Races and Tribes

• Human beings are vertebrates and belong to the class Mammalia. Within the class Mammalia, man belongs to the order primates, a group that originated about 65 million years ago and includes not only monkeys and apes but also lorises, lemurs and tarsiers. Humans belong to the family Hominidae, in which homo sapiens is the only living species.

Human Evolution

• The journey of human evolution on Earth is thought to have commenced during the Tertiary period, as indicated by paleontological evidence. The initial human ancestors emerged in the African continent around 65 million years ago.
• Ramapithecus stands as the earliest fossil ancestor in the direct line of human evolution, existing approximately 16 to 18 million years ago. 
• Following this, Australopithecus, the African ape people, inhabited Africa around 5 million years ago, ultimately leading to the genus Homo around 2 million years ago.
• Homo Habilis, known as "the handy people," thrived in Africa roughly 2 million years ago. Homo erectus emerged about 1.7 million years ago and is believed to have migrated to Asia and Europe.
• In Europe and Asia, the Neanderthal Man (Homo sapiens neanderthalensis), a primitive form of Homo sapiens, was prevalent. Despite resembling modern humans, they were relatively short and had a robust build. The Neanderthal population vanished around 34,000 years ago, making way for the more efficient Cro-Magnon.
• Following the last glacial period, Homo sapiens began to disperse globally.

Races of the World

• Race is a term used for a large group of people with some basic inherited physical characteristics in commons, eg, skin colour, hair, facial features and head shape, etc.
• The factors influencing the racial differences are given below Climatic Changes A unique race evolves due to living in the same climatic conditions for very long time. e.g. White races in the colder regions or Negroid races in the Mediterranean tropical region. Due to climate change, racial characteristics are also changed. e.g., brown complexion of a Mestizo.

Physical Characteristics of Races

Hormonal Influence Hormones also influence the differences in races which are as follows.

• Pituitary Gland Due to higher activity of this gland, people of the Caucasian race are tall, well built, with beautiful and proportionate noses and broad chin.
• Thyroid Gland Due to the inactivity of this gland, people of the Mongolian race have flat face, and small foreheads.
• Adrenal Gland This gland influences the complexion.
• Biological Mutation and Selection Hugo De Vries was the proponent of the Mutation Theory of Evolution. He believed species evolve from other species through sudden, large changes in character traits.
• Racial Mixture or Miscegenation Miscegenation is the mixing of different racial groups through different activities like marriage, co-habitation, sexual relations or procreation, particularly inter-mixing i.e., perceived to negatively impact the purity of a particular race or culture.

Classifications of Human Races

• This division of human races is usually on the basis of origin and the variations found among them. But again clear-cut demarcating line doesn't exist and there are always intermediate types possessing a combination of characteristics.
• So, every race has some overlapping traits.
• The first effort to classify human races on a scientific basis was undertaken by Linnaeus in the 18th century.
• Mainly three broad races are found in the world which are as given below

Caucasoid Race and Tribes

• A collective term for individuals from Europe, the Horn of Africa, West Asia, Central Asia, and South Asia is the Caucasian race, commonly referred to as White People.
• The origin of the Caucasian race is believed to be traced back to the Caucasian Mountains in Eurasia. Their light skin tone is thought to be an adaptation to the cold climate of Europe, allowing better sunlight absorption. 
• The distinctive nose structure is considered an adaptation to prevent moisture loss in windy conditions. Caucasoid individuals inhabit Europe and the Middle East, constituting half of the world's population. The Caucasoid race is further divided into the European branch, the Indo-Iranian branch, and Semite and Hamites.
• European Branch This branch is primarily concentrated in Europe, with diaspora populations in regions colonized by Europeans. It is subdivided into three sub-branches: Nordic, Mediterranean, and Alpine.
• Indo-Iranian Branch People of this branch are found in regions like Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, and the Northwestern and Central parts of India.

Mongoloid Race

• The Mongoloid facial structure is adapted to cold and mild winds. Mongoloid populations reside in East Asia, and South-East Asia, and include Native Americans and Eskimos.
• Christoph Meiners coined the term Mongolian race. Mongoloid people have a yellow complexion, which changes to light brown in South-Eastern Asia due to contact with the Australoid race.
• They are characterized by oblique eyes, straight black hair, smaller foreheads, and an average height of 1.66 m. The Mongoloid race is divided into four main groups: Ancient Mongoloids, Arctic Mongoloids, American Indians, and Indonesian Mongoloids.
• Ancient MongoloidsPeople of this group reside in North and Central China, Mongolia, and Tibet.
• American Indians Red Indians of North and South America, exhibiting Mongoloid features.
• Arctic Mongoloids Inhabitants of sub-polar regions, including Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Siberian Eskimos.
• Indonesian Malay This group, found in Southern China, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, displays traits of Mongoloid, Caucasoid, and Australoid races.

