UPSC Prelims 2014 Q39: Geography – Population & Demography
With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statements :
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
Changpa community
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand | Incorrect | They live on the Changthang plateau of Ladakh |
| 2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool | Correct | The Changthangi goat gives pashmina |
| 3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes | Correct | Notified as a Scheduled Tribe |
About the Changpas:
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Way of life | Nomadic pastoralists; move with yaks, sheep and goats |
| Home | Black yak-hair tents called rebo |
| Region | High, cold desert at over 4,000 metres; around Tso Moriri and Pangong lakes |
| Product | Raw pashmina, woven into shawls in Kashmir |
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. They live in Ladakh, not mainly in Uttarakhand.
- (b) CORRECT. Changpas rear Pashmina goats and are a Scheduled Tribe.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is also true: they rear Pashmina goats.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is false; their home is Changthang, Ladakh.
Key point
Changpa: nomadic pastoral Scheduled Tribe of Changthang, Ladakh; rear Changthangi goats that yield pashmina wool.
Remember
Changpa = Ladakh, pashmina goats, Scheduled Tribe.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Changpas of Ladakh with the Bhotiyas of Uttarakhand.
- Not linking 'Chang-pa' with Chang-thang.
- Thinking pashmina comes from sheep; it comes from a goat.
Exam tip
Changpa lives in Changthang. The name gives the place.
Sources
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs — List of Scheduled Tribes (Ladakh)
- Ministry of Textiles — Pashmina Wool Development Scheme