1. According to Census 2011, the total Scheduled Tribe (ST) population in Karnataka is approximately —
A) 60 lakh
B) 45 lakh
C) 42 lakh
D) 35 lakh
Answer: C) 42 lakh
Explanation: Karnataka’s ST population is around 42.5 lakh, forming about 6.95% of the state’s total population.
2. The district with the highest tribal population in Karnataka is —
A) Chamarajanagar
B) Mysuru
C) Ballari
D) Raichur
Answer: D) Raichur
Explanation: Raichur district has the largest tribal population, followed by Ballari and Belagavi.
3. The district with the highest percentage of tribal population (proportion-wise) is —
A) Chamarajanagar
B) Kodagu
C) Uttara Kannada
D) Dakshina Kannada
Answer: A) Chamarajanagar
Explanation: About 10–12% of Chamarajanagar’s population belongs to Scheduled Tribes (mainly Soliga and Jenukuruba).
4. The lowest tribal population percentage is found in —
A) Udupi
B) Kodagu
C) Tumakuru
D) Mandya
Answer: D) Mandya
Explanation: Mandya and Ramanagara have less than 1% tribal population.
5. The major tribal regions of Karnataka are —
A) Coastal and Malnad belts
B) Northern dry zone
C) Southern maidan
D) Urban Bengaluru
Answer: A) Coastal and Malnad belts
Explanation: Forested and hilly regions like Kodagu, Chamarajanagar, and Uttara Kannada host most tribes.
6. Karnataka’s tribes belong mostly to which ethnic-linguistic group?
A) Indo-Aryan
B) Dravidian
C) Austro-Asiatic
D) Tibeto-Burman
Answer: B) Dravidian
Explanation: Most Karnataka tribes, like Soliga and Koraga, speak Dravidian dialects.
7. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 recognized how many tribes in Karnataka originally?
A) 25
B) 30
C) 36
D) 40
Answer: B) 30
Explanation: Initially 30 tribes were listed; currently, Karnataka recognizes 50+ Scheduled Tribes.
8. The major concentration of tribes in Karnataka is found in —
A) Western Ghats and Southern Hills
B) Northern plains
C) Coastal plains only
D) Urban Bengaluru
Answer: A) Western Ghats and Southern Hills
Explanation: Due to dense forests, tribal settlements thrive in Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, and Uttara Kannada.
9. The tribal population density is highest in —
A) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
B) Tumakuru and Kolar
C) Bagalkot and Vijayapura
D) Mandya and Ramanagara
Answer: A) Mysuru and Chamarajanagar
Explanation: Forest-based Soliga and Jenukuruba tribes dominate this region.
10. The primary occupation of tribes in Karnataka is —
A) Trade
B) Agriculture, forest collection, and shifting cultivation
C) Industry
D) Fishing
Answer: B) Agriculture, forest collection, and shifting cultivation
Explanation: Most tribes depend on subsistence farming and NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products).
11. Which department handles tribal welfare programs in Karnataka?
A) Department of Agriculture
B) Department of Tribal Welfare (Social Welfare Dept.)
C) Department of Forests
D) Department of Rural Development
Answer: B) Department of Tribal Welfare
Explanation: It plans and implements schemes for Scheduled Tribes through TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan).
12. The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) concept was introduced in India in —
A) 1951
B) 1974–75
C) 1980
D) 1991
Answer: B) 1974–75
Explanation: TSP ensures earmarked budget allocation for ST development.
13. The largest tribe by population in Karnataka is —
A) Soliga
B) Naika (Nayaka)
C) Koraga
D) Jenukuruba
Answer: B) Naika (Nayaka)
Explanation: The Naika/Nayaka community is numerically the largest Scheduled Tribe in Karnataka.
14. The only African-origin tribe in Karnataka is —
A) Soliga
B) Siddhi
C) Koraga
D) Gowdalu
Answer: B) Siddhi
Explanation: The Siddhis of Uttara Kannada trace their ancestry to African migrants brought centuries ago by the Portuguese.
