Tribal Communities MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Tribal Communities - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is - Tribal Ethnography

Key Points

• Tribal Ethnography
  • K.S. Singh is renowned for his extensive research and documentation in the field of Tribal Ethnography.
  • His work includes detailed studies on the social structures, cultural practices, and traditions of various tribal communities in India.
  • He is best known for his contributions to the People of India project, which aimed to document the ethnographic details of all communities in India, including tribal groups.
  • Singh's work has been pivotal in providing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse tribal cultures and their unique ways of life.

Additional Information

• People of India Project
  • Initiated by the Anthropological Survey of India under the leadership of K.S. Singh.
  • Aimed to document the socio-cultural diversity of the Indian population.
  • Covered 4635 communities including 461 tribal communities.
• Tribal Studies
  • Tribal Governance: Refers to the administration and political representation of tribal communities.
  • Tribal Economy: Involves the study of economic practices and livelihoods within tribal societies.
  • Tribal Religion: Focuses on the spiritual beliefs, rituals, and religious practices of tribal groups.
• Contributions of K.S. Singh
  • His research has been instrumental in shaping policies for tribal welfare and development.
  • Authored several books and papers that are considered essential reading in the field of anthropology and tribal studies.
  • His work has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of tribal cultures in India.

The correct answer is - Sixth

Key Points

• Sixth Schedule
  • The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • It allows for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) which have legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within their regions.
  • ADCs are empowered to make laws on various matters such as land, forest management, and inheritance of property.
  • This schedule ensures the protection of tribal practices and safeguards their cultural autonomy.

Additional Information

• Structure of ADCs
  • Each ADC is composed of a mix of elected and nominated members.
  • The Governor of the respective state appoints the nominated members based on their expertise or tribal representation.
• Legislative Powers
  • ADCs can legislate on subjects like agriculture, public health, and primary education.
  • These laws are subject to the approval of the Governor.
• Judicial Powers
  • ADCs have the authority to establish village courts to adjudicate disputes among the tribal populations.
  • These courts handle cases involving civil and criminal matters as per customary laws.

The correct answer is - Land Alienation

Key Points

• Land Alienation
  • According to S.L. Doshi, the biggest challenge to tribal economic sustainability is land alienation.
  • Land alienation refers to the process where tribal communities lose ownership and control over their ancestral lands, often leading to economic displacement.
  • This loss of land disrupts the traditional livelihoods of tribal communities, which are primarily based on agriculture, forest produce, and pastoral activities.
  • When tribal lands are taken over for development projects, mining, or other commercial activities, the affected communities often do not receive adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
  • The displacement and marginalization resulting from land alienation contribute significantly to the socio-economic challenges faced by tribal populations.

Additional Information

• Urbanization
  • While urbanization does impact tribal communities, it is not considered the primary challenge to their economic sustainability according to S.L. Doshi.
  • Urbanization can lead to migration and changes in traditional lifestyles, but it also offers opportunities for better education and employment for some tribal members.
• Caste System
  • The caste system is more relevant to social stratification in non-tribal Indian society. Tribals generally have their own social structures that are distinct from the caste system.
  • While there may be some overlap, the caste system is not the primary issue affecting tribal economic sustainability.
• Religious Conversion
  • Religious conversion can influence the cultural and social aspects of tribal communities but is not seen as the main economic challenge.
  • It may lead to changes in community dynamics but does not directly impact the economic sustainability to the same extent as land alienation.

The correct answer is - Social Exclusion

Key Points

• Social Exclusion
  • Virginius Xaxa is renowned for his extensive research on the social exclusion of tribal communities in India.
  • His work focuses on the systemic barriers that prevent tribal populations from accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, thereby marginalizing them in society.
  • Xaxa's research highlights the intersection of caste, class, and ethnicity in contributing to the social exclusion of tribal groups.
  • Understanding social exclusion is critical for developing policies aimed at inclusive development and reducing inequalities faced by tribal communities.

Additional Information

• Tribal Governance
  • Tribal governance involves the study of political systems and administration specific to tribal regions.
  • It includes the examination of traditional governance structures, as well as the impact of state policies on tribal autonomy.
• Tribal Arts
  • Tribal arts encompass the artistic expressions and cultural heritage of tribal communities.
  • This includes traditional crafts, music, dance, and visual arts that are integral to tribal identity.
• Industrialization
  • Industrialization refers to the development of industries in a region on a wide scale.It often involves the transformation of a society from agrarian to industrial, impacting the livelihoods and environment of tribal communities.

