Chapter 20: Whose Forests?
5th StandardEnvironmental Studies
Chapter Summary
Whose Forests? - Chapter Summary
# Whose Forests?
## Overview
This chapter explores the deep relationship between forest-dwelling communities and the forests. It shares the real-life story of Suryamani, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand who grew up with a love for the forest and later became an activist for forest rights. The chapter also introduces forest laws, traditional farming practices like *jhoom* farming in Mizoram, and highlights how forests are central to Adivasi culture and survival.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. Suryamani – Daughter of the Jungle
- Children in Suryamani’s village enjoy forest classes with her, learning about plants, animals, and trees in their natural environment.
- She believes that understanding the forest is as important as reading books.
- Suryamani refers to herself and her people as “forest people (Adivasis)” whose life depends on forests.
### 2. Growing Up with the Forest
- Suryamani avoided the road and took forest paths to school.
- Her family depended on the forest for leaves, herbs, and bamboo craft, but their access was blocked when a contractor arrived.
- Budhiyamai, a strong community voice, said, “The forest is our collective bank – not yours or mine alone.”
### 3. Forced to Leave
- Suryamani’s father could not support the family and moved to town.
- Suryamani was sent to study in Bishanpur with help from her uncle.
- Although she loved the forest, she began to understand that education could help save her home.
### 4. A Journey of Courage
- Suryamani was the first girl in her village to complete a B.A.
- She joined Vasavi didi to work in the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan (Save the Forest Movement).
- She began fighting for the rights of her community, supported by her friend Bijoy and pet parrot Mirchi.
### 5. Right to Forest Act 2007
- People living in forests for 25+ years have rights over forest land and resources.
- Gram Sabhas (village councils) are responsible for protecting the forest and its use.
### 6. Torang – A Forest Centre
- Suryamani founded 'Torang', which means 'forest' in Kuduk language.
- It teaches children about herbs, medicines, bamboo craft, songs, and their language.
- It is also a resource center with books, flutes, drums, and cultural material.
## 7. Forest Life in Mizoram
- In Mizoram, land for farming is shared among the whole village.
- A village lottery is held yearly to assign land fairly.
- Even teachers and children take part in this community process.
### 8. Jhoom Farming
- A traditional method where land is left fallow for years after cultivation.
- Bamboo and weeds are burnt, and their ash fertilizes the soil.
- Seeds of multiple crops like maize, rice, and vegetables are dropped without ploughing.
- No weeds are pulled out, just trimmed to enrich the soil naturally.
### 9. Celebrating Forest Culture
- After harvesting, villagers celebrate with music and dance, including the traditional *Cheraw* bamboo dance.
- Most people are forest-dependent but ensure children go to school.
- Leaf whistles and bamboo water cups show their close bond with nature.
---
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Adivasi | Indigenous people living close to nature and forests. |
| Contractor | A person or company given work like cutting trees or building roads. |
| Collective bank | Something shared by a group, like a forest shared by villagers. |
| Gram Sabha | A village-level governing group that makes local decisions. |
| Jhoom farming | A type of shifting agriculture practiced in hilly areas. |
| Fallow land | Land left uncultivated for a while to regain fertility. |
| Forest Rights Act | A 2007 law that gives forest people rights over the forest land and use. |
| Torang | A cultural and learning center founded by Suryamani for Adivasi children. |
| Cheraw dance | A traditional Mizoram dance using bamboo sticks. |
| Traditional dress | Clothing usually worn by people during cultural festivals or events. |
---
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **Who is Suryamani?**
- She is an Adivasi woman who fights for forest rights and founded the Torang center.
2. **What does ‘Torang’ mean in the Kuduk language?**
- It means ‘forest’.
3. **What is the traditional farming method in Mizoram called?**
- Jhoom farming.
### Medium (2)
4. **Why did Suryamani’s family stop collecting things from the forest?**
- Because a contractor restricted their access to the forest.
5. **What message does Budhiyamai give about forests?**
- Forests are a collective bank; we take only what we need and preserve it for all.
### Difficult (3)
6. **How is land distributed for farming in Mizoram villages?**
- Through a lottery system managed by the village council; land is shared, not privately owned.
7. **How does Jhoom farming help the environment?**
- By allowing land to rest, using natural ash for fertility, and not ploughing or removing weeds.
8. **Why is it important to link school learning with community language and culture, as done in Torang?**
- It helps preserve traditions, builds cultural pride, and makes learning more meaningful for children.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Explain how forest development projects (like mining or dams) can harm forest communities.**
- They displace people, destroy their habitat, and take away their traditional sources of food and livelihood.
10. **How does the Forest Rights Act 2007 support forest dwellers?**
- It gives legal rights to people who’ve lived in forests for 25 years or more, ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted and can manage the forests through the Gram Sabha.
