Change in the Powers of the Tribal Chiefs under Colonial Rule Before the arrival of the British in India, tribal chiefs were important people. They had economic power. They had the right to administer and control their territories. In some areas, they had their own policy. They decided on the local rules of land and forest management. The British changed their functions and powers considerably. They were allowed to keep their land titles over a cluster of villages and rent outlands. They were divested of their administrative power. They were forced to follow laws made by the British in India. They also had to pay tribute to the British, and discipline the tribal groups on behalf of the British. They lost the authority they had earlier enjoyed amongst their people. Now they were unable to fulfill their traditional functions.