The correct answer is - 1, 2, and 4 only

Key Points

• Economic Transactions
  • Weekly tribal markets function as economic hubs, allowing local producers to sell agricultural and forest produce.
  • They facilitate trade between tribals and external traders, integrating rural and urban economies.
• Social and Cultural Interaction
  • These markets serve as meeting spaces for kin and extended families.
  • People use market days to arrange marriages, exchange news, and strengthen community bonds.
• Linking Rural and National Economies
  • Tribal markets connect remote economies to regional and metropolitan markets.
  • Traders from urban areas purchase raw materials and handicrafts, promoting rural industry.

Additional Information

• Periodic Markets in Rural India
  • They occur weekly in most rural areas but may be fortnightly for specific goods (e.g., cattle markets).
  • They serve as multi-purpose institutions, combining economic, cultural, and social functions.
• Role of External Traders
  • External traders bring manufactured goods (e.g., textiles, household items) into these rural markets.
  • They also purchase local produce for resale in larger urban centers, linking rural areas to the formal economy.
• Government Influence and Market Regulation
  • Forest officials and state representatives monitor and regulate tribal trade, especially in forest produce.
  • Some government schemes aim to support tribal artisans by ensuring fair trade practices.

The correct answer is i - b; ii - a; iii - d & iv - c.

Key PointsGaros

• The Garos constitute the majority in the East Garo Hills district of Meghalaya as is evident from the name of the district.
• The Garos are the second largest tribe after the Khasis in Meghalaya.
• The Garos refer to themselves as A'chik or Mande and their language belongs to the Bodo branch of the Bodo-Naga-Kachin family of the Sino Tibetan phylum.
• The Garos are distributed over the five Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya, the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh, and the Kamrup, Goalpara, and Karbi-Anglong districts of Assam.
• They are also scattered in a few numbers in Tripura and Nagaland. 
• The various dialect groups that comprise the Garos are the Ambeng, Atong, Akawe (or Awe), Duals, Matchi, Matabengs, Chibok, Chisak Megam, or Lyngngam, Ruga, Gara-Ganching.
• The Garos of the hills practice slash-and-burn agriculture or jhum-cultivation while the Garo of the plains practice wet-rice agriculture and live in a cultural and ecological environment entirely different from that of the Garo of the hills.

Gond

• Gond is one of the largest tribes in India.
• Gonds are found in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Odisha.
• Gonds worship a high god known as Baradeo, whose alternate names are Budha Dev, Thakur Dev, Dulha Dev, Sri Shambu Mahadeo, etc.
• Gond women from Chattisgarh perform the Sua dance which is performed after Diwali to honor Shiva and Parvati.

Garasia

• The Dungri Garasia are a clan of the Bhil ethnic community found in the states of  Gujarat and Rajasthan in India. They have scheduled tribe status.
• They celebrate Uttarayan, Holi, Akhatrij, Diwali, Janmashtami, Navratri, and Diwali, and various other festivals during the year.

Jawas

• The Jarawas are inhabiting presently the Western coast of Middle Andaman and South Andaman Islands.
• Jarawas continue to be hunting and gathering nomadic tribe.
• They hunt wild pigs, monitor lizard with bows and arrows.
• Tips of the arrow is made of Iron. Unlike Onges and Andamanese, Jarawas do not use dogs for hunting.
• Men fish with bows and arrows in the coastal waters while women catch fish with basket. Molluscus constitute major part of their Pisces food.
• Jarawas collect fruits and roots including honey from the forest.
• They build temporary huts in their camps. They use crude rafts to cross creeks and streams.

A tribe is a group of people who share a common geographic area and live and work there. A tribe shares a common language, religion, and culture. Additionally, they feel very united. A chief is typically in charge of the tribe. A collection of tribes arranged around kinships makes up a tribal society.

Key Points

• The word tribe is derived from Tribus, a Latin word meaning “a group”.
• The tribal communities are distinguished from other communities by relative isolation, cultural distinctiveness, and low level of production and subsistence. They are the native inhabitants. There are several terms used for them like ‘Adivasi’ (first settler), ‘vanvasi’ (inhabitants of forests), ‘vanyajati’ (primitive people), and ‘Janjati’ (folk people), and ‘anusuchit jati’ (ST).
• According to the demographical distribution of tribes:
  • In 1950 there were 212 and in the year 2003, there are 533 tribes as per notified schedule under Article 342 with the largest of them being in Orissa (62).​
• ​Approximately 2-3 million tribal communities speak their own languages, with some exceptions. The most well-known tribal languages are Chakma, Garo, Khasia, Magh, Manipuri, Munda, Oraon, and Santali.