Negroid Race

• Commonly referred to as Black People, they possess the darkest skin tone, coarse black hair, and are known as woolly-haired people.
• This group includes African Negro, Nilotic Negro, and Negrito (Pygmies) sub-races, known for their stamina and ability to thrive in adverse climatic conditions, including severe heat.
• They are categorized into two main branches: the African branch and the Asian branch.

African Branch

• People belonging to this branch are located in the Southern parts of the Sahara desert and are further subdivided into various sub-groups. The original Negroid population resides in areas stretching from the mouth of the Senegal River to the Eastern parts of Nigeria, including regions such as Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, etc.

Asian Branch

• This branch encompasses the Dravida and Australoid groups. The Dravidian group is situated in Southern India, while the Australoid group is found in South-East Asia and Northern Australia. The Dravidian group includes tribes such as Gond and Oraon from Eastern India, whereas the Australoid group comprises tribes like Toda, Kadar, Kurumba, etc., from Southern India.

Tribes of the World

• Approximately 90% of the world's population resides in the Northern Hemisphere, with 60% in Asia alone, 30% in temperate regions (Europe), and only 1% beyond 60°N (Polar regions). UNESCO declared 1993 as the International Year of the World's Indigenous People, with August 9th observed as the International Day of the World's Indigenous People. India boasts one of the largest tribal populations globally.

Important tribes worldwide include:

Pygmies

• Inhabitants of the tropical rainforests of the Zaire basin, such as Mabuti, Twa (Batwa), Viroga, and Gossera. They are nomadic hunters and gatherers, and Negrillas are characterized by their short stature.

Bora

• An indigenous tribe of the Western Amazon basin and marginal areas of Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. They exhibit Mongoloid features and engage in primitive farming, known for their barbarous practices.

Sakai

• Inhabitants of the forests of the Malay Peninsula and Malaysia, characterized by fair complexion, high stature, slim body, and the use of blowpipes for hunting.

Semangato

• Negrito ethnic groups of the Malay Peninsula, residing in hilly regions of Malaya, Andaman, Philippines, and Central Africa. They are hunters and gatherers with distinctive physical features.

Papuan

• Residing in Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean, similar to Pygmies with features like short stature and dark complexion. They practice farming and exhibit superstitious beliefs.

Bushmen

• Primarily located in the Kalahari Desert (Namibia, Botswana, and Angola), their region now extends to Lesotho, Natal, and Zimbabwe. With features resembling both Negroes and Negritoes—short stature, non-protruded mouth, thick averted lips, and wide eyes—they are omnivores engaging in hunting and gathering. Unfortunately, their population is steadily decreasing.

Bedouin

• Semi-nomadic Arab tribes historically inhabit desert regions in North Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and Iraq. As pastoral people, they rear camels, sheep, goats, and horses, with those focusing on camels known as Ruwala. 
• Bedouin of Arabia, ride horses and reside in tents, in contrast with Sahara's Tuaregs, camel riders dwelling in a grass called zeriba. Gobi Mongols, relying on horses to herd yaks, lived in portable tents called Yurts. They maintain large animal flocks, participate in trade, and move with their herds to find water and green pastures. Dairy products, hides, leather, and various products are derived from their animals.

Masai

• Nomadic herders from Kenya, Northern Tanganyika (Tanzania), and Eastern Uganda, the Masai constitute a blend of Mediterranean and Negroid people. Their huts, known as Krals, house a priest called Laibon. Rearing Zebu (humped cattle) for milk and blood supply, they consume blood but abstain from meat.

Kirghiz

• Belonging to the Mongoloid race, Kirghiz traditionally inhabit the high plateaus of Tienshan and Pamir. Features include short stature, a robust build, yellow skin, coarse black hair, and oblique eyes. Engaged in herding, they produce Kumis—a wine made from rotten milk.

Eskimo

• Inhabiting the tundra region from Alaska to Greenland, Eskimos belong to the Mongoloid race. The term 'Eskimo' translates to 'Eaters of raw meat,' while they refer to themselves as 'Inuit,' meaning 'real people.'
•  Hunting walrus, white deer, reindeer, and seals, they domesticate reindeer and use harpoons and umiak boats for whale hunting. With a unique style called Manpok and Ituarpok, their sledge-drawn travel involves utilizing teams of dogs. 
• Migratory Eskimos dwell in Igloos (snow houses), with different names in Canada, Greenland, North Siberia, and Northern Europe.

