Tribes — Indian Geography

Q.1

WBCS Prelims 2018

The Dogras inhabit mainly

A. from the Southern Pir Panjal region to the Punjab plains

B. in Kashmir Valley

C. In Northern Kashmir plains

D. in Poonch

Explanation

Why Correct: Dogras are an ethnic group native to the Jammu region, inhabiting areas from the southern slopes of the Pir Panjal range down to the Punjab plains, including districts like Jammu, Kathua, and Udhampur.
Distractor Analysis: Kashmir Valley is predominantly inhabited by Kashmiri Muslims. Northern Kashmir plains refer to areas like Baramulla and Kupwara, which have Kashmiri and Gujjar populations. Poonch has a mixed population including Gujjars, Paharis, and some Dogras, but is not their primary region.
Takeaway: Dogras historically established the Dogra dynasty that ruled Jammu and Kashmir until 1947, with Maharaja Gulab Singh founding the princely state.

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Q.2

WBCS Prelims 2017

Toto is a primitive tribal community found in the state of

A. Arunachal Pradesh

B. Odisha

C. West Bengal

D. Tamil Nadu

Explanation

Why Correct: The Toto tribe exclusively inhabits Totopara village in Alipurduar district of West Bengal, situated on the banks of the Torsa river.
Distractor Analysis: Arunachal Pradesh hosts tribes like Adi, Nyishi, and Apatani. Odisha has numerous tribes including Santal, Kondh, and Bonda. Tamil Nadu's tribal communities include Irula, Toda, and Kota.
Takeaway: The Toto tribe numbers fewer than 2,000 individuals and is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India.

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Q.3

WBCS Prelims 2010

Todas are tribals of

A. Jharkhand

B. Chhattisgarh

C. Uttarakhand

D. Nilgiri Hills

Explanation

Why Correct: The Toda people are an indigenous tribal community who inhabit the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu, with their traditional territory centered around the Ooty (Udhagamandalam) region.
Distractor Analysis: Jharkhand has major tribes like Santhal, Munda, and Ho. Chhattisgarh has tribes like Gond, Baiga, and Halba. Uttarakhand has tribes like Bhotia, Jaunsari, and Tharu.
Takeaway: Other prominent tribes of Tamil Nadu include the Irula, Kurumba, and Badaga communities, who also inhabit the Nilgiri region alongside the Todas.

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Q.4

WBCS Prelims 2005

The Jarawas live in

A. Laccadive

B. Andaman Islands

C. Mazuli

D. Maldives

Explanation

Why Correct: Jarawas are an indigenous tribal group inhabiting the Andaman Islands, specifically the South Andaman and Middle Andaman regions.
Distractor Analysis: Laccadive refers to the Lakshadweep archipelago in the Arabian Sea. Mazuli is likely a misspelling of Majuli, the river island in Assam. Maldives is an island nation in the Indian Ocean.
Takeaway: Other indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands include the Great Andamanese, Onge, and Sentinelese, while the Nicobar Islands have tribes like the Nicobarese and Shompen.

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Q.5

WBCS Prelims 2001

The tribal of Southern India are

A. Negritos

B. Proto-Australoids

C. Mongoloids

D. Caucasoids

Explanation

Why Correct: Proto-Australoids form the predominant tribal racial group in Southern India, including tribes like the Gond, Bhil, and Santhal.
Distractor Analysis: Negritos inhabit the Andaman Islands. Mongoloids populate the Himalayan and Northeastern regions. Caucasoids, or Indo-Aryans, dominate Northern and Northwestern India.
Takeaway: India's major racial groups are Negritos, Proto-Australoids, Mongoloids, and Caucasoids, each with distinct geographical distributions.

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