UPSC Prelims 2009 Q81: Geography – Population & Demography

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Geography

In which one of the following places is the Shompen tribe found ?

Answer: (b) Nicobar Islands

Explanation

Where the Shompen tribe is found

This indigenous tribal community inhabits a specific remote Indian island group.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) Nilgiri Hills	Incorrect	Home to different tribal groups (like the Todas), not the Shompen
(b) Nicobar Islands	Correct	The Shompen tribe is an indigenous community found specifically on Great Nicobar Island, part of the Nicobar Islands
(c) Spiti Valley	Incorrect	Home to a different Himalayan community, not the Shompen
(d) Lakshadweep Islands	Incorrect	Home to a different island population, not the Shompen

Shompen tribe facts:

Point	Detail
Location	Great Nicobar Island, Nicobar Islands
Status	A particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG)

Answer: (b) Nicobar Islands.

(a) Incorrect. The Nilgiri Hills host different tribal groups, not the Shompen.
(b) CORRECT. The Shompen tribe is found on Great Nicobar Island, in the Nicobar Islands.
(c) Incorrect. Spiti Valley is home to a different Himalayan community.
(d) Incorrect. Lakshadweep Islands have a different island population.

The Shompen tribe, an indigenous community, is found on Great Nicobar Island, part of the Nicobar Islands.

The Shompen tribe is found on the Nicobar Islands (specifically Great Nicobar Island).

Confusing the Shompen's Nicobar Islands home with other Indian tribal regions (Nilgiris, Spiti, Lakshadweep).
Not knowing the Great Nicobar Island specific location within the broader Nicobar group.
Mixing up different vulnerable tribal groups' specific geographic locations.

Shompen tribe = Great Nicobar Island (Nicobar Islands), a particularly vulnerable tribal group.

Anthropological Survey of India — People of India: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Volume XXXVI
Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India — Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups: Shompen (Andaman and Nicobar Islands)