Hence, we can conclude that the I, II, and III statements are correct. 

The literary definition of language is a system of communication through speech, a collection of sounds that a group of people understand to have the same meaning.

• A language family: A group of languages related by a common ancestor existed before recorded history.
• Dialect: A local language spoken in a specific geographic area. It should be noted that a common language can give rise to several dialects.

Key Points

 The people of India speak a large number of languages which are broadly divided into the following families-

1. Indo-European Family (Arya)
2. Dravidian Family (Dravida)
3. Austric Family (Nishada)
4. Sino Tibetan Family (Kirata)
5. Negroid
6. Others

Indo-Aryan Group of Languages: It is a branch of the larger Indo-European group of languages which came to India with the advent of Aryans. It is India's largest language group, and approximately 74% of Indians speak languages from this group. This group is divided into three sections:

• Old Indo-Aryan: This language developed around 1500 BC, and Sanskrit was born around this time. This is when the ancient form of Sanskrit found in the Vedas, Puranas, and Upanishads emerged. It is an official classical language. One of the 22 Indian languages. It is also known as the mother of Indian languages.
• Middle Indo-Aryan Group: Prakrit was developed during the Middle Indo-Aryan Group (600 BC to 1000 AD). Prakrit was also the mother tongue of many other languages, including Pali, Apabhramsha, and Ardha Magadhi. Pali was a major language used in Buddhist scripts.
• Modern Indo-Aryan Group: Languages in this group include Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi, Odia, Urdu, and others. This group's languages are primarily spoken in India's northern, western, and eastern regions.

Dravidian Group: This group consists primarily of languages spoken in southern India. This group includes approximately 25% of the Indian population. Proto-Dravidian spawned 21 Dravidian languages. These are divided into three groups. Telugu is the most populous Dravidian language, followed by Malayalam.

Sino Tibetan group: Languages in this family are Mongoloid and spread across North Bihar, North Bengal, Assam, and the North East. These languages are thought to be older than Indo-Aryan languages and are referred to as Kiratas in the oldest Sanskrit literature.

Tibeto Burman: The most common languages spoken in this category are Tibetan, North Assamese, Burman, and Manipuri.

Siamese Chinese: Ahom, a Siamese Chinese dialect, is one of the languages spoken in this category, but it is now extinct.

Austric: These are the Munda or Kol languages spoken in central, eastern, and north-eastern India. Santhali is an important language spoken by the tribe and is widely spoken in Jharkhand, Bihar, and Bengal.

Important Points

Oraon is one of the largest tribal communities in India. They are Dravidian tribe. Oraons are believed to have settled in the Chotanagpur plateau centuries ago. They are also known as Kurukh tribe. Traditionally, Oraon depended on forest for their livelihood. Oraon, differently known as Uraon, Oran or Oram, is an aborigine who inhabits in various states across in India as well as in Bangladesh. Majority of them living in Chhotonagpur region of Jharkhand are known as Kurukh. Kurukh speaks Dravidian language which is akin to Gond and other tribal languages.

The Munda are an Austroasiatic-speaking Indian ethnic group. They are primarily bilingual in the Mundari language, which is part of the Munda subgroup of Austroasiatic languages. The Munda are primarily found in the Chhotanagpur Plateau region, which encompasses the majority of Jharkhand, as well as neighbouring states Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

Additional InformationWestern Brachycephals: This group is characterized by populations with a light brown skin colour, brachycephalic head form, long nose and tall stature. Populations representing these groups are Nagar Brahmans of Gujarat to people from Coorg and people inhabiting the western coastal region.

The Negrito: They are considered to be the first settlers in the Indian subcontinent. The characteristic features of Negrito are: a dark pigmy strain having spirally curved hair; the head is small, medium or broad with a bulbous forehead, the nose is flat and broad, and the lips are everted and thick. Examples of these types of populations are: the Kadars, the Irulas, the Paniyans, etc., of the southern region. Such type of characteristics is also seen among the tribes of the Rajmahal hills. With respect to the head and hair forms, the Indian Negrito strain resembles the Melanesian pygmies than the Andamanese or African pygmies.

