Soci111s08pres3

Agrarian Society:Agrarian Society:
Bihar, IndiaBihar, India
Rabiya Jawahir, Nikita Peoples,
Frederick Cave, Nicole McClain,
John Rigdon, Kathy Herington, Stephanie
Murad,

Agrarian Societies OverviewAgrarian Societies Overview
 Based on farming as main method ofBased on farming as main method of
subsistencesubsistence
 Use of the plow distinguishes this typeUse of the plow distinguishes this type
from horticultural societiesfrom horticultural societies
 Advanced agrarian societies haveAdvanced agrarian societies have
widespread access to iron/steel toolswidespread access to iron/steel tools
 There is significant specialization of laborThere is significant specialization of labor
in both regions and communitiesin both regions and communities

Agrarian Societies Cont.Agrarian Societies Cont.
 There is often a governing elite thatThere is often a governing elite that
controls both the political and thecontrols both the political and the
economic aspects of lifeeconomic aspects of life
 Trade is increasingly importantTrade is increasingly important
 Nearly every society was once ruled by aNearly every society was once ruled by a
king or other monarchking or other monarch
 Military conflict is much more commonMilitary conflict is much more common

Agrarian Societies Cont.Agrarian Societies Cont.
 Religion also plays a much more importantReligion also plays a much more important
rolerole
 Construction of major architectural worksConstruction of major architectural works
is more common—specifically templesis more common—specifically temples
and shrinesand shrines
 Advancement of leisure and artsAdvancement of leisure and arts
 Further stratification of the social classesFurther stratification of the social classes

GeographyGeography
 Upper northeast corner ofUpper northeast corner of
India, right before it getsIndia, right before it gets
squeezed between Bhutansqueezed between Bhutan
and Bangladesh.and Bangladesh.
 Many important rivers passMany important rivers pass
through Bihar.through Bihar.
 In the southern foothills ofIn the southern foothills of
the Himalaya Mountainthe Himalaya Mountain
Range, touching Nepal.Range, touching Nepal.
Bihar is the tan state within
the red shape.

Indo-Gangetic PlainIndo-Gangetic Plain
 One of the mostOne of the most
notable features ofnotable features of
Bihar is its location inBihar is its location in
the Indo-Gangeticthe Indo-Gangetic
Plain.Plain.
 This plain is veryThis plain is very
fertile, making it idealfertile, making it ideal
for an agrarianfor an agrarian
society.society.

Population and LandPopulation and Land
 Bihar has a population of 82,878,796Bihar has a population of 82,878,796
 It is a majority male population(52.6%)It is a majority male population(52.6%)
 The total area of land is 94,163 sq. kmThe total area of land is 94,163 sq. km
 This is divided into two main regions: theThis is divided into two main regions: the
North Ganga Plain and the South GangaNorth Ganga Plain and the South Ganga
PlainPlain
 Further divided there are 37 districtsFurther divided there are 37 districts
 Capital city is PatnaCapital city is Patna

Population and OtherPopulation and Other
StatisticsStatistics
 Per capita income is Rs 21,696—this isPer capita income is Rs 21,696—this is
$538.50$538.50
 Density: 880 people per sq. mileDensity: 880 people per sq. mile
 Birth rate: 30.9 per 1000Birth rate: 30.9 per 1000
 Death rate: 7.9 per 1000Death rate: 7.9 per 1000
 Population grew 28.4% from 1991-2001Population grew 28.4% from 1991-2001

EconomyEconomy
Bihar lags behind in the overall progress of India.Bihar lags behind in the overall progress of India.
 Per capita GDP: Rs. 4000 per month in Bihar vs.Per capita GDP: Rs. 4000 per month in Bihar vs.
national average of Rs.12000 per month.national average of Rs.12000 per month.
 Nearly 10% more people living below theNearly 10% more people living below the
poverty line than the average for Indiapoverty line than the average for India
Reasons for slow developmentReasons for slow development
 Inadequate investment in infrastructure,Inadequate investment in infrastructure,
irrigation, and technologyirrigation, and technology
 Caste dominated politicsCaste dominated politics

