Consider the following:
Statement-I: The shifting cultivation practiced by the Baiga is known as bewar which involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, cultivating crops for a few years, and then leaving the land fallow to regenerate naturally.
Statement-II: The Baiga do not plough as they believe doing so harms Mother Earth.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but statement-II is correct

Question

Consider the following:
Statement-I: The shifting cultivation practiced by the Baiga is known as bewar which involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, cultivating crops for a few years, and then leaving the land fallow to regenerate naturally.
Statement-II: The Baiga do not plough as they believe doing so harms Mother Earth.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but statement-II is correct

ONLiNE UPSC · Accepted Answer

In a recent study it has been found out that the foods of the Baiga not only have nutritional benefits but also medicinal and therapeutic ones. These are said to help protect the Baigas from the rigours of forest life and preventing illnesses.
The Baiga Adivasi community primarily inhabits the Baiga Chak region in Madhya Pradesh&rsquo;s Dindori district. Here, in the hilly terrain and rich forests, the Baiga tribe has developed unique cultural practices, including their cuisine.

Statement-I is correct: The Baiga do practice shifting cultivation called bewar (slash-and-burn). Land is cleared, used for a few years, then left fallow for natural regeneration.

Statement-II is correct: The Baiga hold the belief that ploughing wounds Mother Earth, which is why they avoid ploughing.

Statement&ndash;II provides the cultural belief that explains why the Baiga reject ploughing and instead continue with shifting cultivation.

Environment and Ecology

Traditional Agricultural Practices

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M Question 1	⏱ 0
Consider the following: Statement-I: The shifting cultivation practiced by the Baiga is known as bewar which involves clearing land by cutting and burning vegetation, cultivating crops for a few years, and then leaving the land fallow to regenerate naturally. Statement-II: The Baiga do not plough as they believe doing so harms Mother Earth. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect (d) Statement-I is incorrect but statement-II is correct