15. The forest tribe known for honey collection is —
A) Jenukuruba
B) Soliga
C) Koraga
D) Siddhi
Answer: A) Jenukuruba
Explanation: “Jenu” means honey in Kannada; Jenukurubas are traditional honey gatherers.
16. The tribe inhabiting the Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills) is —
A) Soliga
B) Koraga
C) Gowdalu
D) Halakki Vokkaliga
Answer: A) Soliga
Explanation: The Soligas are the main inhabitants of BR Hills in Chamarajanagar district.
17. The Koragas, a particularly vulnerable tribe, live mainly in —
A) Kodagu and Mysuru
B) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
C) Tumakuru and Kolar
D) Raichur and Ballari
Answer: B) Udupi and Dakshina Kannada
Explanation: The Koragas are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) found on the coast.
18. The Siddhis are concentrated in —
A) Dharwad and Haveri
B) Uttara Kannada and Belagavi
C) Chamarajanagar and Mysuru
D) Bidar and Kalaburagi
Answer: B) Uttara Kannada and Belagavi
Explanation: The Siddhis live mainly around Yellapur, Ankola, and Haliyal.
19. The Halakki Vokkaliga tribe inhabits —
A) Western Ghats (Uttara Kannada)
B) Kodagu forests
C) Ballari plains
D) Raichur valley
Answer: A) Western Ghats (Uttara Kannada)
Explanation: Known as “people of the forest,” they are a sub-group of the larger Vokkaliga community with tribal lifestyle.
20. The Gowdalu tribe is found mainly in —
A) Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru
B) Belagavi and Dharwad
C) Raichur and Kalaburagi
D) Dakshina Kannada
Answer: A) Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru
Explanation: Gowdalus are forest dwellers in the coffee belt of Western Ghats.
21. The Betta Kuruba tribe is found mostly in —
A) Mysuru and Kodagu
B) Udupi
C) Kolar
D) Bidar
Answer: A) Mysuru and Kodagu
Explanation: “Betta Kuruba” means “hill Kuruba,” known for forest-based lifestyle.
22. The Yerava (Adiya) tribe is mainly found in —
A) Kodagu
B) Tumakuru
C) Belagavi
D) Shivamogga
Answer: A) Kodagu
Explanation: Yeravas work in coffee estates and forest-based occupations.
23. The Kadu Kuruba tribe is primarily engaged in —
A) Agriculture and forestry
B) Hunting and honey collection
C) Fishing
D) Metalwork
Answer: B) Hunting and honey collection
Explanation: Traditionally forest-dependent, they now engage in eco-tourism and handicrafts.
24. The Hasala (Hasalaru) tribe lives in —
A) Shivamogga district
B) Kodagu district
C) Koppal district
D) Mysuru district
Answer: A) Shivamogga district
Explanation: Hasala tribe resides in Malnad forests of Shivamogga and is semi-nomadic.
25. The Kadukuruba, Soliga, Jenukuruba, and Koraga are recognized as —
A) Minor tribes
B) Scheduled Tribes
C) Backward castes
D) Forest cooperatives
Answer: B) Scheduled Tribes
Explanation: These are officially listed under ST category in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
26. The Soliga tribe mainly inhabits which hill range?
A) Western Ghats near Kodagu
B) Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills) & Male Mahadeshwara Hills
C) Nallamala Hills
D) Eastern Ghats
Answer: B) Biligirirangana Hills (BR Hills) & Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Explanation: Soligas live in forested hills of Chamarajanagar & Mysuru districts, forming the BR Tiger Reserve core population.
27. The main occupation of Soligas is —
A) Fishing
B) Honey and forest produce collection
C) Weaving
D) Metalwork
Answer: B) Honey and forest produce collection
Explanation: They collect honey, gooseberries, resin, and bamboo; many now engage in eco-tourism and minor farming.
28. Soligas worship —
A) Biligiri Ranga Swamy
B) Kali Mata
C) Hanuman
D) Murugan
Answer: A) Biligiri Ranga Swamy
Explanation: Their sacred deity, the hill god Ranga, combines elements of tribal nature-worship and Vaishnavism.