Economy: AgricultureEconomy: Agriculture
 2 crop seasons: Kharif2 crop seasons: Kharif
& Rabi& Rabi
 Major crops:Major crops:
– RiceRice
– SugarSugar
– TobaccoTobacco
– WheatWheat
– JuteJute
 Other minor crops:Other minor crops:
– ChilliChilli
– MangoMango
– Oil SeedsOil Seeds

Economy: AgricultureEconomy: Agriculture

Economy: Mineral ProductionEconomy: Mineral Production
 Very little due to the division of southernVery little due to the division of southern
Bihar into the separate state of JharkhandBihar into the separate state of Jharkhand
 Most mineral production takes place inMost mineral production takes place in
JharkhandJharkhand
 Some Minerals ProducedSome Minerals Produced
– CoalCoal
– BauxiteBauxite
– DolomiteDolomite

Economy: Mineral ProductionEconomy: Mineral Production

Economy: Attempts atEconomy: Attempts at
IndustrializationIndustrialization
 Oil refinery in BarauniOil refinery in Barauni
 Motor scooter plant atMotor scooter plant at
FatuhaFatuha
 Power plant atPower plant at
MuzaffarpurMuzaffarpur
 No sustained effortsNo sustained efforts

PolityPolity
 Bicameral LegislatureBicameral Legislature
– Upper-house Legislative CouncilUpper-house Legislative Council
– Lower-house Legislative AssemblyLower-house Legislative Assembly
 Governor appointed by president of IndiaGovernor appointed by president of India
– Head of stateHead of state
 Real executive power rests with Chief MinisterReal executive power rests with Chief Minister
 7 administrative divisions and 39 divisions7 administrative divisions and 39 divisions
 Each division has a divisional commissionerEach division has a divisional commissioner
 District magistrate and collector in eachDistrict magistrate and collector in each
divisiondivision
 Sub divisional officer in each of the 76Sub divisional officer in each of the 76
subdivisionssubdivisions

Polity (cont’d)Polity (cont’d)
 High court at PatnaHigh court at Patna
– Chief justice and several other justicesChief justice and several other justices
– District courts and sub divisional courts, and villageDistrict courts and sub divisional courts, and village
councilscouncils
 Currently 2 main political formationsCurrently 2 main political formations
– NDANDA
 Janata Dal and Bharatiya Janata PartyJanata Dal and Bharatiya Janata Party
– Rashtriya Janata DalRashtriya Janata Dal
 Indian National CongressIndian National Congress

Past PolityPast Polity
 1995 – Lalu Prasad Yadav became chief1995 – Lalu Prasad Yadav became chief
ministerminister
– Corruption charges forced his resignation butCorruption charges forced his resignation but
anointed his wife CM through proxyanointed his wife CM through proxy
– Led to deterioration of administrationLed to deterioration of administration
– Voted out of power in 2005Voted out of power in 2005
 Recent electionsRecent elections
– Have witnessed unprecedented deployment ofHave witnessed unprecedented deployment of
security forcessecurity forces
– Varying views on success of such forceVarying views on success of such force

Kinship: 3 Kinship GroupsKinship: 3 Kinship Groups
AhirsAhirs
 Endogamous/ exogamous clansEndogamous/ exogamous clans
 Marriages arrangedMarriages arranged
 Marriage of first cousins prohibitedMarriage of first cousins prohibited
 Wed at time of marriageWed at time of marriage
 Bride moves into household of husband’s familyBride moves into household of husband’s family
 Extended familyExtended family
 Divorce allowed but requires approval of theDivorce allowed but requires approval of the
caste’s councilcaste’s council

MundasMundas
 Endogamous/ExogamousEndogamous/Exogamous
 Don’t marry before the boy can build aDon’t marry before the boy can build a
plow and the girl can weave and spinplow and the girl can weave and spin
 Marriages negotiated and depend onMarriages negotiated and depend on
consent of involved partiesconsent of involved parties
 Bride-price paid in both cash and goodsBride-price paid in both cash and goods
 Take up residence in husband’s fathersTake up residence in husband’s fathers
househouse
 Nuclear family preferredNuclear family preferred

