Consider the following statements on British role in tribal affairs and choose the correct option.
Statement (A) : Under British rule the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs changed considerably.
Statement (B) : Tribal chiefs were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent out lands.
Options :

Correct option is C

The correct option is (c) (A) and (B) are true.
Statement (A) is true. The British colonial administration in India implemented various policies that significantly impacted the role and authority of tribal chiefs. Under British rule, tribal chiefs lost much of their traditional power and autonomy. They were no longer considered absolute rulers and were subjected to British oversight. Their administrative and judicial functions were curtailed, and they were often relegated to roles of intermediaries between the British government and the tribal communities.
Statement (B) is also true. Despite the erosion of their overall authority, tribal chiefs were allowed to retain certain privileges and responsibilities under British rule. They maintained ownership of their ancestral lands and were granted permission to rent out these lands to cultivators. This enabled them to continue generating income and maintaining their status within the tribal hierarchy.
Therefore, both statements are true and provide a nuanced understanding of the changing role of tribal chiefs under British colonial rule. While they faced significant restrictions on their power, they were also able to preserve certain aspects of their traditional authority and economic standing.