29. The Soliga tribe speaks which language?
A) Tulu
B) Soligannada (Kannada dialect)
C) Kodava Takk
D) Konkani
Answer: B) Soligannada
Explanation: A Kannada-based dialect with Dravidian tribal words.
30. The Soligas were among the first in India to —
A) Get forest rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006
B) Practice tea cultivation
C) Adopt Christianity
D) Form a political party
Answer: A) Get forest rights under FRA 2006
Explanation: They received Community Forest Rights in 2011 at BRT Hills – a landmark judgment.
31. “Jenukuruba” literally means —
A) People of the forest
B) Honey collectors
C) Hunters
D) Hill farmers
Answer: B) Honey collectors
Explanation: ‘Jenu’ = honey, ‘Kuruba’ = tribe – known for traditional honey-gathering skills.
32. Jenukurubas inhabit mainly —
A) Mysuru, Chamarajanagar & Kodagu
B) Dharwad & Belagavi
C) Raichur & Kalaburagi
D) Tumakuru & Chikkaballapur
Answer: A) Mysuru, Chamarajanagar & Kodagu
Explanation: They live in forest fringes of Nagarhole & Bandipur National Parks.
33. Jenukurubas are classified as —
A) Scheduled Caste
B) Scheduled Tribe
C) Backward Class
D) Nomadic Tribe (BC)
Answer: B) Scheduled Tribe
Explanation: They are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Karnataka.
34. Their traditional dwelling is called —
A) Gudlu
B) Kude
C) Ain Mane
D) Chala
Answer: A) Gudlu
Explanation: A small thatched hut made of bamboo and leaves inside the forest.
35. Major social change among Jenukurubas is due to —
A) Coffee plantation labour
B) Fisheries
C) Mining jobs
D) Tourism only
Answer: A) Coffee plantation labour
Explanation: Many migrated to plantations in Kodagu & Wayanad for livelihood.
36. The Koraga tribe mainly lives in —
A) Udupi & Dakshina Kannada
B) Kodagu & Mysuru
C) Kalaburagi & Raichur
D) Shivamogga & Hassan
Answer: A) Udupi & Dakshina Kannada
Explanation: One of Karnataka’s most marginalized coastal tribes.
37. The Koragas are identified as —
A) Forest-dwelling agriculturists
B) Nomadic musicians
C) PVTG (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group)
D) Semi-pastoralists
Answer: C) PVTG
Explanation: Recognized nationally as a PVTG requiring special protection.
38. The Koraga traditional musical instrument is —
A) Chende
B) Koraga drum (“dol”)
C) Veena
D) Damaru
Answer: B) Koraga drum
Explanation: Used during ritual performances and community events.
39. The practice abolished by Karnataka HC (2018) concerning Koragas was —
A) Barter trade
B) Ajalu ritual (servitude)
C) Shifting cultivation
D) Animal sacrifice
Answer: B) Ajalu ritual
Explanation: “Ajalu,” forcing Koragas to eat leftover food from upper castes, was declared illegal.
40. Major welfare initiative for Koragas is —
A) Koraga Development Programme
B) Vanavasi Kalyan Yojana
C) Jan Dhan Scheme
D) Awas Yojana
Answer: A) Koraga Development Programme
Explanation: Special state plan for housing, education, and nutrition of Koraga families.
41. The Siddhi tribe traces its ancestry to —
A) Persian merchants
B) African Bantu people
C) Arab traders
D) Portuguese sailors
Answer: B) African Bantu people
Explanation: They were brought by the Portuguese & settled in coastal Karnataka centuries ago.
42. Main areas of Siddhi settlement are —
A) Ankola, Yellapur, Haliyal (Uttara Kannada)
B) Raichur & Ballari
C) Mysuru & Kodagu
D) Mandya & Tumakuru
Answer: A) Ankola, Yellapur, Haliyal
Explanation: They live in forest and agricultural belts of Uttara Kannada & Belagavi.
43. The Siddhis predominantly follow —
A) Islam, Christianity & Hinduism (mixed)
B) Only Hinduism
C) Only Islam
D) Animism
Answer: A) Islam, Christianity & Hinduism (mixed)
Explanation: Religious diversity among Siddhis due to long assimilation in Indian culture.