OraonsOraons
 Village and clan exogamyVillage and clan exogamy
 Patrilineal extended familyPatrilineal extended family
 5-7 members5-7 members
 Arranged marriages most commonArranged marriages most common
 Bride price paidBride price paid
 Divorce rare as marriage is seen asDivorce rare as marriage is seen as
lifelong undertakinglifelong undertaking

Social Stratification: Bihar’s CasteSocial Stratification: Bihar’s Caste
SystemSystem
 India’s Caste System: describes the social stratification and socialIndia’s Caste System: describes the social stratification and social
restrictions in society, “in which social classes are defined byrestrictions in society, “in which social classes are defined by
thousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed asthousands of endogamous hereditary groups, often termed as jātisjātis
or castes”.or castes”.
 ““The Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination,The Indian Constitution has outlawed caste-based discrimination,
and caste barriers have mostly broken down in large cities.and caste barriers have mostly broken down in large cities.
However, it still persist in rural areas of the country, and in variousHowever, it still persist in rural areas of the country, and in various
forms, does continue to play a major role in Indian society andforms, does continue to play a major role in Indian society and
politics”.politics”.

Dominant Castes of BiharDominant Castes of Bihar
 Different Castes: Brahman, Bhumihar, Rajput,Different Castes: Brahman, Bhumihar, Rajput,
Banias and Kayastha are the dominant castesBanias and Kayastha are the dominant castes
 Kayasthas and Banias are the two importantKayasthas and Banias are the two important
caste groups in the cities and towns.caste groups in the cities and towns.
 The Brahmans and Kshatriyas belong to theThe Brahmans and Kshatriyas belong to the
same racial stock, but the Kshatriyas “are moresame racial stock, but the Kshatriyas “are more
mixed because of their marriage with variousmixed because of their marriage with various
stocks of people”.stocks of people”.

 The Kayasthas are prominent in all modern professionalThe Kayasthas are prominent in all modern professional
occupations and are generally given the status of eliteoccupations and are generally given the status of elite
castes.castes.
 The Banias predominate in trade and commerce.The Banias predominate in trade and commerce.
 Bhumihars are regarded as a caste different from theBhumihars are regarded as a caste different from the
Brahmans and Rajputs. However members of all theseBrahmans and Rajputs. However members of all these
caste groups have occupied prominent positions in thecaste groups have occupied prominent positions in the
educational and political life of the state.educational and political life of the state.
Kayasthas Banias
Bhumihars, Rajputs or
Brahmans

Lower Castes of BiharLower Castes of Bihar
 The lower castes consist of the Koiri,The lower castes consist of the Koiri,
Kurmi, Kahar, and the AhirKurmi, Kahar, and the Ahir
 There are many Caste rivalries andThere are many Caste rivalries and
prejudices because of narrow-prejudices because of narrow-
mindedness; however, modern daymindedness; however, modern day
education systems and efforts theeducation systems and efforts the
enlightened youth, “are gradually doingenlightened youth, “are gradually doing
away with the prejudices”.away with the prejudices”.

 The Ahirs (Yadavas), Kurmis and Koiris are land-owning castes,The Ahirs (Yadavas), Kurmis and Koiris are land-owning castes,
and they live in the plains of Bihar.and they live in the plains of Bihar.
 The Ahirs or Yadavas are agricultural caste. Cattle-raising is theirThe Ahirs or Yadavas are agricultural caste. Cattle-raising is their
hereditary occupation, and most are settled cultivators. Some stillhereditary occupation, and most are settled cultivators. Some still
roam about selling milk and ghee.roam about selling milk and ghee.
 Koiris are agriculturists. They are distinguished from Kurmis andKoiris are agriculturists. They are distinguished from Kurmis and
other purely cultivating castes by their skill in growing vegetablesother purely cultivating castes by their skill in growing vegetables
and other special cash crops. They work as market-gardeners in theand other special cash crops. They work as market-gardeners in the
neighborhoods of the big towns. Many Koiris are rich land ownersneighborhoods of the big towns. Many Koiris are rich land owners
that still hold occupancy rights.that still hold occupancy rights.
Ahirs = raise cattle Koiris

