Exploring the intricate tapestry of human societies, the Anthropology Optional paper in the UPSC Mains examination delves deep into the diverse realms of our cultural, social, and tribal fabric. In this comprehensive blog series, we embark on a journey through the past decade, meticulously dissecting and analyzing the Tribal Society questions that have graced the UPSC Anthropology Optional paper from 2013 to 2023. Tribal societies, often considered the bedrock of anthropological study, encapsulate unique customs, traditions, and socio-economic structures. This blog seeks to unravel the nuanced inquiries posed by the UPSC, offering aspirants a valuable roadmap to navigate this crucial segment of the Anthropology Optional syllabus. By revisiting and reflecting upon the rich tapestry of questions posed by the esteemed examination body, candidates can glean insights into the evolving trends, key concepts, and the multifaceted dimensions of tribal societies that are vital for success in the UPSC Mains.
As we embark on this intellectual odyssey, we invite readers and UPSC aspirants to join us in unraveling the complexities of tribal societies. Whether you’re a seasoned candidate or a newcomer to the world of Anthropology Optional, this blog series aims to provide a comprehensive resource for understanding the nuances of Tribal Society questions in the UPSC Mains. Let’s traverse the intellectual terrain together, gaining a deeper understanding of the anthropological lens through which tribal societies are scrutinized in the context of one of India’s most prestigious examinations.
Tribal Society – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Anthropology Optional)
History of administration of tribal areas, tribal policies, plans, programmes of tribal development and their implementation. The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), their distribution, special programmes for their development. Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development.
1. How are cultural factors important in planning and executing development programmes among simple communities ?(1982)
2. Write a note in 200 words : History of tribal administration in India. (1984)
3. What are the various policies that have been suggested for bringing the tribals into the mainstream of national life ? In the interest of the tribals, which of these policies do you consider suitable ? (1985)
4. Critically evaluate various approaches to set the tribals within the mainstream of Indian civilization. In your opmion which approach is relevant in the modern context ? (1995)
5. Write a note on Role of NGOs in literacy programme. (1996)
6. Write a note on Plans and Programmes of Tribal development. (1997)
7. Write a note on Tribal Sub-Plan. (1999)
8. Write a note on Tribal education in the context of development. (2000)
9. Mention various developmental programmes implemented for the socio-economic wellbeing of Scheduled Castes. Do these programmes fulfil their aspiration ? Discuss. (2001)
10. Write a note on the role of N.G.O.s for tribal development (2002)
11. What do you understand by the integrated tribal and rural development programmes? How would you evaluate the success or failure of these programmes ? (2002)
12. Write a note on Implications of recent Presidential orders relating to Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes (2003)
13. Write a note on Sustainable Development of Tribes (2004)
14. Write a note on Tribal sub-plan, (2005)
15. Write a note on Role of NGO’s in Development. (2007)
16. What are the special problems of the Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) ? How far have the developmental programmes of the Government been able to address these? (2008)
17. Write a note on NGOs and tribal development. (2009)
18. Using suitable examples, bring out the historical processes of the social exclusion of denotified tribes. (2012)
19. Write a note in 150 words on Participatory Rural Appraisal (2012)
20. Write a note in 150 words on The concept of PTG. (2014)
21. Critically evaluate the National Tribal Policy. (2014)
22. Critically examine the role of NGOs in promoting health and education in tribal areas.(2014)
23. Recently non-government organizations have been critiqued for interfering with developmental process in tribal heartland! Critically comment. (2015)
24. Critically examine the role of NGOs and missionaries in transformation of scheduled tribes in Central India (2016)
25. Write a note in 150 words on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (earlier known as PTG). (2017)
26. Discuss the emergence, salient features and limitations of the Tribal sub-plan. (2017)
27. Identify some special programmes for particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (erstwhile PTGs). (2019)
28. Critically discuss the role of NGOs in tribal development. (2019)
29. Discuss the effect of job reservation in alleviating unemployment among the tribal people of India. (2020)
30. Discuss the interventions made by the Non-Governmental Organizations for empowering tribal women. (2021)
Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.
1. How does applied anthropology help to solve some of the different problems confronting Administrators in tribalareas ?(1981)
2. Write a note in 200 words : Role of anthropology in tribal development. (1984)
3. Discuss the role of Anthropology to planning and executing developmental programmes among the tribal communities. (1985)
4. Write a note on Anthropological approach to tribal development (1987)
5. Write a note on Role of anthropology in tribal development (1992)
6. Write a note on Role of Anthropology in tribal development (1994)
7. Write a note on Role of Anthropologists as an Administrator (1997)
8. Anthropologists are better equipped to play an effective role in rural and tribal development. Discuss.(2004)
9. Write a note on Role of anthropologists in rural development (2005)
10. Describe the role of anthropologists in Tribal Development. (2006)
11. Discuss the significance of cultural and administrative factors in tribal development. (2013)
12. Discuss the criticism levelled against anthropology in the context of ‘Isolation, and assimilations debate’ on tribal populations. (2013)
13. Critically assess the role of anthropologists in rural development (2014)
14. Examine in detail the role of anthropology in planning for tribal development. (2015)
15. Describe how anthropological knowledge and methods are useful in rural development (2016)
16. Examine the strengths and weaknesses of anthropology in the context of its role in tribal and rural development. (2018)
Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism, and ethnic and political movements.
1. To what extent, ethnicity is responsible for the tribal movements in India? Elaborate with suitable examples. (1995)
2. In what ways has anthropology contributed to the understanding of ethnic & political movements in India? (2009)
3. Using examples, comment on how anthropology can be utilized in policy making. (2012)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Anthropological interpretation of ethnic and political movements (2016)
5. Discuss the contribution of anthropology in understanding the loss of livelihood of tribal communities due to economic and ecological factors. (2017)
6. Write a note in 150 words on Anthropological understanding of communalism. (2019)
7. Discuss the regionalism and demand for autonomy India from Anthropological perspective with respect to Kashmir/ Nagaland/ Bodoland/Gorkhaland agitation. (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What defines a tribal society in the context of Anthropology?
Understanding the characteristics that distinguish a tribal society is fundamental. Frequently asked questions might include inquiries about the defining features of tribal societies, such as their social organization, economic structures, and cultural practices.
Q: How do tribal societies interact with modernization and globalization?
Exploring the dynamics between traditional tribal lifestyles and the forces of modernization and globalization is a common area of interest. Questions may revolve around the impact of external influences on tribal communities and how they navigate the challenges posed by contemporary changes.
Q: What role does kinship play in tribal societies?
Kinship is often a cornerstone of social organization in tribal communities. Frequently asked questions could delve into the intricacies of kinship systems, exploring how familial ties influence social structures, power dynamics, and decision-making processes within these societies.
Q: What are the key economic patterns observed in tribal societies?
Examining the economic facets of tribal societies is a common focus. Frequently asked questions might cover topics like subsistence strategies, resource management, and the impact of external economic influences on the traditional livelihoods of tribal communities.
Q: How do government policies affect tribal communities in different regions?
Considering the socio-political landscape, questions often arise about the impact of government policies on tribal societies. Aspirants might be prompted to analyze the implications of various policies, such as those related to land rights, education, and healthcare, on the well-being and autonomy of tribal communities across diverse geographical locations.
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