---
## Overview
This chapter explores the deep relationship between forest-dwelling communities and the forests. It shares the real-life story of Suryamani, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand who grew up with a love for the forest and later became an activist for forest rights. The chapter also introduces forest laws, traditional farming practices like *jhoom* farming in Mizoram, and highlights how forests are central to Adivasi culture and survival.
## Key Topics Covered
### 1. Suryamani – Daughter of the Jungle
- Children in Suryamani’s village enjoy forest classes with her, learning about plants, animals, and trees in their natural environment.
- She believes that understanding the forest is as important as reading books.
- Suryamani refers to herself and her people as “forest people (Adivasis)” whose life depends on forests.
### 2. Growing Up with the Forest
- Suryamani avoided the road and took forest paths to school.
- Her family depended on the forest for leaves, herbs, and bamboo craft, but their access was blocked when a contractor arrived.
- Budhiyamai, a strong community voice, said, “The forest is our collective bank – not yours or mine alone.”
### 3. Forced to Leave
- Suryamani’s father could not support the family and moved to town.
- Suryamani was sent to study in Bishanpur with help from her uncle.
- Although she loved the forest, she began to understand that education could help save her home.
### 4. A Journey of Courage
- Suryamani was the first girl in her village to complete a B.A.
- She joined Vasavi didi to work in the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan (Save the Forest Movement).
- She began fighting for the rights of her community, supported by her friend Bijoy and pet parrot Mirchi.
### 5. Right to Forest Act 2007
- People living in forests for 25+ years have rights over forest land and resources.
- Gram Sabhas (village councils) are responsible for protecting the forest and its use.
### 6. Torang – A Forest Centre
- Suryamani founded 'Torang', which means 'forest' in Kuduk language.
- It teaches children about herbs, medicines, bamboo craft, songs, and their language.
- It is also a resource center with books, flutes, drums, and cultural material.
## 7. Forest Life in Mizoram
- In Mizoram, land for farming is shared among the whole village.
- A village lottery is held yearly to assign land fairly.
- Even teachers and children take part in this community process.
### 8. Jhoom Farming
- A traditional method where land is left fallow for years after cultivation.
- Bamboo and weeds are burnt, and their ash fertilizes the soil.
- Seeds of multiple crops like maize, rice, and vegetables are dropped without ploughing.
- No weeds are pulled out, just trimmed to enrich the soil naturally.
### 9. Celebrating Forest Culture
- After harvesting, villagers celebrate with music and dance, including the traditional *Cheraw* bamboo dance.
- Most people are forest-dependent but ensure children go to school.
- Leaf whistles and bamboo water cups show their close bond with nature.
---
## New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Adivasi | Indigenous people living close to nature and forests. |
| Contractor | A person or company given work like cutting trees or building roads. |
| Collective bank | Something shared by a group, like a forest shared by villagers. |
| Gram Sabha | A village-level governing group that makes local decisions. |
| Jhoom farming | A type of shifting agriculture practiced in hilly areas. |
| Fallow land | Land left uncultivated for a while to regain fertility. |
| Forest Rights Act | A 2007 law that gives forest people rights over the forest land and use. |
| Torang | A cultural and learning center founded by Suryamani for Adivasi children. |
| Cheraw dance | A traditional Mizoram dance using bamboo sticks. |
| Traditional dress | Clothing usually worn by people during cultural festivals or events. |
---
## Practice Questions
### Easy (3)
1. **Who is Suryamani?**
- She is an Adivasi woman who fights for forest rights and founded the Torang center.
2. **What does ‘Torang’ mean in the Kuduk language?**
- It means ‘forest’.
3. **What is the traditional farming method in Mizoram called?**
- Jhoom farming.
### Medium (2)
4. **Why did Suryamani’s family stop collecting things from the forest?**
- Because a contractor restricted their access to the forest.
5. **What message does Budhiyamai give about forests?**
- Forests are a collective bank; we take only what we need and preserve it for all.
### Difficult (3)
6. **How is land distributed for farming in Mizoram villages?**
- Through a lottery system managed by the village council; land is shared, not privately owned.
7. **How does Jhoom farming help the environment?**
- By allowing land to rest, using natural ash for fertility, and not ploughing or removing weeds.
8. **Why is it important to link school learning with community language and culture, as done in Torang?**
- It helps preserve traditions, builds cultural pride, and makes learning more meaningful for children.
### Very Difficult (2)
9. **Explain how forest development projects (like mining or dams) can harm forest communities.**
- They displace people, destroy their habitat, and take away their traditional sources of food and livelihood.
10. **How does the Forest Rights Act 2007 support forest dwellers?**
- It gives legal rights to people who’ve lived in forests for 25 years or more, ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted and can manage the forests through the Gram Sabha.