Most notable castes of BiharMost notable castes of Bihar
 The most notable castes are Bhumij, Chamar (Mochi),The most notable castes are Bhumij, Chamar (Mochi),
Dhobi, Dom, Dusadh, Musahar, Nat and Pasi.Dhobi, Dom, Dusadh, Musahar, Nat and Pasi.
 Their means of livelihood is hard manual labor or menialTheir means of livelihood is hard manual labor or menial
labor.labor.
 About 92 percent of the total population of these castesAbout 92 percent of the total population of these castes
lives in the village while those in the towns and cities arelives in the village while those in the towns and cities are
slum-dwellers who work on pavements (much like ourslum-dwellers who work on pavements (much like our
homeless). Although education is free for them, the vasthomeless). Although education is free for them, the vast
majority of them still illiterate. majority of them still illiterate.

 The Musahars are field laborers whose wages are paidThe Musahars are field laborers whose wages are paid
in cash or in kind according to the traditional custom inin cash or in kind according to the traditional custom in
the villages.the villages.
 The Dusadhs are of aboriginal descent. A large numberThe Dusadhs are of aboriginal descent. A large number
of them serve as watchmen. They are also employed asof them serve as watchmen. They are also employed as
village messengers, grooms, elephant drivers and woodvillage messengers, grooms, elephant drivers and wood
cutters and porters. cutters and porters.
 The Dhanuks are servant class found in every placeThe Dhanuks are servant class found in every place
where there are high caste Hindus. They perform menialwhere there are high caste Hindus. They perform menial
household duties along with their family. Some Dhanukshousehold duties along with their family. Some Dhanuks
are alsoare also cultivators while the females act as maidcultivators while the females act as maid
servants.servants.
Musahars Dusadhs Dhanuks

Caste System TodayCaste System Today
 Prejudice against the lower castes is graduallyPrejudice against the lower castes is gradually
disappearing in Bihar.disappearing in Bihar.
 In the country districts, the influence of Zamindar (landIn the country districts, the influence of Zamindar (land
lords) families is still considerable, but their influence islords) families is still considerable, but their influence is
based more on their position as landlords than asbased more on their position as landlords than as
persons of title.persons of title.
 The middle class is made up of professionals that for theThe middle class is made up of professionals that for the
most part have done away with caste prejudices.most part have done away with caste prejudices.
 Marriage is somewhat different: though inter-casteMarriage is somewhat different: though inter-caste
marriages are now relatively common in India, manymarriages are now relatively common in India, many
Indians still consider caste a major criterion forIndians still consider caste a major criterion for
matrimonial choices.matrimonial choices.
 Biharis still prefer to go in for arranged marriages in theirBiharis still prefer to go in for arranged marriages in their
own community and caste.own community and caste.

Ideology: Three MainIdeology: Three Main
Religions in BiharReligions in Bihar
 HinduismHinduism
 BuddhismBuddhism
 JainismJainism

Ideology: HinduismIdeology: Hinduism
 The third largest religion in the world withThe third largest religion in the world with
diverse sects.diverse sects.
 Five Basic Tenets:Five Basic Tenets:
– Dharma (ethics or duties)Dharma (ethics or duties)
– Samsara (the continuing cycle of rebirth)Samsara (the continuing cycle of rebirth)
– Karma (action and reaction)Karma (action and reaction)
– Moksha (liberation from samsara)Moksha (liberation from samsara)
– Yogas (paths or practices)Yogas (paths or practices)

Ideology: BuddhismIdeology: Buddhism
 Governed by the teachings of SiddharthaGoverned by the teachings of Siddhartha
Gautama known as BuddhaGautama known as Buddha
– RebirthRebirth
– KarmaKarma
– The Four Noble TruthsThe Four Noble Truths
 There is sufferingThere is suffering
 There is a cause of sufferingThere is a cause of suffering
 There is the cessation of sufferingThere is the cessation of suffering
 There is a way leading to the cessation of sufferingThere is a way leading to the cessation of suffering
 Often described as a way of life instead of aOften described as a way of life instead of a
religion.religion.

