Identify the permanent traits of tribes from the list provided below:
A. Language
B. Mode of livelihood
C. Region
D. Extent of incorporation into Hindu society
E. Physical characteristics
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A, C, E only
A. Language Permanent trait (Correct). Tribes are classified by permanent traits, the ones a tribe carries with it whatever its way of life: region, language, physical characteristics and ecological habitat. Language is one of them.
B. Mode of livelihood Acquired trait (Incorrect). Livelihood can change, from food gathering and hunting to shifting cultivation, settled farming or plantation and industrial work. So it is an acquired trait.
C. Region Permanent trait (Correct). About 85% of the tribal population lives in ‘middle India’, a band from Gujarat and Rajasthan to West Bengal and Odisha. Region is a permanent trait.
D. Extent of incorporation into Hindu society Acquired trait (Incorrect). The degree of assimilation into Hindu society changes over time, so it is the second of the two criteria used for acquired traits.
E. Physical characteristics Permanent trait (Correct). Physical characteristics are named among the permanent traits.
NCERT (2025-26): “Classifications of Tribal Societies … In terms of positive characteristics, tribes have been classified according to their ‘permanent’ and ‘acquired’ traits. Permanent traits include region, language, physical characteristics and ecological habitat.…” “Acquired Traits … Classifications based on acquired traits use two main criteria – mode of livelihood, and extent of incorporation into Hindu society – or a combination of the two.” “On the basis of livelihood, tribes can be categorised into fishermen, food gatherers and hunters, shifting cultivators, peasants and plantation and industrial workers.…” |