Project Abstract

The origin and development of Birnin Tudu settlement is a complex and fascinating topic that provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural evolution of the community. This research project aims to investigate the origins of Birnin Tudu, a significant settlement located in northern Nigeria. The study will explore the historical factors that contributed to the establishment of the settlement, including the impact of migration, trade routes, and environmental considerations. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical records, archaeological findings, and oral traditions, this research will trace the development of Birnin Tudu from its early origins to its present-day status. The project will examine how the settlement evolved over time, including changes in its physical layout, population dynamics, economic activities, and social structures. One key aspect of the study will be to explore the role of Birnin Tudu as a center of trade and commerce in the region. The research will investigate the types of goods that were traded in the settlement, the networks of exchange that connected Birnin Tudu to other parts of the region, and the economic significance of the settlement within the broader context of the local economy. In addition to its economic importance, Birnin Tudu also played a significant role as a cultural and political center. The research will explore the cultural practices, traditions, and belief systems of the community, as well as the political organization and governance structures that shaped life in Birnin Tudu. By examining the cultural and political history of the settlement, the study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that have contributed to its development over time. Overall, this research project seeks to shed light on the origins and development of Birnin Tudu settlement, offering valuable insights into the historical, economic, social, and cultural dimensions of the community. By exploring the multifaceted history of Birnin Tudu, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of settlement formation and development in northern Nigeria, and provide a foundation for future research on the region's rich and diverse history.

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..