Other World Tribes

• Samoyeds: Residing in West Siberia, the Samoyeds belong to the Mongoloid race, engaging in hunting and animal husbandry without permanent shelter.
• Yucagir: In the North-Eastern Siberian region between Verkhoyansk and Stanovoy hills, the Yucagir tribe, part of the Mongoloid race, focuses on hunting and fishing.
• Punan: Found in Central Borneo, the Punan tribe's primary occupations include farming and gathering.
• Kazzak: Nomadic herders in Kazakhstan and the Si-kiang province of China.
• Maya: Tribal Indians of Central America, the Maya people are farmers residing in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras.
• Maori: Polynesian tribes of New Zealand, engaging in hunting, farming, and gathering.
• Magyar: Located in Romania, Yugoslavia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Ukraine, the Magyar people, also known as Hungarians, practice farming and speak the Hungarian language.
• Boars: In the Orange Free State of South Africa, the Boars are herders and practice farming.
• Zulu: Residing in the Natal province of South Africa, the Zulu people speak the Nguni language and practice farming and animal rearing.
• Cosecs: Inhabiting the Northern parts of the Black Sea and Caspian Sea region, the Cosecs reside in Poland, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Russia.
• Afridi: A warrior and valorous tribe residing in the region of Pakistan between Safed Koh and Peshawar.
• Tupiq: Found in Western Alaska and Eastern Russia.
• Aborigines: Australoids and native people of Australia.
• Red-Indian: Mongoloid racial stock distributed in various parts of North, Middle, and South America.
• Bantu: Negritoes tribe found in Central Africa.
• Dravidian: Caucasoid racial stock in Peninsular India.
• Jarawa: Inhabitants of Andaman.
• Lapp: Caucasoid group of people found in Northern Scandinavia, Sweden, Northern Finland, Norway, and the North-Western region of Russia.
• Zulu: Bantu-speaking people of South Africa's Cape Province.

Endangered Tribes of the World

• Hadza: Residing in Tanzania with a population of merely 200, speaking a language similar to the Bushman.
• Kung: Living in the Kalahari region, genetic and paleontological evidence suggests they once inhabited an extensive area of Africa.
• Apache: A tribe in the plains of Oklahoma, USA, with a population of 1000, having migrated from Siberia.
• Yanomami: A nearly extinct tribe found at the boundary of Brazil and Venezuela.
• Yukagir: A Siberian tribe with a population of merely 2000, engaged in hunting reindeer.
• Chukchi: A Palco-Asian language-speaking tribe residing in North-Eastern Siberia and North America.
• Onge: A Negrito group tribe living in Andaman, with only 100 members, migrating to the region from Africa thousands of years ago.
• Sentali: An endangered tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Tribes Living in the Hilly Region

Prelims Facts

• The most recent in the Homosapiens Species is

- Cro-Magnon Humans (RAS/RTS (Pre) 1994)

•  Which continent is known as the cradle of Mankind'?

- Africa (RAS/RTS (Pre) 2012)

•  Bantu tribes are found in East, Central, and Southern areas of

- Africa [UPPSC (Pre) 2012)

• Which racial group has the largest number of members?

- Caucasoid [JPSC (Pre) 2011]

•  In which dense tropical forest does the Semang tribe live?

- Malaysia [UPPSC (Mains) 2010]

•  Pygmies are tribes that are mainly

- Hunters and Gatherers [UPPSC (Pre) 2005]

•  Which state was port of the erstwhile Soviet Union over which Kurdish population is spread?

- Armenia [IAS (Pre) 1993]

•  The most common areas of nomadic herding are

- Dry Areas [JPSC (Pre) 2013]

•  Which tribes practice nomadic herding for subsistence

- Bedouin, Bakarwol and Khirghiz [APSC (Pre) 2016]

• The original home of the gypsies was

- India [IAS (Pre) 1995, UPPSC (Pre) 2016]

•  Zulu is a tribe associated with which country

- South Africa [RAS (Pre) 1999, MPPSC (Pre) 2016)

•  The Inuit people are found in

- Arctic regions of Canada, Denmark, Russia

and Alaska [UPPSC (Mains) 2003]

•  What do you understand by the term Baiga?

- Tribes of West Asia [JPSC (Pre) 2008)

• Latin America, a person of European and India mixed blood is called?

- Mestizo (IAS (Pre) 1999

• Which sub-species are related to Mongols?

- Nordic (HPSC (Pre) 2012

• Which desert are the Tuareg pastoralists from

- Sahara (UPPSC (Pre) 2016)

•  What is Esperanto?

