Tribes & Communities — Set 11
Rajasthan GK · जनजातियां और समुदाय · Questions 101–110 of 120
The Bhil tribe is considered one of the oldest tribal communities of India. In which districts of Rajasthan do they primarily reside?
Correct Answer: B. Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and Udaipur
The Bhils primarily inhabit the southern Rajasthan districts of Banswara, Dungarpur, Pratapgarh, and parts of Udaipur, which constitute the Vagad region. This area is part of the Aravalli hill ranges and has a dense tribal population. According to legend, a Bhil chieftain named Guhil helped Bappa Rawal establish the Guhilot dynasty of Mewar, reflecting the historical connection between Bhils and Rajput rulers.
The Meena (Mina) tribe is the largest scheduled tribe in Rajasthan. They are concentrated in which region?
Correct Answer: B. Eastern and northeastern Rajasthan (Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa)
The Meena tribe is the largest scheduled tribe in Rajasthan and is primarily concentrated in the eastern and northeastern districts including Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, Dausa, Karauli, and Alwar. The Meenas are traditionally associated with forest dwelling and agriculture. They have a rich cultural heritage including their own dialect, folk songs, and a tradition of military service that earned them the title of Meena Rajas in historical times.
The Garasia tribe, a significant community in Rajasthan, primarily inhabits which area?
Correct Answer: B. Sirohi and Pali districts in the southern Aravallis
The Garasia tribe primarily inhabits the Sirohi and Pali districts of Rajasthan in the southern Aravalli hills, with some population in Abu Road area. They are considered descendants of the Chauhan Rajput warriors who intermarried with local tribal women. The Garasias have a unique marriage system including the Gandharva Vivah (love marriage), and their festivals like Gavari and Ghoomar are culturally important.
The Sahariya tribe in Rajasthan is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). In which districts do they mainly live?
Correct Answer: A. Baran and Kota
The Sahariya tribe is mainly concentrated in Baran district (especially Shahabad and Kishanganj tehsils) and parts of Kota district in southeastern Rajasthan. They are listed as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), indicating their extreme backwardness and vulnerability. The Sahariya are known for their traditional forest-based lifestyle, and their community is being supported through special government schemes for education and livelihood development.
The Rebari (Raika) community in Rajasthan is traditionally associated with which occupation?
Correct Answer: B. Camel and cattle herding (pastoralism)
The Rebari (also called Raika) community in Rajasthan is a traditional pastoral community known for camel and cattle herding across the Thar Desert. According to their legend, Lord Shiva created the first Rebari couple to care for camels, giving their profession a divine origin. The Rebaris have specialized knowledge of camel breeding, veterinary care, and migration routes, and their camel breeds like Bikaneri and Jaisalmeri are internationally recognized.
The Bhil tribal dance 'Ghoomar' performed during festivals is different from the Rajput Ghoomar. What is unique about the Bhil version?
Correct Answer: C. It is a rain-invocation ritual dance
The Bhil version of Ghoomar (called Geri or Gher dance among the Bhils) often incorporates elements of rain-invocation rituals and is performed during agricultural festivals. The Bhil tribal communities have their own distinct dance traditions including the Ghoomar performed by women and the Geri dance performed by men with decorated sticks. These dances form an integral part of Bhil festivals like Bhagoria and Divasa.
The Bhagoria festival is a major tribal festival in southern Rajasthan celebrated primarily by which tribe?
Correct Answer: B. Bhil tribe
Bhagoria is a major festival celebrated by the Bhil tribe primarily in the Dungarpur and Banswara districts of southern Rajasthan and adjoining areas of Madhya Pradesh. It is held just before Holi and is known for the practice of young Bhil men selecting life partners by eloping with them (Bhagna). The festival involves colourful fairs with traditional music, dance, and an opportunity for youth courtship within social norms.
The traditional Bhil painting style known as Pithora is used for which purpose?
Correct Answer: B. As votive (religious offering) wall paintings to appease deities
Pithora paintings are sacred votive wall paintings made by the Bhil and Rathwa communities to fulfill a vow or prayer made to their deity Pithora (a horse deity). These vibrant paintings are created by male artists called Lakhara on the walls of homes during festivals and celebrations. The paintings typically depict horses, human figures, and scenes from nature and are believed to bring prosperity and protect the family.
The Meena tribe of Rajasthan has a traditional festival called Teej. However, they are especially known for which community organization?
Correct Answer: B. Meena Panchayat (tribal governance system)
The Meena tribe has a traditional governance system through their Meena Panchayat (Panch system), where disputes are resolved and community affairs managed by elected tribal elders. This traditional system coexists with the formal government panchayat system. The Meena community has a strong sense of identity and has produced numerous officers in the police and administrative services through the reservations and educational opportunities.
The Kathodi tribe in Rajasthan is known for which traditional occupation?
Correct Answer: B. Extraction of catechu (katha) from khair trees
The Kathodi tribe traditionally made their living by extracting catechu (katha) from khair trees, which is used as a mouth freshener and in pan (betel leaf preparation). The word Kathodi itself derives from katha, indicating their traditional occupation. They are a small but distinct tribe found in parts of southern Rajasthan. Today many Kathodi families have transitioned to agricultural labor and other occupations.