Question

Which one of the following languages has become extinct from the Adivasi tribe of Jharkhand?
A) Mundari
B) Kurukh
C) Kharia
D) Asuri

Answer 1

Hint: In various Indo-Aryan languages, the words ‘Jhar’ and ‘Khand’ mean forest and land respectively. As a result, the word Jharkhand signifies a land of bush or forest. Jharkhand is a state which is located in India's eastern region. It's famous for its waterfalls, exquisite Jain temple structures, and wildlife. Ranchi is the state capital and the state of Jharkhand is home to many different tribal groups of India.

Complete answer:
There are 32 Scheduled Tribes in India's Jharkhand state. Only 18 tribes were incorporated in the scheduled tribe in 1872, with Banjara, Bhatudi, Chik Baraik, and Mahli being classified as semi-Hindu aboriginals and Kora as a staunch Hindu. In the 1931 census, the number of semi-Hindu aboriginals was boosted from 18 to 26 by adding four more in the annexure.

However, the tribal group named Kisan was left off the list since it was not considered native to the state. Taking Kisan out of the annexure, the population of Baga, Bedia, and Lohra increased to 30 in the 1941 census, where it remained until June 2003. As of the 8th of June, 2003, the annexure included Kanwar and Kol, bringing the total number of tribal groups of Schedule Tribes listed to rise up to 32. Tribal groups in the state now include the Asur, Banjara, Bedia, Birhor, Santhal, Kor, and Munda. After Gumla, Oraon has the largest population in Ranchi. Of the entire tribal population of Lohardaga district, they account for the largest share (81 percent) of tribal groups in the state.

Jharkhand's Asuri tribe is one of the most vulnerable tribal groups in the state. The buffalo demon Mahisasura is considered to be an ancestor of the Asuri Adivasis. They were also the first Indian tribe to develop iron smelting, according to legend. There are just about 8000 people left who speak this tribal group's language, and hence, this tribe and the Asuri language is on the verge of extinction.

Therefore, the correct option is option ‘D’.

Note: Also known to be a state rich in mineral resources, Jharkhand is bordered by Bihar towards its north, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh to the west, Odisha in the southern part, and West Bengal towards the east. Jharkhand covers a total area of 7,970,000 hectares. The Chota Nagpur Plateau covers a large portion of Jharkhand. The Chota Nagpur plateau is cross-sectioned by a slew of rivers. These rivers are the Damodar, North Koel, Barakar, South Koel, Sankh, and Subarnarekha Rivers.