Q. Consider the following pairs :
- Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim
- Karbi : Himachal Pradesh
- Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
- Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched? (UPSC Prelims 2013)
Answer:
1 and 3 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[A] 1 and 3 only. This question tests your knowledge of the geographical distribution of various Scheduled Tribes (STs) and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across India.Analysis of the Pairs:
- Limboo (Limbu) : Sikkim (Pair 1 is Correct): The Limbu or Limboo are an indigenous people of the Himalayan region. In India, they are primarily concentrated in Sikkim and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal. They have their own language and a unique culture often associated with the Kirat heritage.
- Karbi : Himachal Pradesh (Pair 2 is Incorrect): The Karbis are a prominent ethnic group primarily found in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam. They are not native to Himachal Pradesh (where groups like the Gaddi, Gujjar, and Kinnaura are found). The Karbi people are known for their rich oral traditions and festivals like Rongker.
- Dongaria Kondh : Odisha (Pair 3 is Correct): The Dongaria Kondh are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Niyamgiri hill ranges of Odisha. They became globally famous due to their successful legal and social struggle to protect their sacred hills from bauxite mining. They are known for their deep spiritual connection to their environment.
- Bonda : Tamil Nadu (Pair 4 is Incorrect): The Bonda (or Bondo) tribe is another PVTG, but they are located in the Malkangiri district of Odisha, not Tamil Nadu. They are one of the most ancient and secluded tribes in India, often distinguished by their unique attire and language (Remo). In Tamil Nadu, prominent tribes include the Todas, Irulas, and Badagas.