44. The traditional dance form of Siddhis is —
A) Yakshagana
B) Dollu Kunitha
C) Dhamal Dance
D) Kamsale
Answer: C) Dhamal Dance
Explanation: African-origin rhythmic group dance performed on drums during festivals.
45. Government of Karnataka recognized Siddhis as STs in —
A) 1950
B) 1967
C) 1987
D) 1993
Answer: D) 1993
Explanation: Siddhis were granted ST status relatively late, ensuring reservation benefits.
46. The Gowdalu tribe inhabits —
A) Chikkamagaluru & Kodagu forests
B) Udupi coast
C) Raichur plains
D) Ballari hills
Answer: A) Chikkamagaluru & Kodagu forests
Explanation: They are hill tribes engaged in forest cultivation and coffee-estate labour.
47. The Halakki Vokkaligas are known for —
A) Distinctive bead jewellery & matriarchal system
B) Metal craft
C) Boat building
D) Silk farming
Answer: A) Distinctive bead jewellery & matriarchal system
Explanation: Residing near Honnavar & Kumta, Uttara Kannada; they preserve unique folk songs and dress.
48. The Hasalaru (Hasala) tribe of Shivamogga region are mainly —
A) Agriculturists
B) Forest gatherers and shifting cultivators
C) Fishermen
D) Potters
Answer: B) Forest gatherers and shifting cultivators
Explanation: They live semi-nomadically in Malnad forests.
49. The Yerava (Adiya) tribe of Kodagu is primarily engaged in —
A) Coffee plantation labour
B) Weaving
C) Metal craft
D) Hunting
Answer: A) Coffee plantation labour
Explanation: They work in estates and follow ancestral worship.
50. The Betta Kuruba tribe is culturally related to —
A) Soliga & Jenukuruba
B) Koraga & Siddhi
C) Halakki Vokkaliga
D) Kodava people
Answer: A) Soliga & Jenukuruba
Explanation: “Betta” means hill; they share similar Dravidian forest-tribal origins.
51. Most tribes in Karnataka follow —
A) Islam
B) Tribal Animism mixed with Hinduism
C) Christianity only
D) Buddhism
Answer: B) Tribal Animism mixed with Hinduism
Explanation: Karnataka’s tribes revere nature, spirits, and Hindu deities like Shiva and Vishnu alongside ancestral worship.
52. The main deity of the Soliga tribe is —
A) Biligiri Ranganatha
B) Madeswara
C) Kaveri Devi
D) Ayyappa
Answer: A) Biligiri Ranganatha
Explanation: The Soligas worship Lord Ranganatha, the presiding deity of the BR Hills temple.
53. The Koragas traditionally worship —
A) Guliga and Chikkita spirits
B) Venkateshwara
C) Mahadeva
D) Durga
Answer: A) Guliga and Chikkita spirits
Explanation: Koragas follow animistic spirit worship linked to Tuluva folk traditions.
54. The Siddhis’ Dhamal dance is performed to celebrate —
A) Harvest festival
B) Birth of a child
C) Independence Day
D) Ancestral remembrance and community unity
Answer: D) Ancestral remembrance and community unity
Explanation: The Dhamal dance is performed with drums to honor ancestors and celebrate festivals.
55. The Halakki Vokkaliga women are known for —
A) Wearing vibrant bead necklaces and singing folk songs
B) Practicing hunting
C) Metal jewelry and gold
D) Buddhist chants
Answer: A) Wearing vibrant bead necklaces and singing folk songs
Explanation: Halakki women wear colorful beads and sing traditional “Hadus” (folk songs) while working in fields.
56. The Yerava (Adiya) tribe’s main festival is —
A) Puthari (Harvest Festival)
B) Holi
C) Ugadi
D) Onam
Answer: A) Puthari
Explanation: Puthari is the Kodava and Yerava harvest festival celebrating the new paddy crop.
57. The Soligas celebrate which local festival linked to hunting and forest spirits?
A) Jathre (Temple Fair)
B) Karadi Habba
C) Huli Habba
D) Mahashivaratri
Answer: B) Karadi Habba
Explanation: “Karadi Habba” (Bear Festival) marks ancient forest rituals for protection and fertility.