Ideology: JainismIdeology: Jainism
 Founded in the 6Founded in the 6thth
century B.C. in ancientcentury B.C. in ancient
Bihar.Bihar.
 Three main tenets:Three main tenets:
– Ahimsa (non- violence): Towards both humans andAhimsa (non- violence): Towards both humans and
animals. Leads to the propagation of vegetarianismanimals. Leads to the propagation of vegetarianism
– Aparigraha (non- attachment): Freeing the soulAparigraha (non- attachment): Freeing the soul
through the disregard of material objects.through the disregard of material objects.
– Anekantwad (relativity): No absolute truth. EverythingAnekantwad (relativity): No absolute truth. Everything
is possible.is possible.

Education: HistoryEducation: History
 Historically Bihar has been a major centerHistorically Bihar has been a major center
of learningof learning
 Originated from the time of Buddha orOriginated from the time of Buddha or
even earliereven earlier
 Home of one of the earliest universities,Home of one of the earliest universities,
Nalanda, which dates back to the 5Nalanda, which dates back to the 5thth
centurycentury
 Vikramshia, which is another university isVikramshia, which is another university is
located there as welllocated there as well

Education: HistoryEducation: History
 During medieval period, educationDuring medieval period, education
was lostwas lost
 Believed that marauding armies ofBelieved that marauding armies of
the invaders destroyed thethe invaders destroyed the
centers of learningcenters of learning

EducationEducation
 DuDuring 1970s and 1980s governmentring 1970s and 1980s government
took control over private schoolstook control over private schools
 Because government was ill-equippedBecause government was ill-equipped
the standards of the schools began to fallthe standards of the schools began to fall
 However, government did not take overHowever, government did not take over
schools ran by Christian missionaries,schools ran by Christian missionaries,
and these schools still provided qualityand these schools still provided quality
educationeducation

EducationEducation
 Central government runs aCentral government runs a
number of Kendriyanumber of Kendriya
Vidyalayas (Central Schools)Vidyalayas (Central Schools)
 Jawahar Navodaya SchoolsJawahar Navodaya Schools
were made by the late Primewere made by the late Prime
Minister Rajiv Gandhi forMinister Rajiv Gandhi for
rural childrenrural children
 Have been successful inHave been successful in
providing quality education toproviding quality education to
the weaker sections of thethe weaker sections of the
societysociety

EducationEducation
 Modern Bihar has an inadequate educationalModern Bihar has an inadequate educational
infrastructure which places a huge impactinfrastructure which places a huge impact
between supply and demandbetween supply and demand
 The growing population has made the situationThe growing population has made the situation
even worse, and has led to a “flooding” of theeven worse, and has led to a “flooding” of the
student population to other states in order tostudent population to other states in order to
obtain a better educationobtain a better education
 Only 51% of the children enrolled in primaryOnly 51% of the children enrolled in primary
school actually attend, 59% of those who doschool actually attend, 59% of those who do
attend do not have textbooks, and 13% of theattend do not have textbooks, and 13% of the
children in Bihar are not enrolled at all.children in Bihar are not enrolled at all.

EducationEducation
 Has an overall literacy of 47.53%Has an overall literacy of 47.53%
 Male literacy rate of 60.32%Male literacy rate of 60.32%
 Female literacy rate of 33.57%Female literacy rate of 33.57%
 Only 21% of all primary school teachers haveOnly 21% of all primary school teachers have
completed the matriculationcompleted the matriculation
 Because of the law of affirmative action thatBecause of the law of affirmative action that
reserves jobs and education for people ofreserves jobs and education for people of
backward classes, students from Bihar arebackward classes, students from Bihar are
performing well in respect to better economicallyperforming well in respect to better economically
well off states in Indiawell off states in India

Status of WomenStatus of Women
 Women in Bihar are subjected to followingWomen in Bihar are subjected to following
a system called Purdah, and it is almosta system called Purdah, and it is almost
as oppressive as the Taliban era inas oppressive as the Taliban era in
Afghanistan.Afghanistan.
 88% of girls marry before age 17 - despite88% of girls marry before age 17 - despite
the fact that national law says womenthe fact that national law says women
cannot marry before the age 18.cannot marry before the age 18.

