Question

‘Todas’ are one of the major tribes found in _____.
A. Sikkim
B. Assam
C. Nilgiris
D. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Answer 1

Hint: This region is a part of the Western Ghats. The highest mountain in this region is the Doddabetta peak. It is a part of a Biospheres reserve, which in turn is a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Complete Answer:
- ‘Todas’ are a group of ‘Dravidian’ people who thrive in the Nilgiri mountains of Tamil Nadu. They are the one of the major tribes in the region along with other communities like Kota, Kurumba and Badaga.
- They live in small settlements called mund. These munds consist of five to seven thatched houses. These houses are in the shape of half-barrels and they are located across the slopes of the pastures. They use these pastures to keep their domestic buffaloes. Their economy has been dependent on buffaloes, whose dairy products are traded with people in the neighboring areas of the Nilgiri hills.
- The Toda religion considers the buffalo to be sacred and consequently they perform rituals for all dairy activities. They also have rituals for ordination of the dairymen who are equivalent to priests in this tribe. The people who follow the Toda religion claim to be Toda Hindus. They make up 87% of all the Todas.
- Rice with dairy products and curries is the staple food of the Todas. They are vegetarians and hence, their curries do not consist of meat, egg or fish products.

Thus, the correct answer is Option (C) Nilgiris.

Note: According to the 2011 census there were 2000 Toda people in India which by 2020 has increased to 2200 people. 87% of them are Toda Hindus, 11% are Christians, and 1% Muslims. Originally the Toda people used to practice pastoralism and were strictly vegetarian. But nowadays, they have started venturing into agriculture and other occupations.