Project Abstract

The settlement of Birnin Tudu in Nigeria holds a significant historical and cultural value in the region. This research project aims to explore the origin and development of Birnin Tudu from its early beginnings to its current state. The study will utilize a combination of historical records, archaeological findings, and oral traditions to reconstruct the timeline of the settlement's establishment and growth. The research will begin by examining the geographical location of Birnin Tudu and its surrounding environment to understand the factors that may have influenced its initial settlement. By analyzing the landscape, natural resources, and strategic position of the settlement, the study aims to uncover the motivations behind its founding and early development. Furthermore, the project will delve into the historical records and archives to trace the earliest mentions of Birnin Tudu in written accounts. By studying colonial reports, administrative documents, and other relevant sources, the research intends to piece together the interactions between the settlement and external entities over time. In addition to written records, the study will also incorporate archaeological surveys and findings to shed light on the material culture and built environment of Birnin Tudu. Through excavations, artifact analysis, and site mapping, the research aims to uncover physical evidence of the settlement's growth, urban planning, and economic activities. Moreover, the project will engage with local communities and oral traditions to gather indigenous knowledge and narratives about the origin and development of Birnin Tudu. By consulting with elders, historians, and residents, the study seeks to incorporate perspectives that may not be captured in written sources, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the settlement's history. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the existing scholarship on Birnin Tudu by offering a detailed examination of its origin and development. By synthesizing historical, archaeological, and oral sources, the study will provide a nuanced narrative of how the settlement emerged, evolved, and adapted over time. Ultimately, this research seeks to highlight the significance of Birnin Tudu in the broader context of Nigerian history and culture, emphasizing its enduring legacy in the region.

Project Overview

1.1 Introduction

Brinin Tudu village is a rural settlement presently under Gummi local government area in Zamfara state. It is about Twenty One (21) kilometers away from Gummi town. Gummi town is located along latitude (Lat, 12o06N). the village is surrounded by a number of settlement that included Daki-Takwas, kwamma, Nasarawa Kifi, Falale, Birnin Magaji, Iyaka, kaiwa and Zauma all in the Gummi local government, with the exception Zauma which is in Bukkuyum local government of Zamfara state. It is bordered in the east by Zauma, in the South by Daki-Takwas, in the North by Birnin Magaji, while it share border in the West with Iyaka. Birnin Tudu is headed by a village head with the title of “Sarkin Zauma”.

A visual observation of the settlement will reveal series of houses built with different type of materials. The predominant building type I the mud building along traditional line. Other forms of building include those of cement blocks, rooted with corrugated iron; also some houses are made up with either clay or sticks.

Birnin Tudu settlement was said to have been founded by a group of Zamfara hunters (who came in 1524) from “TUNFAF” village in present day Talata Mafara local government area in Zamfara state. Some of the paramount leaders of the group include Dankofo, Dansumba and Bamurna. The Name of the settlement was derived from the location of the area, because it’s situated in the higher land, which in Hausa language is regard to As “Tudu.”

Birnin Tudu settlement envelops both Agriculturalist and pastoralist, other economic activities that are practiced in the area also included Blacksmithing,, Bricklaying, Barbing and leather work. The predominant economic activity of the women members of the society included weaving (Saka) and spinning (Zare).

1.2 Statement Of Problem

In spite of the longs existing History of Birnin-Tudu, dating back to 16th C. a historical accounts of the area is yet to be written. This could be attributed to the absence of written document, which some writers consider as the only reliable materials for sourcing History.

However, there are several Historical researches on the villages/settlements surrounding the areas of study, such as Daki-takwas, Zauma, Gummi, Nasarawar kifi, Zugu among others. It is in an effort to fill in this Lacuna in the socio-economic and political History of the area that this research set out to document the History of Birinin Tudu.

1.3 Aim And Objectives

The Major aim of this research is to study the Historical origin and development of Birnin Tudu specifically it intend to:

1. Trace the Historical origin of the village.

2. Examine the socio-economic and political development of the village. In essence therefore, this study will provide the researcher and general public alike a modest Historical public alike a modest Historical of Birnin tudu village..