Under the colonial rule the functions and powers of the tribal chiefs
changed considerably. Before the arrival of the British these tribal chiefs
enjoyed a certain amount of economic power and used to administer and
control their territories, which were not sow now. They were allowed to
keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent out lands. In this
process they lost much of their administrative power and were forced to
follow laws made by the British officials. They also had to pay tribute to•