Tribes and Their Activities (Jharkhand)

1. Who among the following was considered as the head of the village? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Khuntkatti Raiyat
(b) Jeth Raiyat
(c) Asami
(d) Bhogta

Correct Answer: (b) Jeth Raiyat

Solution:In 19th century Bihar (also Jharkhand) landscape, Jeth Raiyat was term used for village head (although this word is generally associated with wealthy tenants also). In Buchanan's word Jeth Raiyat "commonly assist their poor and ignorant neighbours in settling their accompts".

2. By which term does the Hill Kharia community refer to a body bigger than the Panchayat? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Parha
(b) Chira
(c) Para
(d) Bara Jutan

Correct Answer: (a) Parha

Solution:The traditional political organisation of Hill Kharia Community is constituted at two different levels, one at the village level which is called Panchayat and other at inter-village level which is a body bigger than Panchayat. This inter-village body is called Parha Panchayat or Kutumba Sabha or Bhira.

3. Who is the most important God of the Santhal Tribe? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Marang Buru
(b) Marang Manjhi
(c) Moreko Turiko
(d) Thakur Deo

Correct Answer: (a) Marang Buru

Solution:Santhal people worship forces of nature like water, fire, air, earth etc. Their supreme deity is Marang Buru or Bonga. Most of adoration, falls on a court of spirits (Bonga), who handle various parts of world.

4. Who among the following is a primitive tribe? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Kawar
(b) Kora
(c) Kamali
(d) Korwa

Correct Answer: (d) Korwa

Solution:Among the 32 tribes in Jharkhand, nine tribes have been classified as PTG (Primitive Tribe Groups). They are – Asur, Birhor, Birajia, Korwa, Parahiya (Baiga), Sabar, Mal Pahariya and Souriya Pahariya and Bil Kahria. In Jharkhand, the PTG population is just 2.23 lakh as per 2011 Census. They are primarily hunters and gatherers. The livelihood options of these primitive tribal groups are broadly classified as Agriculture, Forestry, Handicrafts and Handlooms.

5. ‘Andi’ and ‘Oportipi’ form of marriage is related to which tribe? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Ho
(b) Paharia
(c) Munda
(d) Oraon

Correct Answer: (a) Ho

Solution:Andi and Oportipi marriage traditions are related to Ho tribes. The Andi marriage is referred to as marriage through negotiation. The Oportipi marriage referred to marriage through capturing.

6. There are total 30 tribal communities in Jharkhand out of which the source of maximum tribes is – [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2003]

(a) Proto - Australoid
(b) Austric
(c) Negro
(d) Mongoloid

Correct Answer: (a) Proto - Australoid

Solution:Most of the tribes of India belong to the Proto-Australoid group. Out of the total 30 tribal communities of Jharkhand, most of the tribes belong to Proto-Australoid group.

7. The Sohrai festival in Jharkhand is celebrated next day of Diwali to glorify [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2016]

(a) Agriculture wealth
(b) Forest wealth
(c) Mining wealth
(d) Cattle wealth

Correct Answer: (d) Cattle wealth

Solution:Sohrai festival is one of the popular festivals of the tribes of Jharkhand. This festival is celebrated on the next day of Diwali to glorify cattle wealth. On this occasion, cattle are being washed and worshiped.

8. 'Thendiri' and 'Bidadiri' rituals are related to: [Jharkhand. P.C.S. (Pre) 2023]

(a) Santhal matrimony
(b) Oraon birth ceremony
(c) Munda last rites
(d) Oraon last rites

Correct Answer: (c) Munda last rites

Solution:Thendiri and Bidadiri are mortuary rites of Munda tribe. These are connected with setting up of the memorial stones. These rituals take place at least one year after the death has occurred, usually in the month of Fagun (February-March).

9. Sohrai is the biggest festival of which tribe? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

(a) Birhor
(b) Santhal
(c) Munda
(d) Oraon

Correct Answer: (b) Santhal

Solution:Sohrai is the biggest festival of Santhal tribes. This festival is celebrated to welcome the harvest.

10. Name the festival of the flower of Adivasis in Jharkhand? [Jharkhand P.C.S. (Pre) 2013]

(a) Tusui
(b) Baha
(c) Sarhul
(d) karma

Correct Answer: (b) Baha

Solution:The festival of flower celebrated by Santhal tribe in Jharkhand is known as ‘Baha’. In this festival ‘Sal’ and ‘Mahua’ flower are used along with other important religions things. Baha, the festival of flowers of Santhals is celebrated between February and March every year.