The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Main Examination is a highly competitive and rigorous assessment that aspirants undertake to pursue a career in the Indian Civil Services. Among the various optional subjects offered, Anthropology stands out as a unique and multidisciplinary field that delves into the study of human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. The Anthropology optional paper in the UPSC Main Examination not only demands a profound understanding of human diversity but also requires candidates to critically analyze and apply anthropological concepts to contemporary issues. By exploring previous year’s papers on the Anthropology optional, aspirants gain valuable insights into the examination pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge expected. This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the UPSC Main Examination’s Anthropology optional through the lens of previous year’s papers.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- The candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps, and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, the attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-1 (2022)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Debate between formalist and substantivist approaches
(b) Mesolithic rock art in Indian subcontinent
(c) Radcliffe-Brown’s ideas on status, role and institution
(d) Pedigree analysis in genetic counselling
(e) Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning and Action
2. (a) “Anthropology is the systematic, objective and holistic study of human kind in all times and places”. Elaborate the argument.
(b) Discuss different forms of primate social organisation.
(c) Discuss with suitable examples the typo-technological problems in Indian palaeolithic industry with reference to environmental hypotheses.
3. (a) Discuss how the rules of descent contradict the principles of residence in matrilineal society, mentioning suitable examples?
(b) Enumerate the evidence of animal domestication in Indian microlithic industry.
(c) Should we still distinguish between ‘classic’ and ‘progressive’ Neanderthals? Discuss the controversy surrounding Neanderthal’s position in human evolution.
4. (a) Why Heath and Carter used anthropometric measurements instead of photographs of an individual to assess the somatotype? Elaborate their method.
(b) Discuss the historical and cultural contexts that led to superseding ethnocentrism with cultural relativism in anthropology.
(c) Critically examine various anthropological interpretations about the Kula Ring.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Balanced and transient genetic polymorphism.
(b) Genetic imprinting in human diseases.
(c) Stages of human pre-natal development.
(d) Shaman, sorcerer and medicine man.
(e) Household and domestic group.
6. (a) Discuss the mechanism of social control in different kinds of political systems.
(b) What is meant by health? Is the burden of life style diseases on the rise? Justify your answer with suitable examples.
(c) Critically evaluate the reasons of reduction in age at menarche in human females over the successive generations.
7. (a) Discuss the role of evolutionary forces in creating human diversity.
(b) Write the historical development of field work tradition in anthropology till recent times.
(c) Discuss the approaches of Leslie White, Julian Steward and Marshall Sahlins in the 15 light of cultural evolution.
8. (a) Discuss the contemporary population problems in the light of various socio-cultural demographic theories.
(b) What do you understand by blood group systems? How is HLA system different from those based on red cell antigens?
(c) Discuss how anthropological knowledge of the human body may be used in designing equipments and articles of human use.
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-2 (2022)
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Pit-dwellers of Kashmir
(b) Varna and Buddhism
(c)Dharma versus Religion
(d) Safeguards for linguistic minorities in India
(e) Westernisation and Modernisation
2. (a) Illustrate the contribution of Irawati Karve to Indian Anthropology. Make a special mention of her literary contribution.
(b) What are the arguments for excluding Narmada Man from Homo erectus category?
(c) Critically describe Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s argument on the origin of Indian caste system.
3. (a) Make a critical appraisal of Megalithic tradition in India with special reference to North-East India.
(b) Assess the contributions of S. C. Dube in Indian village studies.
(c) Describe the methods adopted by Sir Herbert Hope Risley in classifying Indian populations. What are the criticisms against Risley’s classification?
4. (a) “Globalisation, on one hand has provided opportunities and on the other hand thrown challenges to Indian villages.” Elucidate.
(b) Describe briefly the proto-history of Gujarat. Discuss the significance of Gujarat’s proto-history in international trade.
(c) Critically examine Indigenisation of Christianity’ in India.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Regionalism as an opportunity and threat to national integration.
(b) Issues of tribal agricultural labourers.
(c) Major problems of nomadic and semi-nomadic groups
(d) Role of the Governor in the Fifth Schedule areas
(e) Austroasiatic languages.
6. (A) Discuss the objectives of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs). How far have these objectives been achieved?
(b) Compare the functioning of traditional Tribal Council’ with that of Gram Sabha’ under PESA..
(c) Explain how British policies impacted the major resources of the tribals.
7. (A) Discuss the views of G. S. Ghurye and Verrier Elwin on the approach towards tribal populations. What are the policies of the Government of India towards Indian tribal populations?
(b) Discuss the issues and solutions related to the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe populations in India.
(c) Explain the social and religious consequences of contact between tribal and non-tribal populations.
8. (a) Compare the nature of tribal movements between North-East and Central India. Briefly mention the current status of existing tribal movements in these areas.
(b) Briefly describe the anthropological perspective on development. How have anthropologists contributed in India’s rural development?
(c) How can a balance be struck between livelihood concern and environmental degradation in the context of shifting cultivation?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I effectively prepare for UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional using previous year papers?
A1: Utilizing UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional previous year papers is a strategic approach. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the question patterns and understanding the weightage of different topics. Identify recurring themes and focus on strengthening your knowledge in those areas. Practice writing answers within the stipulated time to enhance your time management skills and improve the quality of your responses.
Q2: Are there any specific trends in the UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers over the years?
A2: Yes, there are discernible trends in the UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers. The questions often emphasize a holistic understanding of anthropological concepts, linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. Additionally, recent papers tend to include more interdisciplinary questions, requiring candidates to integrate anthropological perspectives with contemporary issues.
Q3: How can I enhance my answer writing skills for Anthropology Optional based on previous year papers?
A3: Answer writing skills are crucial for Anthropology Optional in UPSC Mains. Practice is key. Start by writing answers to previous year questions under exam conditions. Focus on clarity, structure, and logical flow. Pay attention to the presentation, use diagrams and case studies where relevant. Regularly evaluate and seek feedback to continually improve your writing style.
Q4: Are there any specific topics within Anthropology Optional that are frequently asked in UPSC Mains papers?
A4: While the range of topics is vast, certain areas are consistently featured in UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers. These include socio-cultural aspects, human evolution, tribal studies, and applied anthropology. Prioritize these areas during your preparation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the underlying concepts and their practical implications.
Q5: How should I incorporate the study of previous year papers into my overall Anthropology Optional preparation strategy?
A5: Integrating the study of previous year papers is crucial for effective preparation. Begin by categorizing questions based on topics and sub-topics. Devote more time to areas with higher question frequency. Understand the evolution of questions over the years to anticipate potential areas of focus. Regularly revise and update your knowledge in alignment with the changing trends observed in previous papers.
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