Welcome to a fascinating exploration of Anthropology as an optional subject in the UPSC mains examination! In the dynamic landscape of competitive exams, the Anthropology optional has emerged as a distinctive and compelling choice for aspirants. This blog series delves into the past decade, spanning from 2013 to 2023, to meticulously analyze and discuss the previous year questions related to the emergence and growth of anthropology in India. Aspiring civil servants seeking insights into the nuances of this optional subject will find a treasure trove of knowledge, unraveling the historical, social, and cultural fabric of India through the lens of anthropology. Whether you’re a seasoned aspirant or someone considering anthropology for the first time, join us on this enlightening journey as we decipher the evolving trends, key concepts, and the significance of anthropology in the realm of UPSC examinations.
The period from 2013 to 2023 witnessed a remarkable evolution in the Anthropology optional syllabus, reflecting the changing dynamics of society and governance. This blog series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the questions posed by the UPSC during this timeframe, shedding light on the multifaceted growth of anthropology as a discipline in the Indian context. From the foundational principles to contemporary applications, we will unravel the intricate threads that weave together the fabric of anthropology, offering invaluable insights for aspirants preparing to navigate the challenging UPSC mains examination. So, embark on this intellectual journey with us, as we explore the past papers and unravel the rich tapestry of Anthropology as an optional subject in the UPSC mains.
Emergence and growth of anthropology in India – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Anthropology Optional)
Contributions of the 18th, 19th find early 20th Century scholar administrators. Contributions of Indian anthropologists to tribal and caste studies.
1. Write an essay on the growth of Anthropology in India (1985)
2. Briefly describe the highpoints in the growth of Indian anthropology and evaluate the contributions made either by D.N. Majumdar or Verrier Elwin (1987)
3. Discuss the major concept and approaches employed by the Anthropologists in the study of peasant society in India. (1990)
4. Write a note on Distinctive features in the growth of Indian Anthropology (1992)
5. Critically discuss the major anthropological contributions in the study of Indian tribal population.(1993)
6. Give a brief summary on the growth of Indian Anthropology indicating the factors responsible and the results achieved. (1994)
7. Write a note on Maler’s perception of the habitat (1995)
8. Discuss the major contributions of von Furer Haimendorf to Indian Anthropology.(1995)
9. Estimate the contributions of S.C. Roy in the field of ethnography and his influence on the growth of Anthropology in India.(1996)
10. Assess the growth and development of Anthropology in India. Illustrate the contributions of Early twentieth century Anthropologists in Tribal and Caste studies. (1997)
11. Write a note on V. Elwin and his contributions contributions.(1998)
12. Write a note on S.C. Roy’s contributions to anthropology (2001)
13. Write a note on K.S. Singh’s project on the People of India. (2002)
14. Critically examine the contributions of some of the British scholar administrators to Indian anthropology, (2002)
15. Give an account of the contributions of Indian scholars in the growth and development of Anthropology in India in early 20 th century. (2005)
16. Write a note on N.K. Bose’s contribution to Indian Anthropology (2006)
17. Briefly discuss the contribution of Indian anthropologists during 20th century.(2006)
18. Highlight the contributions of Indian anthropologists in the understanding of tribal life. (2007)
19. Write a brief note on the contributions of Prof. L. P. Vidyarthi in the field of anthropology. (2009)
20. Assess the contributions of M.N. Srinivas towards Indian Anthropology in general. Add a note on his understanding in the context of studying social mobility in India. (2010)
21. Evaluate the contribution of American anthropologists to Indian anthropology. (2011)
22. Assess the contribution of Verrier Elwin to Indian anthropology. (2011)
23. Trace the trajectory of encyclopaedic work on tribes and castes of South India With special reference to Ananthakrishna Iyer’s contribution.(2012)
24. Compare the contributions of S.C. Roy and Verrier Elwin to tribal ethnographies in India. (2012)
25. Examine anthropological contributions dealing with tribes and Indian civilization. (375 words) (2013)
26. Write a note in 150 words on Contribution of H. H. Risley to the Aryan’ debate (2014)
27. Discuss the contributions of S.C. Roy to understanding the tribes of India. (2014)
28. Write a note in 150 words on Elwin Ghurye Debate on Tribes (2015)
29. Discuss the contribution of M.N. Srinivas to the study of Indian society. Examine the influence of British social anthropologists on his ideas. (2015)
30. Write about the contribution made by Christoph von Furer-Haimendorf to tribal anthropology in India.(2016)
31. Compare the contribution of L.P. Vidyarthi and D.N. Majumdar to the study of Indian tribes. (2016)
32. Discuss the contribution of Nirmal Kumar Bose to the understanding of Indian society. (2017)
33. Examine the colonial administrators view that Indian villages can be considered as ‘little republics’ (2018)
34. Compare and contrast the economic typology of tribes given by different anthropologists. (2018)
35. Discuss the contribution of S. C. Roy in the study of tribal cultures in India. (2018)
36. Give an account of the contributions of Iravati Karve and B.S. Guha to the analysis of race and caste in India. (2019)
37. Write about the role of colonial administration in the development of Anthropology in India.(2019)
38. Write short note on the Contribution of K. S. Singh to Indian Anthropology in about 150 words (2020)
39. Examine the contributions of S.C. Roy in highlighting the role of customary laws in tribal life. (2021)
40. Discuss the contributions of N.K. Bose in understanding tribal communities and their place in Indian civilization.(2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is the emergence and growth of anthropology in India a significant topic for UPSC aspirants?
Understanding the historical trajectory and contemporary relevance of anthropology in India is crucial for aspirants as it provides insights into the socio-cultural dynamics of the country. The UPSC often explores questions related to anthropology to assess candidates’ grasp on diverse perspectives, making it imperative for aspirants to comprehend the evolution of this discipline.
2. How has the scope of anthropology evolved over the years in the Indian context?
The growth of anthropology in India extends beyond its initial explorations to encompass a broader range of societal issues. Aspirants need to delve into the expanding scope of anthropology, exploring how it has adapted to address contemporary challenges and contribute to our understanding of societal changes.
3. What role does the emergence of anthropology play in shaping government policies and programs in India?
Anthropology’s impact on policy formulation and implementation cannot be overstated. Aspirants should explore how anthropological insights have influenced decision-making processes, providing a nuanced understanding of diverse communities and fostering inclusive governance.
4. How can knowledge of the emergence and growth of anthropology enhance an aspirant’s answer-writing skills?
An in-depth understanding of anthropology’s evolution in India equips aspirants with a broader perspective, enriching their answers with historical context and contemporary relevance. This knowledge allows candidates to craft well-rounded responses, showcasing their analytical and comprehensive writing skills.
5. Are there specific trends or patterns in the UPSC questions related to the emergence and growth of anthropology in India?
Analyzing previous year questions is essential for UPSC preparation. Aspirants should look for patterns or recurring themes in the questions posed by the UPSC, enabling them to identify key areas of focus and tailor their preparation accordingly. This FAQ addresses the strategic approach aspirants can adopt to tackle anthropology-related questions in the mains examination.
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