Which of the following is an acquired trait that is used to classify tribal societies?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Livelihood categories
Option (1) Linguistic categories — Incorrect. Language is a permanent trait, along with region, physical characteristics and ecological habitat.
Option (2) Ecological habitat — Incorrect. Ecological habitat, such as hills or forests, is also counted among the permanent traits.
Option (3) Livelihood categories — Correct. Classifications based on acquired traits use two main criteria: mode of livelihood and extent of incorporation into Hindu society. By livelihood, tribes are grouped as fishermen, food gatherers and hunters, shifting cultivators, peasants, and plantation and industrial workers. A livelihood can change, which is why it is acquired.
Option (4) Interactional categories — Incorrect. Tribes are not classified by any such category. The two acquired-trait criteria are livelihood and the extent of incorporation into Hindu society.
NCERT (2025-26): “3.2 Tribal Communities … 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.…” |