MCQ: on Who are Adivasis?


1. What does the term Adivasi mean?

a) Tribal people who recently migrated to India
b) Original inhabitants of India
c) A group of people living only in cities
d) A religious sect

Answer: b) Original inhabitants of India
Explanation: Adivasi literally means original inhabitants, referring to indigenous communities that have lived in India for centuries.


2. What percentage of India’s population consists of Adivasis?

a) 5%
b) 8%
c) 12%
d) 20%

Answer: b) 8%
Explanation: Adivasis make up about 8% of India’s total population, but they face economic and social marginalization.


3. Where are Adivasi communities predominantly found in India?

a) Only in North India
b) In forested and hilly regions across different states
c) Only in cities
d) Only in coastal regions

Answer: b) In forested and hilly regions across different states
Explanation: Adivasis are primarily found in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, and the northeastern states, living in close association with forests.


4. Which of the following states has the highest number of Adivasi groups?

a) Tamil Nadu
b) Gujarat
c) Odisha
d) Punjab

Answer: c) Odisha
Explanation: Odisha has over 60 different tribal groups, making it one of the states with the highest Adivasi population.


5. Which of the following describes Adivasi society?

a) Strict caste-based hierarchy
b) Egalitarian with little social hierarchy
c) Based on monarchy
d) Controlled by a religious leader

Answer: b) Egalitarian with little social hierarchy
Explanation: Adivasi societies are not structured around caste hierarchies but have more egalitarian social structures.


6. What is a major challenge faced by Adivasis in modern India?

a) They lack cultural traditions
b) Forced displacement due to industrial and mining projects
c) Complete political dominance
d) Excessive land ownership

Answer: b) Forced displacement due to industrial and mining projects
Explanation: Adivasis have been displaced from their lands due to large-scale mining, industrial projects, and deforestation, leading to loss of livelihood.


7. How have Adivasi cultures influenced mainstream Indian culture?

a) Through language, music, and religious practices
b) They have remained isolated with no influence
c) By completely abandoning their traditions
d) By controlling all government policies

Answer: a) Through language, music, and religious practices
Explanation: Many mainstream Indian languages, religious practices, and festivals have been influenced by Adivasi cultures.


8. What is the official term used by the Indian government to refer to Adivasis?

a) Scheduled Tribes
b) General Category
c) Nomadic Tribes
d) Urban Dwellers

Answer: a) Scheduled Tribes
Explanation: The Indian government officially categorizes Adivasis as Scheduled Tribes, providing them with constitutional safeguards.


9. Which of the following is a traditional religion practiced by Adivasis?

a) Islam
b) Christianity
c) Nature and ancestor worship
d) Buddhism

Answer: c) Nature and ancestor worship
Explanation: Many Adivasis worship ancestors and nature spirits associated with mountains, rivers, and forests.


10. What is a common stereotype about Adivasis in popular media?

a) They are highly educated professionals
b) They only dance and wear colorful costumes
c) They control the government
d) They dominate business and tradeAnswer: b) They only dance and wear colorful costumes
Explanation: Adivasis are often stereotyped as primitive, exotic, and backward, ignoring their rich history and contributions.


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