58. The Koragas’ community festival is known as —
A) Ajalu Habba
B) Kambala
C) Bhuta Kola
D) Koraga Habba
Answer: D) Koraga Habba
Explanation: It involves music, dance, and worship of ancestral spirits.
59. The Kadu Kurubas are known for —
A) Tattoo art and folk hunting songs
B) Metal work
C) Pottery
D) Silk weaving
Answer: A) Tattoo art and folk hunting songs
Explanation: Tattoos symbolize tribal identity and are linked to spiritual beliefs.
60. The Halakki language and songs belong to which language family?
A) Indo-Aryan
B) Dravidian
C) Austric
D) Tibeto-Burman
Answer: B) Dravidian
Explanation: Their dialect is closely related to old Kannada and Tulu languages.
61. The primary occupation of most Karnataka tribes is —
A) Shifting cultivation and forest produce collection
B) Textile weaving
C) Fishing
D) Stone carving
Answer: A) Shifting cultivation and forest produce collection
Explanation: Traditional livelihoods revolve around agriculture, bamboo craft, and forest goods.
62. The Soligas are among few tribes in India who —
A) Continue to live within wildlife sanctuaries
B) Migrate to cities
C) Specialize in trade
D) Work in mines
Answer: A) Continue to live within wildlife sanctuaries
Explanation: They inhabit BRT Tiger Reserve under the Forest Rights Act, combining conservation and livelihood.
63. The Koragas’ traditional occupation was —
A) Basket weaving and drum beating
B) Fishing
C) Agriculture
D) Pottery
Answer: A) Basket weaving and drum beating
Explanation: They make bamboo baskets and drums, forming part of traditional village service castes.
64. The Siddhis’ main occupations are —
A) Agriculture and daily wage labour
B) Fishing and shipbuilding
C) Metal work
D) Teaching
Answer: A) Agriculture and daily wage labour
Explanation: Most Siddhis are marginal farmers and agricultural workers.
65. The Yeravas are employed mostly in —
A) Coffee estates
B) Silk weaving
C) Tourism
D) Dairy farming
Answer: A) Coffee estates
Explanation: They form the main labour force in Kodagu’s coffee industry.
66. The Halakki Vokkaligas are primarily —
A) Paddy farmers and forest dwellers
B) Cattle herders
C) Artisans
D) Traders
Answer: A) Paddy farmers and forest dwellers
Explanation: They live in hilly areas growing paddy and millets, with forest-based livelihoods.
67. The Jenukurubas supplement income through —
A) Selling forest honey and bamboo crafts
B) Fishing
C) Blacksmith work
D) Teaching
Answer: A) Selling forest honey and bamboo crafts
Explanation: They collect and sell honey, bamboo, and other NTFPs (non-timber forest products).
68. The Gowdalu tribe primarily depends on —
A) Slash-and-burn cultivation
B) Tea plantation
C) Handicrafts
D) Animal husbandry
Answer: A) Slash-and-burn cultivation
Explanation: Gowdalus practice subsistence agriculture on hill slopes.
69. The Hasalaru tribe is known for —
A) Shifting cultivation and forest nomadism
B) Metalwork
C) Boat making
D) Silk rearing
Answer: A) Shifting cultivation and forest nomadism
Explanation: Hasalarus are forest nomads from the Malnad region.
70. Tribal women in Karnataka commonly participate in —
A) Handicrafts, forest produce collection, and agriculture
B) Government jobs
C) IT services
D) Fishing only
Answer: A) Handicrafts, forest produce collection, and agriculture
Explanation: Women play key roles in both subsistence and small-scale forest trade.
71. The Soligas and Jenukurubas follow a patrilineal family system, meaning —
A) Inheritance through the mother
B) Property and lineage through the father
C) Community ownership only
D) Religious rule of priests
Answer: B) Property and lineage through the father
Explanation: Most Dravidian tribes are patrilineal in inheritance and leadership.
