Embarking on the challenging journey of the UPSC Mains examination, aspirants often find solace in strategic preparation, particularly when it comes to optional subjects like Anthropology. In the realm of Anthropology, the “Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization” has emerged as a focal point, delving into the historical tapestry that defines the rich heritage of the Indian subcontinent. Aspirants keen on mastering this intricate subject have sought guidance from previous year questions, serving as beacons illuminating the path to success. This blog aims to unravel the intricate web of Anthropology Optional Topic-wise Previous Year Questions in UPSC Mains, spanning the years 2013 to 2023.
Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Anthropology Optional)
Prehistoric (Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic-Chalcolithic) Protohistoric (Indus Civilization): PreHarappan, Harappan and postHarappan cultures. Contributions of tribal cultures to Indian civilization
1. Write a note on Correlation between major environmental changes and cultural stages during pleitocene period in N.W. India. (200 words) (1981)
2. Write a note on the economic bases of Indus civilization. (200 words) (1981)
3. What are the main achievements of Indian civilization in the protohistoric period ? (1982)
4. Examine the evidence of upper paleolithic cultures in different regions of India. · (1982)
5. What are the important features of mesolithic phase of Indian prehistory ?).(1983)
6. Write a note in 200 words : Neolithic revolution in India. (1984)
7. Place the Soan culture in the palaeolithic chronology in India and point out how it is distinguished from the Madrasian culture. (1984)
8. What are the main features of Mesolithic cultures in general ? What do you know about the origin and distribution of Mesolithic cultures in India ? (1985)
9. What is meant by Neolithic Revolution ? What kind of evidence do we get about Neolithic revolution in india.(1986)
10. Bring out the features which make the Indian palaeolithic complex distinctive. (1987)
11. India’s protohistoric civilization is unique in the world. Discuss. (1988)
12. Write a note on Indus Valley Civilization is regarded as the beginning of urban life of India. Discuss. (1989)
13. Discuss the stratigraphic and chronological position of the Middle Stone Age industries in India and describe their significant features.(1989)
14. What are the important features of Indus Valley Civilization? Examine the conditions that may have led to urbanization in the Indian region (1990)
15. Discuss the nature of urbanization in the Indus Valley Civilization. What factors led to its decline? (1991)
16. Describe the salient features of the Neolithic culture of the Indian subcontinent. (1992)
17. To what extent could the Mesolithic culture be attributed to a phase of transition between Palaeolithic and Neolithic cultures? Illustrate the answer with apt. examples. (1993)
18. Write a note on Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization (1994)
19. Point out the salient features of Middle Palaeolithic industries and their makers. Illustrate your answer with examples from India. (1994)
20. Bring out the salient features of Lower Palaeolithic Culture complex in the Peninsular and extra Peninsular India. (1995)
21. Write a note on Neolithic tool typology and technology of fabrication (l996)
22. Discuss the cultural characteristics of Upper Palaeolithic period. Indicate. Its genesis and development in Indian context pointing to distribution and chronology. (1996)
23. Write a note on Dating methods in Prehistory (1997)
24. Describe the distinguishing characteristic features of South Indian Megaliths and compare these with either Central Indian or North-eastern Indian Megaliths. (1997)
25. Write a note on Components of cultures and its link with civilization. (1997)
26. Describe the socio-cultural characteristics of the Neolithic period in India with suitable examples. (1998)
27. Write a note on Proto-Neolithic (1999)
28. Critically examine various sources of India’s culture and civilization. Also distinguish between primary and secondary civilization. (1999)
29. Write a note on Criteria of civilization (2000)
30. Describe the geographical spread of Indus valley civilization. What were the causes of its decline? (2000)
31. Write a note on Ecological adaptation during Mesolithic. (2001)
32. Write a note on Traditional culture as concept. (2001)
33. Critically examine evidence of Upper Paleolithic in India. Discuss its characteristics. (2001)
34. Name a few Chalcolithic sites in India and describe their most salient features. (2002)
35. Write a note on Town planning in Indus cultures. (2003)
36. Critically ‘examine the contributions of tribal cultures to the development of Vedic culture. (2003)
37. Write a note on Typo-technology of Indian Palaeolithic Culture. (2004)
38. Write a note on Mesolithic culture in India (2005)
39. Discuss the economic basis of Indus Civilisation. What were the factors of its decline ? (2005)
40. Write a note on Burzahom. (2006)
41. Write a note on Initial period of Tribal Studies in India. (2006)
42. Write a note on Neolithic Culture. (2007)
43. Write a note on ‘Langhnaj’. (2008)
44. Examine the contribution of Mesolithic culture to rise of Neolithic culture.(2009)
45. Write a note in 150 words on Neolithic culture in India. (2010)
46. Write a note in 150 words on Urban planning in Harappan culture. (2010)
