Embarking on the UPSC Mains journey with anthropology as an optional subject brings forth a comprehensive exploration of societal dynamics, and an integral aspect of this endeavor is understanding the demographic profile of India. This blog delves into the past decade, meticulously dissecting the UPSC Mains previous year questions from 2013 to 2023 related to the demographic landscape of our diverse nation. Aspiring civil servants grappling with the intricacies of anthropology find this niche topic to be a cornerstone in understanding the socio-cultural fabric of India. Through an analytical lens, we will navigate through the nuanced questions posed by UPSC, unraveling the layers of demographic transitions, population policies, and the intricate interplay of factors that shape the demographic mosaic of our country.
Unraveling the tapestry of India’s demographic profile is not just an academic exercise but a crucial step towards crafting informed policies and strategies. The questions presented in this blog are not mere inquiries; they serve as portals into the evolving narrative of India’s population dynamics, offering a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Whether you are a seasoned anthropology scholar or a budding aspirant, this exploration of previous year questions provides valuable insights, aiding in a holistic preparation strategy for the anthropology optional paper in UPSC Mains. Join us on this intellectual journey as we navigate the labyrinth of demographic intricacies and decode the pulse of India’s evolving societal structure as per the lens of UPSC Anthropology Optional.
Demographic profile of India – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Anthropology Optional)
Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution Indian population – factors influencing its structure and growth
1. Write a note on Distribution of Dravidian linguistic elements among Indian people. (200 words) (1981)
2. Write a note on Controversy over the existence of Negrito racial strain in Indian population. (200 words) (1981)
3. Distribution of polyandry in India. (200 words) (1981)
4. Write a note on (200 words) : Matrilineal cultures in India (1982)
5. Discuss some of the important_attempts to classify the racial elements in Indian population. (1982)
6. Give an account of the distribution of blood group among Indian population. Is there a correlation between the distribution of blood groups and physical types ? (1983)
7. Write a note in 200 words : Economic aspects of joint family. (1983)
8. Write a note in 200 words: Polyandrous family (1983)
9. Write a note in 200 words : Linguistic diversity in india. (1984)
10. Write a note on Monogoloid racial element in Indian population. (1985)
11. Write a note on Joint family in modern India. (1986)
12. Write a note on Nayar Tharavad and universality of the family (1987)
13. Write a note on Social elements in indian population (1987)
14. Write a note on Social elements in Indian population (1987)
15. Write a note on racial elements among the Scheduled Tribes of India. (1988)
16. Write a note on : Guha’s classification on the ethnic composition of the people of India is not adequate. Comment. (1989)
17. Write a note on Distribution of Austric family of languages in India (1989)
18. Write a note on Structure and function of Joint family (1989)
19. Write a note on Distribution of Dravidian family of languages in India. (1990)
20. Write a note on Critical approach of Guha’s classification of ethnic elements in Indian population (1991)
21. Write a note on Joint family system ‘in india (1992)
22. Write a note on Controversy over the existence on Negrito racial strain in Indian population (1992)
23. Write a note on Caste bound occupations vis-a-vis urban populations. (1993)
24. What are the major linguistic families in India ? Identify such families, showing the geographical distribution and the population groups under different families. (1993)
25. Write a note on Social implication of sex-ratio in Indian population (1995)
26. Write a note on Child mortality in rural India (1996)
27. Discuss the major linguistic divisions in the Indian population. Also point out the role of Language in ethno-political movements. (1996)
28. Critically evaluate the Indian Population Policies. Suggest appropriate measures for its improvement. (1997)
29. Point out the salient features of traditional joint family system in India. Trace causes for its disintegration in recent decades. (1999)
30. Write a note on Negrito elements in India. (2000)
31. Write a note on Age specific and sex specific mortality rates and dependent factor. (2002)
32. Write a note on Demographic transition in India. (2004)
33. Bring out the interrelationship between population growth and development in the Indian context. (2004)
34. Write in brief ‘Population Growth in India indicating causes and measures of its control’. (2006)
37. Write a note on Linguistic distribution of Indian Population. (2006)
38. Describe ethnic elements in the Indian population focussing either on Risley’s or Guha’s classification. (2007)
39. Write a note on The distribution of Indo:-Aryan Languages. (2008)
40. Write a note on Mediterranean Element in Indian Population. (2008)
41. Is Risley’s Racial Classification of Indian Population valid ? . (2008)
42. Discuss the relevance of Guha’s racial classification in the context of India’s ethnic groups. (2010)
43. Critically examine the factors responsible for the high population growth in India and suggest suitable measures for population control.(2010)
44. Describe the linguistic elements in Indian population. (2011)
45. Briefly comment on the linkage between:
a) (i) Gender and Customary Law
b) (ii) Gender and Caste … (2012)
46. Write a note in 150 words on Major linguistic divisions of India (2014)
47. Outline the distribution of Dravidian languages in India and describe their cultural significance. (2014)
48. Briefly describe the classical models of ethnic and linguistic classification of Indian population. Discuss its relevance today. (2015)
49. Write a note in 150 words on Linguistic elements in Indian population (2016)
50. Write a note in 150 words on Austro-asiatic linguistic groups in India. (2017)
51. Give your assessment of the reasons for the imbalance in the sex-ratio in India. (2017)
52. Write a note in 150 words on Endangered languages (2018)
53. What are the various factors influencing population growth in India? Discuss. (2018)
54. Write a note in 150 words on Distribution of Tibeto-Burman group of languages in India. (2019)
55. Write short note on the Dravidian languages in about 150 words. (2020)
56. Delineate the factors influencing fertility in Indian population. (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of studying the demographic profile of India for UPSC Anthropology Optional?
A: Understanding the demographic profile of India is crucial for UPSC Anthropology Optional aspirants as it forms the foundation for comprehending the social fabric of the nation. Questions related to demographics often explore aspects such as population growth, distribution, and composition, offering a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by the country.
Q: How has the demographic profile of India evolved over the past decade according to UPSC Mains questions?
A: Exploring the previous year questions provides insights into the evolving nature of India’s demographic landscape. Aspirants will encounter queries that delve into population trends, demographic transitions, and the impact of government policies, offering a nuanced understanding of the changes and continuities in India’s population dynamics.
Q: What are the key topics within the demographic profile of India that aspirants should focus on?
A: The demographic profile encompasses a wide array of topics, including fertility rates, mortality rates, migration patterns, and population policies. Aspirants should pay special attention to these areas to ensure a well-rounded preparation for the anthropology optional paper in UPSC Mains.
Q: How do demographic factors influence policymaking in India, and how is this reflected in UPSC questions?
A: The questions related to the demographic profile often assess candidates’ knowledge of how demographic factors impact policymaking. Aspirants need to analyze the interplay between population dynamics and policy formulation, offering insights into the challenges and opportunities presented by India’s diverse demography.
Q: How can a thorough understanding of the demographic profile of India contribute to a broader understanding of societal issues and challenges?
A: Studying the demographic profile of India extends beyond academic curiosity; it provides a lens through which aspirants can analyze and propose solutions to various societal challenges. Questions in UPSC Mains often require candidates to connect demographic trends with broader social issues, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of anthropology as an optional subject.
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