72. Among Halakki Vokkaligas, marriage is —
A) Arranged by elders and women can choose partners
B) Controlled by priests
C) Decided by headmen only
D) Restricted by caste
Answer: A) Arranged by elders and women can choose partners
Explanation: They allow both arranged and self-choice marriages, rare among tribal groups.
73. The Koragas’ social status historically was —
A) Untouchable and marginalized
B) High-status landowners
C) Warrior tribe
D) Merchants
Answer: A) Untouchable and marginalized
Explanation: Koragas faced extreme social exclusion; rehabilitation and education are improving their status.
74. The traditional political institution among tribes is —
A) Grama Panchayat
B) Tribal council (Gowda or Naika)
C) Forest Department
D) NGO committees
Answer: B) Tribal council (Gowda or Naika)
Explanation: Tribal elders act as community heads resolving disputes and guiding customs.
75. The education level among Karnataka’s tribal population (Census 2011) is approximately —
A) 40%
B) 46%
C) 55%
D) 65%
Answer: C) 55%
Explanation: ST literacy rate in Karnataka is around 55.6%, below the state average of 75.4%.
76. The Department of Tribal Welfare in Karnataka functions under —
A) Department of Home Affairs
B) Department of Social Welfare
C) Department of Rural Development
D) Department of Labour
Answer: B) Department of Social Welfare
Explanation: The Department of Social Welfare oversees the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in Karnataka.
77. The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) aims to —
A) Promote tourism
B) Ensure proportionate fund allocation for ST development
C) Provide free electricity
D) Develop only urban areas
Answer: B) Ensure proportionate fund allocation for ST development
Explanation: Introduced in 1974–75, the TSP ensures budgetary spending proportional to the tribal population.
78. The Karnataka Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation (KSTDC) was established in —
A) 1975
B) 1980
C) 1986
D) 1990
Answer: C) 1986
Explanation: KSTDC implements economic empowerment programs for STs through loans, training, and entrepreneurship.
79. The main objectives of KSTDC include —
A) Providing financial aid for education, housing, and self-employment
B) Regulating forest rights
C) Conducting population census
D) Managing tourism
Answer: A) Providing financial aid for education, housing, and self-employment
Explanation: KSTDC helps tribal families become self-sufficient through targeted schemes.
80. The Tribal Research Institute (TRI) of Karnataka is located at —
A) Mysuru
B) Bengaluru
C) Chamarajanagar
D) Hunsur
Answer: D) Hunsur
Explanation: TRI, Hunsur (Mysuru district), conducts socio-economic and anthropological studies on Karnataka’s tribal groups.
81. The Ashram Schools in Karnataka are meant for —
A) Urban education
B) Residential schooling for tribal children
C) Private tuitions
D) Adult literacy only
Answer: B) Residential schooling for tribal children
Explanation: Tribal Ashram Schools offer free lodging, education, and meals for ST students in remote areas.
82. The Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) are funded by —
A) State government only
B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India
C) Private NGOs
D) Panchayats
Answer: B) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Explanation: EMRS provides quality education to tribal children at par with CBSE standards.
83. Karnataka’s first Eklavya Model Residential School was established in —
A) Mysuru
B) Kalaburagi
C) Chamarajanagar
D) Ballari
Answer: C) Chamarajanagar
Explanation: The district with high tribal population was selected for Karnataka’s first EMRS.
84. The Pre-Matric Scholarship for ST Students covers which classes?
A) Classes I–V
B) Classes VI–X
C) Classes XI–XII
D) Only college students
Answer: B) Classes VI–X
Explanation: It supports tribal students in secondary education through direct benefit transfer.
85. The Post-Matric Scholarship for ST Students applies to —
A) College and professional education
B) Primary schooling
C) Nursery education
D) None
Answer: A) College and professional education
Explanation: Supports higher education for Scheduled Tribe students with tuition and maintenance grants.
86. The Sahaya Hastha Scheme in Karnataka aims to —
A) Support tribal artisans and self-help groups
B) Train teachers
C) Build highways
D) Manage forests
Answer: A) Support tribal artisans and self-help groups
Explanation: Provides marketing, financial and entrepreneurship support to tribal SHGs and artisans.
