The correct answer is: a) Tibeto-Burman groups.
The Lepcha people are an ethnic group native to the eastern Himalayas. They are considered the original inhabitants of Sikkim, and their language, Lepcha, is a member of the Tibeto-Burman language family. The Lepcha have strong cultural and linguistic ties to other Tibeto-Burman groups, such as the Bhutia, Sherpas, and Tamangs.
The Lepcha are a small ethnic group, with a population of around 50,000 people. They are traditionally a hunter-gatherer people, but many Lepcha now live in villages and practice agriculture. The Lepcha are a matrilineal society, meaning that property and inheritance are passed down through the female line.
The Lepcha are a fascinating and unique ethnic group with a rich history and culture. They are an important part of the cultural fabric of Sikkim, and their contributions to the state are many.
Here is a brief description of each option:
- Option a: Tibeto-Burman groups. The Tibeto-Burman language family is a large family of languages spoken in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Himalayas. The Lepcha language is a member of this language family.
- Option b: Dravidian peoples. The Dravidian peoples are an ethnic group native to South Asia. They speak Dravidian languages, which are a family of languages spoken in South Asia. The Lepcha do not speak a Dravidian language.
- Option c: Austroasiatic communities. The Austroasiatic language family is a large family of languages spoken in Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Indian subcontinent. The Lepcha language is not a member of this language family.
- Option d: Indo-Aryan peoples. The Indo-Aryan peoples are an ethnic group native to South Asia. They speak Indo-Aryan languages, which are a family of languages spoken in South Asia. The Lepcha do not speak an Indo-Aryan language.