- An artificial language two serve as a world language

(BPSC (Pre) 1992, LIPPSC (Pre) 2010

• Apart from India, Tamil is a major language in

- Singapore [IAS (Pre) 2005, RAS/RTS (Pre) 2016]

• Which racial group mainly found in North America?

- Mongoloid [UPPSC (Pre) 2015

•  Which region is famous for Lapps tribe?

- Scandinavia [UPPSC (Pre) 2010]

•  Eskimos are inhabitants of

- Canada [BPSC (Pre) 2000]

• The original homes of Gypsies were

- India [IAS (Pre) 1995]

• The Native African tribe Pygmies are found in which river basin!

- Congo [BPSC (Pre) 2011]

• The most common areas of nomadic herding are

- Rainy areas [JPSC (Pre) 2013]

• Which type of migration has contributed most in population movement in India?

- Rural to Rural [CGPSC (Pre) 2018]

•  Seasonal movement of people and their herds from the valley to the mountain and vice-versa refers to

- Transhumance [JPSC (Pre) 2013]

Self Check

1. Which of the following is considered to be the most recent?

(a) Heidelberg humans

(b) Cro-Magnon humans 

(c) Pilt Magnon humans

(d) Neanderthal humans

2. Which continent is known as 'the Cradle of Mankind'?

(a) Asia

(b) Africa

(c) Europe

(d) South America

3. Within biological communities, some species are important in determining the ability of a large number of other species to persist in the community. Such species are called

IAS (Pre) 2000, UPPSC (Pre) 2012

(a) Keystone species

(b) Allopatric species

(c) Sympatric species

(d) Threatened species

4. Which racial group has the largest number of members?

JPSC (Pre) 2011

(a) Negroid

(b) Mongoloid

(c) Australoid

(d) Caucasoid

5. The native African tribe 'Pygmies' are found in which of the following river basins?

BPSC (Pre) 2001, MPPSC (Pre) 2015

(a) Niger

(b) Congo

(c) Nile

(d) Zambezi

6. Which desert are the Tuareg pastoralists from?

UPPSC (Pre) 2016

(a) Kalahari

(b) Sahara

(c) Arabia

(d) Patagonia

7. The Inuit people are not found in 

UPPSC (Mains) 2009

(a) Alaska

(b) Greenland

(c) Canada

(d) Sweden

8. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched?

UPPSC (Pre) 2001

(a) Eskimo           :             Canada

(b) Oraon:                           Japan

(c) Lapps:                            India

(d) Gonds:                          Africa

9. To which of the following racial groups the natives of North America belong? 

UPPSC (Pre) 2015

(a) Austric

(b) Caucasoid

(c) Mongoloid

(d) Negroid

10. Match List I with List II and select the correct answer by using the codes given below the lists.

BPSC (Pre) 2000, UPPSC (Pre) 2009

Codes

      A   B   C   D                                        A   B   C   D

(a)  1   2   3   4                                   (b)  4   3   2    1

(c)  3   4   2   1                                   (d)  2   4   1    3

11. Which of the following tribes practices nomadic herding for subsistence?

APSC (Pre) 2016

(a) Bedouin

(b) Bakarwal

(c) Khirghiz

(d) All of these

12. The original home of the Gypsies was

IAS (Pre) 1995, UPPSC (Pre) 2016

(a) Egypt

(b) Russia

(c) India

(d) Persia

13. Which of the following pairs is not correctly matched?

UPPSC (Pre) 2019

     Tribes                              Places

(a) Pygmy:                           Congo Basin

(b) Angami:                            Nagaland

(c) Ainu:                                 Japan

(d) Khirghiz:                              Sudan

14. The most common areas of nomadic herding are

JPSC (Pre) 2013

(a) hot humid regions

(b) old humid regions

(c) rainy areas

(d) dry areas

15. Which one of the following pairs is incorrectly matched?

BPSC (Pre) 2020

(a) Masai:            Central Eastern Asia

(b) Sakai:            Malaysia

(c) Bedouin:            Arabian Peninsula

(d) Khirghiz:            Central Asia

16. Which of the following pairs are not correctly matched?

UPPSC (Pre) 2011

(a) Fulani-West Africa

(b) Bantu-Sahara

(c) Maasai-East Africa

(d) Nuba-Sudan

Know Right Answer

1. (b)
2. (b)
3. (a)
4. (d)
5. (b)
6. (b)
7. (d)
8. (a)
9. (c)
10. (c)
11. (d)
12. (c)
13. (d)
14. (d)
15. (b)
16. (b)