UPSC Prelims 2005 Q146: Geography – Population & Demography
Which one of the following statements is not correct?
- (a) There is no definition of the Scheduled Tribe in the Constitution of India.
- (b) North - East India accounts for a little over half of the country’s tribal population.
- (c) The people known as Todas live in the Nilgiri area.
- (d) Lotha is a language spoken in Nagaland.
Answer: (b) North - East India accounts for a little over half of the country’s tribal population.
Explanation
Scheduled Tribes in India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Constitution does not define ST | Correct — Article 342 lets the President specify tribes |
| b. North-East has a little over half of the tribal population | Not correct — the North-East has about 12%; central India holds most |
| c. Todas live in the Nilgiri area | Correct |
| d. Lotha is a language spoken in Nagaland | Correct |
Statement (b) is wrong: most of India's tribal population lives in central India, not in the North-East.
Answer: (b) North-East India accounts for a little over half of the country's tribal population.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Constitution does not define Scheduled Tribes.
- (b) CORRECT. The North-East has a small share of India's tribal population, so this statement is not correct.
- (c) Incorrect. The Todas live in the Nilgiris.
- (d) Incorrect. Lotha is a Naga language.
Key point
Tribal population: central India (MP, Odisha, Jharkhand) holds the largest share.
Remember
Central India, not the North-East, holds most of India's tribal population.
Common mistakes
- Assuming the North-East has the majority of tribal people.
- Mixing the Todas with the Badagas of the Nilgiris.
- Missing the not correct wording.
Exam tip
NE has high tribal percentage of State population, not of India's tribal total.
Sources
- Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India — Census of India 2001: Scheduled Tribes
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India — Annual Report 2004–05