87. The Girijana Housing Scheme is related to —
A) Agricultural loan
B) Providing housing to tribal families
C) Infrastructure development
D) Forest rights
Answer: B) Providing housing to tribal families
Explanation: The scheme aims to build pucca houses for ST families in remote forest areas.
88. The Scheduled Tribe Component (STC) in Karnataka Budget 2024–25 was around —
A) ₹8,000 crore
B) ₹12,000 crore
C) ₹15,000 crore
D) ₹20,000 crore
Answer: C) ₹15,000 crore
Explanation: The Karnataka government earmarks roughly 15–18% of its total budget for ST welfare programs.
89. The Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes —
A) Tribal rights over forest land and resources
B) Mining rights
C) Tourism promotion
D) Land acquisition
Answer: A) Tribal rights over forest land and resources
Explanation: FRA 2006 ensures land titles and community forest rights to forest-dwelling tribes.
90. The Soligas of BRT Hills were India’s first tribe to receive —
A) Community Forest Rights
B) PDS benefits
C) Government jobs
D) Urban housing
Answer: A) Community Forest Rights
Explanation: In 2011, Soligas gained legal control to sustainably harvest forest produce under FRA.
91. The Karnataka State Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation supports —
A) Tribal entrepreneurs and small businesses
B) Tourism only
C) Agriculture mechanization
D) Non-tribal youth
Answer: A) Tribal entrepreneurs and small businesses
Explanation: Offers subsidized loans and self-employment support.
92. The Vanbandhu Kalyan Yojana (Central scheme) focuses on —
A) Holistic development of tribal villages
B) Infrastructure in cities
C) Industrial zones
D) Urban sanitation
Answer: A) Holistic development of tribal villages
Explanation: Promotes health, education, livelihood, and basic amenities in tribal-majority blocks.
93. The Pradhan Mantri Van Dhan Yojana (PMVDY) aims to —
A) Promote tribal entrepreneurship in forest products
B) Build schools
C) Develop roads
D) Encourage migration
Answer: A) Promote tribal entrepreneurship in forest products
Explanation: Encourages SHGs and value addition in Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP).
94. In Karnataka, Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) operate under —
A) TRIFED
B) Forest Department
C) Tourism Board
D) Agriculture Ministry
Answer: A) TRIFED
Explanation: Managed by Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation (TRIFED) under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
95. The Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs) in Karnataka were launched to —
A) Improve education, health, and income levels
B) Promote mining
C) Build urban colonies
D) Create highways
Answer: A) Improve education, health, and income levels
Explanation: ITDPs operate in tribal-dominated taluks for integrated rural development.
96. The tribal literacy rate in Karnataka (Census 2011) is approximately —
A) 45%
B) 55.6%
C) 62%
D) 70%
Answer: B) 55.6%
Explanation: Still below state average (75.4%); improving through EMRS and Ashram Schools.
97. The tribal population share in Karnataka (Census 2011) is —
A) 5.6%
B) 6.95%
C) 8.2%
D) 10.5%
Answer: B) 6.95%
Explanation: About 42.5 lakh people belong to Scheduled Tribes in Karnataka.
98. The most backward tribal groups (PVTGs) in Karnataka are —
A) Koraga, Jenukuruba, Kadu Kuruba
B) Siddhi and Gowdalu
C) Naika and Soliga
D) Halakki Vokkaliga and Yerava
Answer: A) Koraga, Jenukuruba, Kadu Kuruba
Explanation: Declared as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) requiring special attention.
99. The largest concentration of tribal population is found in —
A) Southern and Western Ghats (Chamarajanagar, Kodagu, Uttara Kannada)
B) Coastal plain only
C) Bengaluru region
D) Northern dry zone
Answer: A) Southern and Western Ghats
Explanation: Forests and hilly regions of southern Karnataka host most of the tribal communities.
100. The key challenges faced by Karnataka’s tribal population today are —
A) Deforestation, displacement, poverty, and low education
B) Overpopulation
C) Urban overcrowding
D) Lack of rainfall
Answer: A) Deforestation, displacement, poverty, and low education
Explanation: Development pressures and restricted access to forest resources continue to threaten tribal livelihoods.