Consider the following statements regarding the languages of the Austro-Asiatic family in India: 1. They are spoken in the North-East. 2. They are spoken in Jharkhand and parts of Central India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The linguistic diversity of the Indian subcontinent is primarily classified into four major language families: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman. The Austro-Asiatic family is one of the oldest in India and is associated with the earliest agricultural communities in the region. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Correct: The Austro-Asiatic family in India includes the Mon-Khmer branch. Languages belonging to this branch, such as Khasi and Jaintia, are spoken in the North-Eastern state of Meghalaya. - Statement 2 is Correct: The larger branch of the Austro-Asiatic family in India is the Munda group. These languages, including Santhali, Mundari, and Ho, are predominantly spoken in the tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh). Key Takeaway: The Austro-Asiatic language family in India is geographically discontinuous, existing in two distinct pockets: the Mon-Khmer group in the North-East (Meghalaya) and the Munda group in Central and Eastern India.

NCERT Class 6 History — Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

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Consider the following statements regarding the languages of the Austro-Asiatic family in India:

They are spoken in the North-East.
They are spoken in Jharkhand and parts of Central India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 only
B2 only
CBoth 1 and 2
DNeither 1 nor 2

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The linguistic diversity of the Indian subcontinent is primarily classified into four major language families: Indo-Aryan, Dravidian, Austro-Asiatic, and Tibeto-Burman. The Austro-Asiatic family is one of the oldest in India and is associated with the earliest agricultural communities in the region.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Austro-Asiatic family in India includes the Mon-Khmer branch. Languages belonging to this branch, such as Khasi and Jaintia, are spoken in the North-Eastern state of Meghalaya.
Statement 2 is Correct: The larger branch of the Austro-Asiatic family in India is the Munda group. These languages, including Santhali, Mundari, and Ho, are predominantly spoken in the tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh).

Key Takeaway:
The Austro-Asiatic language family in India is geographically discontinuous, existing in two distinct pockets: the Mon-Khmer group in the North-East (Meghalaya) and the Munda group in Central and Eastern India.

Your note

More from Chapter 4: What books and burials tell us

Consider the following statements comparing Harappan cities and Megalithic cultures: 1. Harappan cities show extensive use of iron weapons. 2. Megalithic burials contain iron axes and daggers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following features is primarily used by archaeologists to identify the sex of a skeletal remain?

medium

Consider the following statements regarding the Rigveda: 1. It is the oldest Veda, composed approximately 3500 years ago. 2. It was written down and printed immediately after its composition. 3. The hymns, known as sukta, were composed by sages (rishis). Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which group of deities is most frequently invoked and considered central in the Rigvedic hymns?

easy

Consider the following statements regarding the language of the Rigveda: 1. It is written in Old or Vedic Sanskrit. 2. Vedic Sanskrit is identical to the Sanskrit taught in schools today. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Correct: The Austro-Asiatic family in India includes the Mon-Khmer branch. Languages belonging to this branch, such as Khasi and Jaintia, are spoken in the North-Eastern state of Meghalaya.
Statement 2 is Correct: The larger branch of the Austro-Asiatic family in India is the Munda group. These languages, including Santhali, Mundari, and Ho, are predominantly spoken in the tribal belts of Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh).