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.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about Toto tribe:

1. The Toto tribe is concentrated in the village of Totopara in West Bengal’s Alipurduar district.
2. The Totos follow an endogamous social system and advocate for the dowry system.

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.