The correct answer is: a) Tribal communities.
Shifting cultivation, also known as swidden agriculture, is a traditional agricultural practice in which farmers clear a piece of land by cutting and burning the vegetation, then cultivate the land for a few years before moving on to another plot. This practice has been used for centuries by many indigenous peoples around the world, including those in the hills of Manipur.
Colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation were imposed in an effort to promote more permanent forms of agriculture. These restrictions had a major impact on tribal communities, who relied on shifting cultivation for their livelihoods. The restrictions made it difficult for tribal communities to access land, and they also led to the loss of traditional knowledge and practices.
As a result of these restrictions, many tribal communities were forced to abandon their traditional way of life and move to urban areas in search of work. This led to social and economic problems, as well as the loss of cultural identity.
The impact of colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation is still being felt today by tribal communities in Manipur. These communities continue to struggle to access land and to maintain their traditional way of life.
Here is a brief explanation of each option:
- Option (a): Tribal communities. Tribal communities in Manipur have traditionally practiced shifting cultivation. Colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation had a major impact on these communities, making it difficult for them to access land and to maintain their traditional way of life.
- Option (b): Meitei farmers in the valley. Meitei farmers in the valley do not practice shifting cultivation. They have traditionally practiced wet rice cultivation, which is a more permanent form of agriculture. Colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation did not have a major impact on these farmers.
- Option (c): Urban workers. Urban workers in Manipur are not directly affected by colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation. However, these restrictions may have had an indirect impact on urban workers, as they may have contributed to the migration of tribal people to urban areas.
- Option (d): Manipuri merchants. Manipuri merchants are not directly affected by colonial-era restrictions on shifting cultivation. However, these restrictions may have had an indirect impact on Manipuri merchants, as they may have contributed to the loss of traditional markets for Manipuri goods.