Classification of tribes based on acquired status use two main criteria. Identify the criteria from the ones listed below.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Mode of livelihood and extent of incorporation into Hindu society
Option (1) Mode of livelihood and language spoken — Incorrect. Mode of livelihood is one criterion, but language is a permanent trait a tribe is born with, not an acquired one. Language groups are used in classifying tribes by permanent traits.
Option (2) Extent of incorporation into Hindu society and language spoken — Incorrect. Incorporation into Hindu society is an acquired criterion, but language again belongs to permanent traits.
Option (3) Mode of livelihood and extent of incorporation into Hindu society — Correct. 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. By livelihood, tribes are fishermen, food gatherers and hunters, shifting cultivators, peasants, and plantation and industrial workers.
Option (4) Extent of incorporation into non-tribal society and religious symbols used — Incorrect. The criterion is incorporation into Hindu society, and religious symbols are not a criterion of acquired traits at all.
NCERT (2025-26): “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.…” |