Garos, Khasis and Bodos from North-Eastern states can be classified in the same category based on
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → similar physical-racial features
Option (1) same religion: Christianity — Incorrect. Religion is not a basis on which tribes are classified, and these tribes do not all follow one religion.
Option (2) as numerically largest tribes — Incorrect. The biggest tribes of India, each at least a million strong, are the Gonds, Bhils, Santhals, Oraons, Minas, Bodos and Mundas. The Bodos are among them, but the Garos and Khasis are not.
Option (3) similar physical-racial features — Correct. Tribes are classified by permanent traits, one of which is physical-racial features: the Negrito, Australoid, Mongoloid, Dravidian and Aryan categories. The Garos, Khasis and Bodos of the North-East all belong to the Mongoloid category, so they fall in the same group on this basis.
Option (4) same occupational category — Incorrect. Occupation or mode of livelihood is an acquired trait, not a permanent one, and it varies within and across these tribes. It is not what puts them in one category.
NCERT (2025-26): “Permanent Traits … In physical-racial terms, tribes are classified under the Negrito, Australoid, Mongoloid, Dravidian and Aryan categories. The last two are again shared with the rest of the population of India. In terms of size, tribes vary a great deal, ranging from about seven million to some Andamanese islanders who may number less than a hundred persons. The biggest tribes are the Gonds, Bhils, Santhals, Oraons, Minas, Bodos and Mundas, all of whom are at least a million strong.…” |