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.