What was the condition of Maasai society in the pre-colonial times? How was it affected by the changes in the colonial period?

(a) Condition of Maasai society in pre-colonial period was as given below:
(i) Maasai society was divided into two categories – elders and warriors.
(ii) The elders formed the ruling group and met in periodic councils tri decide on the affairs of the community and settle disputes.
(iii) The warriors consisted of younger people, mainly responsible for the protection of the tribe. They defended the community and organised cattle raids.
(iv) Young men came to be recognised as members of the warrior class after proving their manliness by raiding the cattle of other pastoral groups and participating in wars. They were, however, subject to the authority of the elders.
(b) The British took following steps regarding Maasai community;
(i) The British appointed chiefs of different sub-groups of Maasai, who ,were made
responsible for the affairs of the tribe.
(ii) The British imposed various restrictions on raiding and warfare.
(c) Effects of the British policy were as given below:
(i) On the chiefs : They accumulated wealth. They had a regular income with which
they could buy animals, goods and land-. They lent money to the poor neighbours who needed cash to pay taxes. They began living in towns and became involved in trade. Their wives and children stayed back in villages to look after the animals. They had both pastoral and no pastoral income. The chiefs managed to survive the bad times.
(ii) On the poor pastoralists : They did not have the resources to tide over bad times. In times of war and famine, they lost nearly everything. They had to go to towns for a living and worked as charcoal burners, or worked in road or building construction.