Therefore, the correct answer is Austric and Dravidian speech group.

The correct answer is - Tribal Ethnography

Key Points

• Tribal Ethnography
  • K.S. Singh is renowned for his extensive research and documentation in the field of Tribal Ethnography.
  • His work includes detailed studies on the social structures, cultural practices, and traditions of various tribal communities in India.
  • He is best known for his contributions to the People of India project, which aimed to document the ethnographic details of all communities in India, including tribal groups.
  • Singh's work has been pivotal in providing a comprehensive understanding of the diverse tribal cultures and their unique ways of life.

Additional Information

• People of India Project
  • Initiated by the Anthropological Survey of India under the leadership of K.S. Singh.
  • Aimed to document the socio-cultural diversity of the Indian population.
  • Covered 4635 communities including 461 tribal communities.
• Tribal Studies
  • Tribal Governance: Refers to the administration and political representation of tribal communities.
  • Tribal Economy: Involves the study of economic practices and livelihoods within tribal societies.
  • Tribal Religion: Focuses on the spiritual beliefs, rituals, and religious practices of tribal groups.
• Contributions of K.S. Singh
  • His research has been instrumental in shaping policies for tribal welfare and development.
  • Authored several books and papers that are considered essential reading in the field of anthropology and tribal studies.
  • His work has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of tribal cultures in India.

The correct answer is - Sixth

Key Points

• Sixth Schedule
  • The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in the states of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
  • It allows for the formation of Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) which have legislative, judicial, and administrative autonomy within their regions.
  • ADCs are empowered to make laws on various matters such as land, forest management, and inheritance of property.
  • This schedule ensures the protection of tribal practices and safeguards their cultural autonomy.

Additional Information

• Structure of ADCs
  • Each ADC is composed of a mix of elected and nominated members.
  • The Governor of the respective state appoints the nominated members based on their expertise or tribal representation.
• Legislative Powers
  • ADCs can legislate on subjects like agriculture, public health, and primary education.
  • These laws are subject to the approval of the Governor.
• Judicial Powers
  • ADCs have the authority to establish village courts to adjudicate disputes among the tribal populations.
  • These courts handle cases involving civil and criminal matters as per customary laws.

The correct answer is - Land Alienation

Key Points

• Land Alienation
  • According to S.L. Doshi, the biggest challenge to tribal economic sustainability is land alienation.
  • Land alienation refers to the process where tribal communities lose ownership and control over their ancestral lands, often leading to economic displacement.
  • This loss of land disrupts the traditional livelihoods of tribal communities, which are primarily based on agriculture, forest produce, and pastoral activities.
  • When tribal lands are taken over for development projects, mining, or other commercial activities, the affected communities often do not receive adequate compensation or rehabilitation.
  • The displacement and marginalization resulting from land alienation contribute significantly to the socio-economic challenges faced by tribal populations.

Additional Information

• Urbanization
  • While urbanization does impact tribal communities, it is not considered the primary challenge to their economic sustainability according to S.L. Doshi.
  • Urbanization can lead to migration and changes in traditional lifestyles, but it also offers opportunities for better education and employment for some tribal members.
• Caste System
  • The caste system is more relevant to social stratification in non-tribal Indian society. Tribals generally have their own social structures that are distinct from the caste system.
  • While there may be some overlap, the caste system is not the primary issue affecting tribal economic sustainability.
• Religious Conversion
  • Religious conversion can influence the cultural and social aspects of tribal communities but is not seen as the main economic challenge.
  • It may lead to changes in community dynamics but does not directly impact the economic sustainability to the same extent as land alienation.

The correct answer is - Social Exclusion

Key Points

• Social Exclusion
  • Virginius Xaxa is renowned for his extensive research on the social exclusion of tribal communities in India.
  • His work focuses on the systemic barriers that prevent tribal populations from accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, thereby marginalizing them in society.
  • Xaxa's research highlights the intersection of caste, class, and ethnicity in contributing to the social exclusion of tribal groups.
  • Understanding social exclusion is critical for developing policies aimed at inclusive development and reducing inequalities faced by tribal communities.