47. Comment in detail on the socio-cultural life of the people of the Indus Valley Civilization. (2010)
48. Examine Gordon Childe’s statement, “Neolithic culture is a revolution”. (2010)
49. Write a note in 150 words on Iron Age in Gangetic region. (2011)
50. Describe the characteristic features of Mesolithic Cultures in India. (2011)
51. Discuss the significance of Sohan in Indian Prehistory. (2011)
52. Write a note in 150 words on Palaeolithic Art. (2012)
53. Compare the salient features and distribution of the Mid.die Palaeolithic and Upper Palaeolithic cultures in India. Add a note on the tool traditions of the Upper Palaeolithic period. (2012)
54. Write a note in 150 words : Discuss salient features of Mesolithic culture in India with special reference to western India.(2013)
55. Indian Paleolithic culture can neither be conceived chronologically homogeneous nor as a uniform cultural homogeneous nor as a uniform cultural phase. Discuss. (250 words) (2013)
56. Discuss the contributions of H.D. Sankalia to prehistoric anthropology in lndia. (250 words) (2013)
57. Write a note in 150 words on Neolithic cultures of N-E India. (2014)
58. Describe what is known of Harapan Religion. Have some of its elements continued into later Hinduism ? Discuss. (2014)
59. Write a note in 150 words on South Indian Paleoliths (2015)
60. Write a note in 150 words on Prehistoric Rock Art of Central India (2015)
61. Discuss the significance of Harappan Civilization sites from India. (2015)
62. Write a note in 150 words on Significance of Mesolithic findings from Belan Valley. (2016)
63. Give a detailed appraisal of skeletal remains from Chalcolithic culture of undivided Punjab. (2016)
64. Write a note in 150 words on Neolithic cultures of South India. (2017)
65. Describe the salient features of chakolithic cultures of the Deccan. (2017)
66. Describe various aspects of trade and religion of Harappan civilization. (2017)
67. Explain the contribution of tribal cultures to Indian civilization. (2018)
68. Examine the regional variations of mesolithic cultures of India. (2018)
69. Describe the Palaeolithic culture with special reference to Soanian tradition. Indicate the problems of describing the Indian Paleolithic. (2019)
70. What kind of society may be reconstructed from the archaeological evidences of Harappan culture ? (2019)
71. Write a note in 150 words on Distribution of Neolithic sites in India.(2019)
72. Discuss the characteristic features of ‘Neolithic culture’ in India. (2020)
73. Write short notes on “Harappan seals” in about 150 words. (2021)
74. Critically discuss the origin of Indus Valley Civilization. Mention the evidences of its endogenous origin from the pre-Harappan sites. (2021)
75. Give the distribution and characteristic features of Upper Paleolithic culture in India. (2021)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of studying the evolution of Indian culture and civilization for UPSC Anthropology Optional candidates?
A: Understanding the evolution of Indian culture and civilization is crucial for UPSC Anthropology Optional candidates as it provides insights into the historical, social, and cultural roots of the country. This knowledge aids in comprehending the dynamics of Indian society and helps candidates analyze contemporary issues through a historical lens, contributing to a holistic understanding of the subject.
Q: How can aspirants effectively prepare for questions related to the evolution of Indian culture and civilization in the UPSC Mains exam?
A: To prepare for such questions, candidates should focus on a multidimensional approach. This includes studying historical perspectives, archaeological findings, and socio-cultural changes over time. Integrating current affairs with historical insights is also essential. Utilizing previous year question papers as practice tools can further enhance preparedness for the diverse range of questions that may be asked in the exam.
Q: Are there specific time periods that candidates should prioritize when studying the evolution of Indian culture and civilization?
A: While the entire timeline is relevant, candidates should pay special attention to key epochs such as the Indus Valley Civilization, Vedic period, Mauryan and Gupta empires, medieval era, and the impact of colonial rule. A nuanced understanding of each period aids in addressing questions that require a comprehensive grasp of India’s cultural evolution.
Q: How does the study of the evolution of Indian culture and civilization contribute to the overall UPSC Anthropology Optional syllabus?
A: The evolution of Indian culture and civilization is an integral part of the Anthropology Optional syllabus as it forms the foundation for various other topics such as social structure, kinship, religion, and cultural practices. A strong grasp of this evolution enhances the candidate’s ability to analyze and answer questions across multiple domains within the subject.
Q: Can the evolution of Indian culture and civilization be linked to contemporary societal issues in the UPSC Mains exam?
A: Absolutely. The study of the evolution of Indian culture and civilization enables candidates to draw connections between historical developments and contemporary challenges. This analytical skill is invaluable in addressing questions that require a contextual understanding of how the past continues to shape the present, making candidates well-rounded in their approach to Anthropology as a subject.
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