Purdah SystemPurdah System
 Purdah literally means "curtain"Purdah literally means "curtain"
 Reaches across Hindu and Muslim lines.Reaches across Hindu and Muslim lines.
 Women must be covered in public.Women must be covered in public.
 Women cannot travel without theirWomen cannot travel without their
husbands' permission.husbands' permission.
 Most women can only associate withMost women can only associate with
family members, or those approved by thefamily members, or those approved by the
family.family.
 Often, men even do the shopping so thatOften, men even do the shopping so that
women do not need to go out in publicwomen do not need to go out in public
unaccompanied.unaccompanied.

Status of WomenStatus of Women
 Women mustWomen must
have a dowryhave a dowry
before they getbefore they get
married.married.
 A woman'sA woman's
possessions gopossessions go
to her husband,to her husband,
and then uponand then upon
her death, to herher death, to her
children.children.
•A woman in Bihar
has very few
possessions, usually
no education, and
very little autonomy.

Culture of Bihar: FestivalsCulture of Bihar: Festivals
 ChhathChhath
– Worship of the SunWorship of the Sun
GodGod
 TeejTeej
– Worship of GoddessWorship of Goddess
ParvatiParvati

Bihar: MusicBihar: Music
 Folksongs dealingFolksongs dealing
with everyday lifewith everyday life
– sohar - performedsohar - performed
during childbirthduring childbirth
– sumangali -sumangali -
associated withassociated with
weddingwedding
– ropnigeet - performedropnigeet - performed
during the season ofduring the season of
sowing paddysowing paddy
– katnigeet - performedkatnigeet - performed
during the paddyduring the paddy
harvesting seasonharvesting season

Question 1Question 1
 What does the word purdah mean?What does the word purdah mean?
a) closeda) closed
b) curtainb) curtain
c) cut-offc) cut-off
d) womand) woman
e) wickede) wicked

 Although India is making all efforts to doAlthough India is making all efforts to do
away with caste-discriminations, in whichaway with caste-discriminations, in which
parts of India does caste discriminationparts of India does caste discrimination
still play a major role in society andstill play a major role in society and
politics?politics?
a)a) TownsTowns
b)b) citiescities
c)c) urban areasurban areas
d)d) rural areasrural areas

 Compared to the rest of IndiaCompared to the rest of India
economically, Bihar iseconomically, Bihar is
a)a) Progressing at the same rateProgressing at the same rate
b)b) Lagging behindLagging behind
c)c) Advancing more quicklyAdvancing more quickly

 Which of the following religions originatedWhich of the following religions originated
in ancient Bihar 6in ancient Bihar 6thth
Century BC?Century BC?
a)a) HinduismHinduism
b)b) JainismJainism
c)c) IslamIslam

 What is the festival of Chhath for?What is the festival of Chhath for?
a)a) Worship of Goddess ParvatiWorship of Goddess Parvati
b)b) Worship of the God of the SunWorship of the God of the Sun
c)c) Celebration of a good harvestCelebration of a good harvest

Works CitedWorks Cited
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_caste_systemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_caste_system
 http://www.country-studies.com/india/veiling-and-the-seclusion-of-http://www.country-studies.com/india/veiling-and-the-seclusion-of-
women.htmlwomen.html
 http://orion.oac.uci.edu/~pranjan/bihar.pdfhttp://orion.oac.uci.edu/~pranjan/bihar.pdf
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biharhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihar
 http://www.bihar.org.in/economy/http://www.bihar.org.in/economy/
 ““Bihar.”Bihar.” Encyclopedia BritannicaEncyclopedia Britannica..
 Nolan, Patrick. Human Societies. Paradigm Publishers. Boulder, CO. 2004Nolan, Patrick. Human Societies. Paradigm Publishers. Boulder, CO. 2004
 http://www.webindia123.com/biharhttp://www.webindia123.com/bihar
 http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/CensusStats-01.htmhttp://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/CensusStats-01.htm
 http://www.infochangeindia.org/bookandreportsst96.jsphttp://www.infochangeindia.org/bookandreportsst96.jsp
 http://www.newkerala.com/states-of-india/bihar.phphttp://www.newkerala.com/states-of-india/bihar.php

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