Description
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Source: Al Jazeera
Context
Ahead of India's 16th Census, experts have claimed that counting the six major indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including the Jarawa, is doable.
About Jarawas
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Location
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Middle and South Andaman Islands, India
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Official Status
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Classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India
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Population Growth
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Increased from 260 (in 1998) to around 647 (in 2025) due to better healthcare and limited external interference
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First Contact
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Voluntary contact with outsiders began in 1997, allowing limited medical aid, schooling, and trade
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Origin of Jarawas
- The Jarawas are thought to be the descendants of the extinct Jangil tribe.
- Some theories relate their ancestry to the first wave of human migration out of Africa, placing them among the first human inhabitants in Asia.
- They survived British occupation (from 1789) and World War II, despite a severe population decrease.
Lifestyle of Jarawas
- Lifestyle: They are hunter-gatherers and fishermen who travel in nomadic groups of 40-50 people.
- Ancestry: Considered to be ancestors of the extinct Jangil tribe and among the first human migrants from Africa.
- Health Profile: They have good physical health and a low prevalence of lifestyle disorders such as diabetes and hypertension.
- Longevity: Natural childbirth is popular, and the average longevity has surpassed 50 years.
Source: The Hindu
Practice Question:
Q. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:
- PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory.
- A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status.
- There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far.
- Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 3
(b) 2, 3 and 4
(c) 1, 2 and 4
(d) 1, 3 and 4
Correct Answer: (c) 1, 2 and 4
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: PVTGs are spread across 18 States and 1 Union Territory (Andaman & Nicobar Islands).
- Statement 2 – Correct: Criteria for identifying PVTGs include stagnant or declining population, pre-agricultural level of technology, and low literacy rates.
- Statement 3 – Incorrect: There are 75 PVTGs officially notified by the Government of India, not 95.
- Statement 4 – Correct: Both Irular (Tamil Nadu) and Konda Reddi (Andhra Pradesh) are recognized PVTGs.
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