads has been decreasing and the areas operated by them shrinking. This is due to: (a) imposition of political boundaries, (b) new settlement plans by different countries.

    Which tribe is not the part of transhumance in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand?

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