Additional Information

• Tribal Governance
  • Tribal governance involves the study of political systems and administration specific to tribal regions.
  • It includes the examination of traditional governance structures, as well as the impact of state policies on tribal autonomy.
• Tribal Arts
  • Tribal arts encompass the artistic expressions and cultural heritage of tribal communities.
  • This includes traditional crafts, music, dance, and visual arts that are integral to tribal identity.
• Industrialization
  • Industrialization refers to the development of industries in a region on a wide scale.It often involves the transformation of a society from agrarian to industrial, impacting the livelihoods and environment of tribal communities.

The correct answer is - 1, 2, and 4 only

Key Points

• Economic Transactions
  • Weekly tribal markets function as economic hubs, allowing local producers to sell agricultural and forest produce.
  • They facilitate trade between tribals and external traders, integrating rural and urban economies.
• Social and Cultural Interaction
  • These markets serve as meeting spaces for kin and extended families.
  • People use market days to arrange marriages, exchange news, and strengthen community bonds.
• Linking Rural and National Economies
  • Tribal markets connect remote economies to regional and metropolitan markets.
  • Traders from urban areas purchase raw materials and handicrafts, promoting rural industry.

Additional Information

• Periodic Markets in Rural India
  • They occur weekly in most rural areas but may be fortnightly for specific goods (e.g., cattle markets).
  • They serve as multi-purpose institutions, combining economic, cultural, and social functions.
• Role of External Traders
  • External traders bring manufactured goods (e.g., textiles, household items) into these rural markets.
  • They also purchase local produce for resale in larger urban centers, linking rural areas to the formal economy.
• Government Influence and Market Regulation
  • Forest officials and state representatives monitor and regulate tribal trade, especially in forest produce.
  • Some government schemes aim to support tribal artisans by ensuring fair trade practices.

The correct answer is Mayurbhanj.Key PointsAs Per the 2011 Census data:

Mayurbhanj:

• Total Population: 2,519,738.
• Literacy: 63.17%
• Sex Ratio: 1006
• Scheduled Caste: 7.3%
• Scheduled Tribe: 58.7%

Additional InformationAs Per the 2011 Census data:

Kandhamal:

• Total Population: 733,110.
• Literacy: 64.13%
• Sex Ratio: 1037
• Scheduled Caste: 15.8%
• Scheduled Tribe: 53.6%

Malkangiri:

• Total Population: 613,192.
• Literacy: 48.54%
• Sex Ratio: 1020
• Scheduled Caste: 22.6%
• Scheduled Tribe: 57.8%

Nabarangpur:

• Total Population: 1,220,946.
• Literacy: 46.43%
• Sex Ratio: 1019
• Scheduled Caste: 14.5%
• Scheduled Tribe: 55.8%

Rayagada:

• Total Population: 967,911.
• Literacy: 49.76%
• Sex Ratio: 1051
• Scheduled Caste: 14.4%
• Scheduled Tribe: 56%

The Headman of the village in Gonds is called as Patel, mukhia or majhi by the locals

Important Points

• One of the biggest tribal groupings in South Asia, if not the entire world, is the Gond. Tribal populations residing all throughout India's Deccan Peninsula are referred to as "Gonds." The majority identify as Gonds (hill people), Koi, or Koitur.
• Each Gond village has a headman (also referred to by the locals as a mukhia, mahji, or patel) and a panchayat, which is elected by the inhabitants.
• The headman, the priest, the village watchman, and four or five elders make up the council. It upholds Gond customs and aids in maintaining the normal operation of the community.
• Service castes like Ahir (cowherds), Agaria (blacksmiths), Dhulia (drummers), and Pardhan are also present in villages (bards and singers).
• A Gond village often consists of multiple hamlets. Each comprises of large family-sized homesteads. Most houses are made of thatch and mud.
• In addition to the states of Maharashtra and Orissa, Gonds are found all over central India. They have historically been connected to hills and uplands in the Deccan Peninsula as "hill people." On the Bastar plateau, in the vicinity of the Satpura Hills, Maikala Range, and Son-Deogarh uplands, there are a lot of Gonds. The Garhjat Hills in northern Orissa are also home to numerous Gond tribes.
• The head-waters of several of India's major rivers drain the area (such as the Narmada, Tapti, Son, Mahanadi, and Godavari). There are areas with a dense forest cover, and communication is typically challenging.

 Thus we know that the Headman of the village in Gonds is called as Patel, mukhia or majhi by the locals.

Confusion PointsThe term patla might denote a headmen of a village in general terms as mentioned in some sources. But when we consider Gond society specifically, the term "Patel" denotes headmen of their village.