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Totos, one of the smallest tribes in the world, lives in Totopara off West Bengal but are fighting for identity and suffering from infrastructure woes.
Location |
Situated near the Jaldapara Wildlife Sanctuary, south of the Bhutan-West Bengal border, on the Torsa River. (World's smallest indigenous ethnic groups) |
Ethnic Group |
Belongs to the Tibetan-Mongoloid ethnic group. |
Population |
One of the most endangered tribes with over 1,600 members. Classified as a "vanishing tribe" and listed as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG). |
Language |
Toto language is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family and is written in the Bengali script. |
Social Structure |
Endogamous tribes are divided into 13 exogamous clans. Practice monogamy and strictly oppose the dowry system, unlike neighboring tribes. |
Housing |
Elevated bamboo huts with thatched roofs. |
Beliefs |
Identify as Hindus but also practice nature worship. The Totos have two main gods whom they worship: Ishpa - He is supposed to live in the Bhutan hills. Cheima - She keeps the village and its people safe from troubles and sicknesses. |
Traditional Economy |
Historically food gatherers practiced slash-and-burn cultivation. Worked as porters transporting oranges from Bhutan to Totopara. |
Current Occupation |
Transitioned to settled agriculture with occupational diversification over time. |
Source:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements about Toto tribe:
Which of the above-given points is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: a Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Toto tribe resides in the village of Totopara, located in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, near the Bhutan border. Statement 2 is incorrect: Totos are endogamous (marrying within their community), they do not practice the dowry system. In fact, they are known for strongly opposing it, unlike some neighboring tribal groups. |
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