Question

UPSC Prelims 2014 Question:

With reference to the 'Changpa' community of India, consider the following statements:

They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.

They rear the Pashmina goats that yield fine wool.

They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2: 2 and 3 only

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

Changpas are nomadic pastoral tribes who live in the Changthang region of Leh, Ladakh. The Changthang region sustains a unique diversity of animals. The Asiatic wild ass (Kiang) is endemic to this region. So, statement 1 is not correct.
Changpas are traditionally a nomadic pastoralist community rearing yak, sheep, pashmina goat, and horses, for their sustenance and livelihoods. Pashmina goats are known for their fine-quality of wool. They practice an age-old system of rotational grazing to protect the pastures from overgrazing. So, statement 2 is correct.
Union Territory of Ladakh is predominantly a tribal region in the country. The region is inhabited by the following Scheduled Tribes like Balti, Beda, Bot, Boto, Brokpa, Drokpa, Dard, Shin, Changpa, Garra, Mon, and Purigpa. Changpa is kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes. So, statement 3 is correct.

Therefore, option (2) is the correct answer.

Knowledge Box

The cold desert of Changthang plateau is situated between the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges and extending up and into Tibet, is a bio-culturally unique region.
It comprises vast grasslands and sand deserts, high-altitude lakes such as Tsokar, Tsomoriri, and Pangong, large marshy stretches, and rivers such as Hanle and Indus.
The region sustains a unique diversity of animals and plants.
It is the only known breeding site in India for black-necked crane and bar-headed goose, and home for the snow leopard, Pallas’s cat, Tibetan gray wolf, wild ass (Kiang), Tibetan gazelle, argali, wooly hare, Tibetan lark, among many others.

Subject: Geography | Indian Social and Economic Geography

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