---
Whose Forests?
Overview
This chapter explores the deep relationship between forest-dwelling communities and the forests. It shares the real-life story of Suryamani, an Adivasi woman from Jharkhand who grew up with a love for the forest and later became an activist for forest rights. The chapter also introduces forest laws, traditional farming practices like jhoom farming in Mizoram, and highlights how forests are central to Adivasi culture and survival.
Key Topics Covered
1. Suryamani – Daughter of the Jungle
- Children in Suryamani’s village enjoy forest classes with her, learning about plants, animals, and trees in their natural environment.
- She believes that understanding the forest is as important as reading books.
- Suryamani refers to herself and her people as “forest people (Adivasis)” whose life depends on forests.
2. Growing Up with the Forest
- Suryamani avoided the road and took forest paths to school.
- Her family depended on the forest for leaves, herbs, and bamboo craft, but their access was blocked when a contractor arrived.
- Budhiyamai, a strong community voice, said, “The forest is our collective bank – not yours or mine alone.”
3. Forced to Leave
- Suryamani’s father could not support the family and moved to town.
- Suryamani was sent to study in Bishanpur with help from her uncle.
- Although she loved the forest, she began to understand that education could help save her home.
4. A Journey of Courage
- Suryamani was the first girl in her village to complete a B.A.
- She joined Vasavi didi to work in the Jharkhand Jungle Bachao Andolan (Save the Forest Movement).
- She began fighting for the rights of her community, supported by her friend Bijoy and pet parrot Mirchi.
5. Right to Forest Act 2007
- People living in forests for 25+ years have rights over forest land and resources.
- Gram Sabhas (village councils) are responsible for protecting the forest and its use.
6. Torang – A Forest Centre
- Suryamani founded 'Torang', which means 'forest' in Kuduk language.
- It teaches children about herbs, medicines, bamboo craft, songs, and their language.
- It is also a resource center with books, flutes, drums, and cultural material.
7. Forest Life in Mizoram
- In Mizoram, land for farming is shared among the whole village.
- A village lottery is held yearly to assign land fairly.
- Even teachers and children take part in this community process.
8. Jhoom Farming
- A traditional method where land is left fallow for years after cultivation.
- Bamboo and weeds are burnt, and their ash fertilizes the soil.
- Seeds of multiple crops like maize, rice, and vegetables are dropped without ploughing.
- No weeds are pulled out, just trimmed to enrich the soil naturally.
9. Celebrating Forest Culture
- After harvesting, villagers celebrate with music and dance, including the traditional Cheraw bamboo dance.
- Most people are forest-dependent but ensure children go to school.
- Leaf whistles and bamboo water cups show their close bond with nature.
New Terms and Simple Definitions
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Adivasi | Indigenous people living close to nature and forests. |
| Contractor | A person or company given work like cutting trees or building roads. |
| Collective bank | Something shared by a group, like a forest shared by villagers. |
| Gram Sabha | A village-level governing group that makes local decisions. |
| Jhoom farming | A type of shifting agriculture practiced in hilly areas. |
| Fallow land | Land left uncultivated for a while to regain fertility. |
| Forest Rights Act | A 2007 law that gives forest people rights over the forest land and use. |
| Torang | A cultural and learning center founded by Suryamani for Adivasi children. |
| Cheraw dance | A traditional Mizoram dance using bamboo sticks. |
| Traditional dress | Clothing usually worn by people during cultural festivals or events. |
Practice Questions
Easy (3)
-
Who is Suryamani?
- She is an Adivasi woman who fights for forest rights and founded the Torang center.
-
What does ‘Torang’ mean in the Kuduk language?
- It means ‘forest’.
-
What is the traditional farming method in Mizoram called?
- Jhoom farming.
Medium (2)
-
Why did Suryamani’s family stop collecting things from the forest?
- Because a contractor restricted their access to the forest.
-
What message does Budhiyamai give about forests?
- Forests are a collective bank; we take only what we need and preserve it for all.
Difficult (3)
-
How is land distributed for farming in Mizoram villages?
- Through a lottery system managed by the village council; land is shared, not privately owned.
-
How does Jhoom farming help the environment?
- By allowing land to rest, using natural ash for fertility, and not ploughing or removing weeds.
-
Why is it important to link school learning with community language and culture, as done in Torang?
- It helps preserve traditions, builds cultural pride, and makes learning more meaningful for children.
Very Difficult (2)
-
Explain how forest development projects (like mining or dams) can harm forest communities.
- They displace people, destroy their habitat, and take away their traditional sources of food and livelihood.
-
How does the Forest Rights Act 2007 support forest dwellers?
- It gives legal rights to people who’ve lived in forests for 25 years or more, ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted and can manage the forests through the Gram Sabha.