Description

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Context

An 18-year-old from the Kanjar tribe was fatally attacked in East Champaran; police investigate the motive. Bhil tribal families in Pune allege eviction threats from the Vasantdada Sugar Institute, raising concerns over displacement.

About Bhil Tribe

The Bhil are one of the largest tribal groups, living in Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.
The name is derived from the word ‘billu’, which means bow. The Bhil are known to be excellent archers coupled with deep knowledge about their local geography.
Traditionally, experts in guerrilla warfare, most of them today are farmers and agricultural labourers.
They are also skilled sculptors.
Bhil has traditional medical specialists - Budwa (Shaman) Huvarki (traditiona) birth attendant) Vaidu (herbalist) and Had Vaidu (Bone setter) with some communities having male midwives.
Bhil women wear traditional saris while men are dressed in long frock and pyjama. Woman put on heavy ornaments made of silver, brass along with rosaries of beads and silver coins and earing.

About Kanjar Tribe

The Kanjar tribe is a nomadic and semi-nomadic community primarily found in North India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana. Historically, they have been known for their itinerant lifestyle and association with occupations such as hunting, fishing, and crafting.

Important Tribes of India

State	Tribes
Andhra Pradesh	Andh, Sadhu Andh, Bhil, Bhaghata, Dhulia,rona, Kolam, Gond
Arunachal Pradesh	Singpho, Monpa, Abor, Sherdukpen, Galo, Apatanis
Assam	Khasis, Chakma, Dimasa, Gangte, Garos, Hajong, Chutiya
Bihar	Gond, Birjia, Asur, Savar, Parhaiya, Chero, Birhor, Santhals
Chhattisgarh	Nagasia, Biar, Khond, Agariya, Bhattra, Mawasi, Bhaina,
Goa	Varli, Dubia, Siddi, Dhodia, Naikda
Gujarat	Patelia, Bhil, Dhodia, Bamcha, Barda, Paradhi, Charan, Gamta
Himachal Pradesh	Swangal, Gujjars, Lahaulas, Khas, Pangwala, Lamba, Gaddis
Jammu and Kashmir	Balti, Garra, Sippi, Bakarwal, Mon, Gaddi, Purigpa, Beda
Jharkhand	Gonds, Birhors, Savar, Mundas, Santhals, Khaira, Bhumji
Karnataka	Gond, Patelia, Barda, Yerava, Bhil, Koraga, Adiyan, Iruliga
Kerala	Malai, Aarayan, Arandan, Uralis, Kurumbas, Arandan
Madhya Pradesh	Kharia, Bhils, Murias, Birhors, Baigas, Katkari, Kol, Bharia
Maharashtra	Warlis, Khond, Bhaina, Katkari, Bhunjia, Rathawa, Dhodia
Manipur	Thadou, Aimol, Maram, Paite, Chiru, Purum, Kuki, Monsang
Meghalaya	Pawai, Chakma, Raba, Hajong, Lakher, Garos, Jaintias Khasis
Mizoram	Dimasa, Raba, Chakma, Lakher, Khasi, Synteng, Kuki, Pawai.
Nagaland	Nagas, Angami, Sema, Garo, Kuki, Kachari, Mikir, Konyak, Lotha
Odisha	Gadaba, Ghara, Kharia, Khond, Matya, Oraons, Rajuar, Santhals.
Rajasthan	Bhils, Damaria, Dhanka, Meenas(Minas), Patelia, Sahariya
Sikkim	Bhutia, Khas, Lepchas.
Tamil Nadu	Adiyan, Aranadan, Eravallan, Irular, Kadar, Kanikar, Kotas, Todas.
Telangana	Chenchus.
Tripura	Bhil, Bhutia, Chaimal, Chakma, Halam, Khasia, Lushai, Mizel, Namte.
Uttarakhand	Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Raji, Tharu.
Uttar Pradesh	Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Kol, Raji, Tharu.
West Bengal	Asur, Khond, Hajong, Ho, Parhaiya, Rabha, Santhals, Savar.
Andaman and Nicobar	Great Andamanese, Oraons, Onges, Sentinelese, Shompens.
Little Andaman	Jarawa
Lakshadweep	Aminidivis, Koyas, Malmis, Melacheris.
North-East	Abhors, Chang, Galaong, Mishimi, Singpho, Wancho.

Source:

TIMES OF INDIA

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/teenager-from-nomadic-tribe-beaten-to-death/articleshow/117981945.cms

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to the Kanjar tribe in India, consider the following statements:

The Kanjar tribe is classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) by the Government of India.
They were historically labeled as a "criminal tribe" under British colonial rule.
The majority of the Kanjar population is settled in northeastern states of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

The Kanjar tribe is recognized as an OBC (Other Backward Class) in some states but is not classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).

Statement 2 is correct

The Kanjar tribe was categorized as a "criminal tribe" under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 by the British, leading to historical discrimination. This act was repealed in 1952, but the stigma persists.

Statement 3 is incorrect

The Kanjar tribe is primarily found in North India (Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and Haryana), not in the northeastern states.