Q1. With reference to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), consider the following statements:
1. The categorization of PVTGs was initiated in the 1970s based on recommendations of the Dhebar Commission.
2. No PVTG is found in the northeastern states of India.
3. The term “Primitive Tribal Groups” was officially replaced by “PVTGs” in 2006.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Correct. The Dhebar Commission (1960–61) flagged highly vulnerable tribes; formal categorization began in 1975 (Ministry of Home Affairs).
- Statement 2 — Incorrect. Northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh (e.g., Puroik) and Tripura (e.g., Riang) have PVTGs.
- Statement 3 — Correct. In 2006, the Indian government changed the nomenclature from PTG to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) to more accurately depict their status.
Thus, only 2 statements are correct.
Answer: (b) Only two
Q2. In the Union Budget 2023–24, the Government of India announced a special scheme for the development of PVTGs. Which of the following correctly describes its features?
(a) It aims at saturation coverage of PVTG households with basic facilities, and is implemented by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
(b) It seeks to provide exclusive political reservations for PVTGs in Scheduled Areas.
(c) It mandates land redistribution in forest areas exclusively for PVTGs.
(d) It introduces a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme replacing all existing tribal welfare programmes.
Explanation
- The scheme is called “PM PVTG Development Mission” (Budget 2023–24).
- It targets saturation of basic facilities (housing, water, education, health, road connectivity, telecom).
- Implemented by Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- Other options are distractors: no exclusive political reservation, no blanket land redistribution, and not a DBT replacement.
Hence, (a) is correct.
Q3. Match the following PVTGs with the state/UT where they are predominantly found:
| PVTG Group | State/UT |
|---|---|
| A. Chenchu | 1. Odisha |
| B. Shom Pen | 2. Madhya Pradesh |
| C. Baiga | 3. Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| D. Dongria Khond | 4. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana |
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Explanation:
• Chenchu → Andhra Pradesh & Telangana (forest-dwelling hunter-gatherers).
• Shom Pen → Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Baiga → Madhya Pradesh (also in Chhattisgarh).
• Dongria Khond → Odisha.
• Shom Pen → Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Baiga → Madhya Pradesh (also in Chhattisgarh).
• Dongria Khond → Odisha.
Thus, correct code = (a)
Answer: (a) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Answer: (a) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
Q4. With reference to the criteria for identifying Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India, which of the following is/are included?
1. Pre-agricultural level of technology
2. Low or stagnant population growth
3. Extremely low literacy levels compared to other tribal groups
4. Economic backwardness and social isolation
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
All four are official criteria used to identify PVTGs:
- Pre-agricultural technology (e.g., hunting and gathering).
- Low or stagnant population.
- Very low literacy compared to other tribes.
- Economic backwardness + social isolation.
These criteria are based on the recommendations of the Dhebar Commission and subsequent government guidelines. PVTGs are characterized by their primitive traits, having low literacy, economic backwardness, geographically isolated habitats, and stagnant or declining population growth.
Hence, all four are correct.
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Q5. Which one of the following states has both the largest number of PVTG communities and the highest PVTG population in India?
(a) Chhattisgarh
(b) Odisha
(c) Jharkhand
(d) Madhya Pradesh
Explanation
- Odisha has 13 PVTG communities, the largest among all states.
- It also accounts for the highest population of PVTGs in India.
- The Dongria Khond is a well-known PVTG from Odisha.
Answer: (b) Odisha
Q6. With reference to the tribal population in India, consider the following statements:
1. Lakshadweep has the highest concentration of tribals in terms of percentage of population among all states and Union Territories.
2. The Gonds, spread across central India, constitute the largest tribal group with a population exceeding 5 million.
3. The decadal growth rate of the tribal population (2001–2011) was lower than the national average.
How many of the above statements are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Explanation
- Statement 1 — Correct. Lakshadweep has the highest concentration of tribals (94.8%), followed by Mizoram (94.4%) and Nagaland (86.5%).
- Statement 2 — Incorrect. The Bhils are the largest tribal group followed by the Gonds. The Gonds have a population around 3.2 million to 8.5 million in different sources, but they are the second largest tribal group.
- Statement 3 — Incorrect. The tribal population growth (23.7%) between 2001–2011 was higher than the national average, not lower.
Thus, only one statement is correct.
Answer: (a) Only one
Q7. With reference to tribal dances of India, consider the following pairs:
| Dance | Tribe/Region |
|---|---|
| 1. Dhimsa | Khond, Andhra Pradesh |
| 2. Vattakali | Santhals, Jharkhand |
| 3. Losar Shona Chuksam | Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh |
| 4. Paika | Munda, Jharkhand & Odisha |
Which of the above pairs is/are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only
Explanation
- Dhimsa → Valmiki, Bagata, Khond (Andhra Pradesh) → Correct.
- Vattakali → Paniyas (Kerala), not Santhals → Incorrect.
- Losar Shona Chuksam → Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh), linked to lunar new year → Correct.
- Paika → Munda tribes (Jharkhand & Odisha), martial-style dance with sword & shield → Correct.
Hence, 1, 3 and 4 are correct.
Answer: (c) 1, 3 and 4 only
Prominent Tribal Dances
| Dance Name | Tribe/Region | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dhimsa | Valmiki, Bagata, Khond (Andhra Pradesh) | Performed at weddings and festivals, full of rhythmic movements and vibrant costumes. |
| Falgun Halka | Kharia (Jharkhand) | Celebrates spring, participants wear red costumes representing sal flowers. |
| Vattakali | Paniyas (Kerala) | Circular dance with agricultural tools, depicts agrarian activities. |
| Losar Shona Chuksam | Kinnaur (Himachal Pradesh) | Celebrates lunar new year with rhythmic knee-dipping and slow movements. |
| Paika | Munda (Jharkhand, Odisha) | Martial-style dance with sword & shield mock fights. |
| Sarfa | Santhals (East India) | Performed on new moon nights to honor nature & cattle, women balance decorated pots. |
| Bamboo Dance | Mizo (Northeast) | Dancers step in/out between moving bamboo poles held by seated men. |
| Ghoomar | Bhil (Rajasthan) | Graceful women’s dance performed during festivals & social occasions. |
| Ghumura | Kalahandi (Odisha) | Traditional war dance with vigorous moves, performed during Dussehra. |
Many dances use traditional instruments like drums (tamak, mandar), flute, cymbals, and unique wooden instruments.