Aspirant Academy

Geography

Predicted Questions with Model Answers

Demographic Characteristics, Tribes of Rajasthan

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 13 of 14 0 PYQs 36 min
Topic Preview Subject Inventory

Public Section Preview

Predicted Questions with Model Answers

Q1 (5 marks — 50 words)

What are the key demographic features of Rajasthan as per Census 2011? Mention any four statistical highlights.

Model Answer (EN): As per Census 2011, Rajasthan's population was 6.86 crore — India's 7th most populous state. Key highlights: decadal growth rate 21.3% (above national 17.7%); sex ratio 928 (national 943); literacy rate 66.1% with female literacy at 52.1%; and population density 200/sq km against a national average of 382/sq km.

Q2 (5 marks — 50 words)

Who are the Saharia? Why are they classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)?

Model Answer (EN): The Saharia are Rajasthan's only PVTG, concentrated in Baran district (Shahabad and Kishanganj blocks). They are classified as PVTG due to extremely low literacy, high infant mortality, pre-agricultural dependence on forest gathering, and population stagnation. PM JANMAN Yojana (2023) specifically targets their welfare through housing, health, and road connectivity.

Q3 (5 marks — 50 words)

Distinguish between scheduled tribes of southern Rajasthan and northern Rajasthan with suitable examples.

Model Answer (EN): Southern Rajasthan's tribes (Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara) include the Bhil — Rajasthan's largest ST — practising settled agriculture, and the Garasia (Pali, Sirohi) known for the Gavari dance. Northern Rajasthan has a smaller tribal population; the Meena of Jaipur-Sawai Madhopur belt are administratively classified as ST but are socio-economically more integrated into mainstream society.

Q4 (5 marks — 50 words)

What is the demographic dividend? Assess Rajasthan's potential to benefit from it.

Model Answer (EN): Demographic dividend refers to accelerated economic growth when a large proportion of the population is in the working-age group (15–59 years), reducing the dependency ratio. Rajasthan's working-age population is ~63%. However, low female literacy (52.1%), high school dropout rates, and skill gaps limit its realisation. RSLDC's target of skilling 35 lakh youth offers a corrective pathway.

Q5 (10 marks — 150 words)

Discuss the scheduled tribe population of Rajasthan: distribution, socio-economic conditions, and government welfare schemes.

Model Answer (EN): Rajasthan's Scheduled Tribe (ST) population constitutes 13.5% of the total population (Census 2011), distributed predominantly in the southern districts. The state has 12 major tribes and one PVTG.

Distribution: The Bhil are the largest ST (~39% of ST population), concentrated in Udaipur, Dungarpur, Banswara, and Chittorgarh. The Meena are the second largest, spread across Jaipur, Sawai Madhopur, and Dausa. The Garasia inhabit Pali and Sirohi. The Saharia — Rajasthan's only PVTG — are confined to Baran district.

Socio-economic conditions: Tribal communities face below-average literacy rates, higher infant mortality, subsistence farming, and forest-dependency. Female literacy among ST women is lower than the state average of 52.1%.

Government welfare schemes:

  • PM JANMAN Yojana (2023): ₹24,000 crore nationally for PVTG welfare covering housing, water, roads, and Aadhaar
  • Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP): Earmarks state budget proportional to ST population share for education and health
  • Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS): Residential schools in tribal blocks, improving ST literacy
  • Van Dhan Vikas Kendras: Tribal entrepreneurship through minor forest produce processing

Rajasthan's 2023 district reorganisation created Salumbar district carved from Udaipur — a dedicated tribal-majority unit — improving administrative access for ST communities.