Question:

Which community speaks Mon-Khmer language of the Austro-asiatic group, the only non Tibeto-Burman language speaking group in Northeast India?

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Linguistic Map of Northeast India:
- Khasi & Jaintia (Meghalaya) = Austro-Asiatic (Mon-Khmer).
- Almost all other Northeast tribes (Naga, Mizo, Bodo, Garo, Kuki) = Tibeto-Burman.
Updated On: Sep 4, 2026
  • Mizo
  • Bodo
  • Khasi
  • Thadou Kuki
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept:
Linguistic anthropology in India classifies indigenous tribal populations into four major language families: Indo-European, Dravidian, Tibeto-Burman (Sino-Tibetan), and Austro-Asiatic.
Northeast India is predominantly occupied by speakers of the Tibeto-Burman sub-family.
This question asks to identify the unique matrilineal tribal community in Northeast India that speaks an Austro-Asiatic (Mon-Khmer) language.

Step 1: Linguistic Classification of the Khasi:

The Khasi (along with the related Jaintia/Pnar) of the Meghalaya plateau speak a language belonging to the Mon-Khmer branch of the Austro-Asiatic linguistic phylum.
They represent a linguistic isolate in Northeast India, as they are the only major non-Tibeto-Burman speaking indigenous population surrounded by Sino-Tibetan speakers.

Step 2: Analyzing Other Northeast Groups:

1. Mizo: Belongs to the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family.
2. Bodo: Belongs to the Bodo-Garo branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family.
3. Thadou Kuki: Belongs to the Kuki-Chin sub-family of the Tibeto-Burman group.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The Khasi community speaks the Mon-Khmer language of the Austro-Asiatic group.
Therefore, Option (C) is the correct answer.
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