upscools
Chhattisagarh P.C.S. (Pre) 2018

Linguistic Geography

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

Halbi is related to which language family?

Solution & Analysis

Answer: A

Concept Linguistic classification helps trace the migration patterns and cultural interactions of different ethnic groups within the Indian subcontinent.

Explanation Halbi (also called Bastari) is an Indo-Aryan language. It is spoken predominantly in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh and neighboring areas of Odisha and Maharashtra.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: Although it is a tribal language, its grammatical structure and vocabulary link it to the Aryan (Indo-Aryan) family rather than Dravidian or Austroasiatic (Mundari).
Logic 2: It acts as a link-language in Central India and is closely related to both Odia and Marathi.

Active Recall

Question

What is the role of Halbi in Central Indian tribal society?

Answer

It serves as a crucial 'lingua franca' or trade language for various tribal groups in the Bastar region who speak different mother tongues.

Core Insight

Halbi's classification as Indo-Aryan demonstrates how linguistic families can cross-cut tribal and non-tribal boundaries.

Practice Navigation