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)
Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.
1. Discuss some of the important provisions in our Constitution which are meant to protect the interest of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. What is the impact of these provisions have so far had on the weaker sections? (1981)
2. Write an essay on the social disabilities experienced by the scheduled castes and discuss the important efforts made to alleviate the same. (1982)
3. Write a note in 200 words: Types of subsistence economy of Indian tribes. (1984)
4. Identify the main problems of the scheduled castes and discuss the measures adopted to solve them. (1985)
5. Analyse the programmes for tribal welfare undertaken Governments in terms of relevant constitutional and statutory provisions. (1986)
6. Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for scheduled tribes. (1987)
7. Discuss the provisions and significance of the protective discrimination policy towards scheduled caste. Assess its impact on their social mobility. (1990)
8. Evaluate the extent to which existing reservations for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes have led to social mobility among them. What suggestions would you make for implementing to policy of adding an economic in extending reservation to the so-called ‘forward’ castes? (1991)
9. What are the major socio-economic problems faced by the Scheduled castes ? Point out the criteria for diagnosis and suggest the remedial measures.(1993)
10. Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the scheduled tribes (1994)
11. Write a note on : Distinguish between exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes (1995)
12. Write a note on Constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes (1996)
13. Critically examine the merits and demerits of reservation policy for the ‘Scheduled tribes, Scheduled castes and other Backward classes. (2002)
14. Do you think that exploitation emanates from clash of self interest between groups? Discuss in the context of tribals , and non-tribals. (2002)
15. Write a note on National Commission for SCs and STs (2004)
16. Write a note on Constitutional Safeguards for Scheduled Castes. (2007)
17. Write a note on Fifth Schedule of the Constitution. (2009)
18. Write a note in 150 words on The problem of bonded labour among Indian tribes. (2010)
19. Fifth Schedule and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution are built on the foundations laid by the colonial Government. Discuss. (250 words) (2013)
20. Discuss how British policies dispossessed tribals of their communal properties and agricultural lands. (2013)
21. Discuss the Social disabilities suffered by scheduled castes. (2013)
22. Critically examine the constitutional provisions for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India. (2014)
23. Write a note in 150 words on Role of Governor in Fifth Schedule Areas (2015)
24. Examine the factors responsible for the exploitation of scheduled castes in India.(2016)
25. Write in detail various provisions provided by the Constitution of India for the Scheduled Tribes under Vth and Vlth Schedules. (2016)
26. Critically discuss the constitutional safeguards for the Scheduled Castes. (2017)
27. Write a note in 150 words on Other Backward Class.(2017)
28. Write a note in 150 words on Tribe and schedule tribe (2018)
29. Discuss the salient features of PESA Act of 1996 and attempt a comparison with the features of the VI Schedule. (2018)
30. What are the constitutional safeguards to protect the interests of the Indian tribes? (2019)
31. Describe the provisions under 6th Schedule of Indian Constitution. (2020)
32. Critically evaluate the state of implementation of the constitutional safeguards for the scheduled castes (2020)
33. Write short notes on “Politics of recognition and deprivation” in about 150 words. (2021)
Social change and contemporary tribal societies:
Impact of modern democratic institutions, development programmes and welfare measures on tribals and weaker sections.
1. Discuss the role of education as an instrument of socio-economic change among the weaker section of India. (1982)
2. What are the distinct segments in the backward population of India ? What special approaches do you recommend to suit the development of different segments?(1983)
3. Make an evaluation of welfare measures adopted by the government for the betterment of scheduled tribes in India. (1984)
4. Write a note on Tribes in transition. (1985)
5. Write a note on Tribal art in India. (1985)
6. Write a note on Advantages of Ashram school in tribal areas. (1986)
7. Write a note on Direction of tribal change. (1993)
8. Describe the efficacy of the legislative measures adopted by the Government to tackle the socio-economic problems of the scheduled castes. What other measure would you suggest to tackle these problems? (1994)
9. Write a note on People’s participation in tribal development (1995)
10. Estimate the role of democratic institutions/ organisation for the development of weaker sections and the welfare measures adopted by them (1997)
11. Write a note on ITDA (1998)
12. Write a note on MADA, LAMPS TRIFED (2000)
13. Critically review the processes of social changes the contemporary Indian society is undergoing. (2006)
14. Write a note on Programmes for ‘Tribal Development (2006)
15. How have modern democratic institutions influenced the Indian tribal societies ? Assess. (2008)
16. Write a note in 150 words on Tribal Panchsheel (2011)
17. Examine the relevance of Tribal Panchsheel by Jawaharlal Nehru in the light of emerging developing practices.(2012)
18. Write a note in 150 words on Commodification of Tribal Art (2012)
19. Examine the impacts of green revolution on rural poor.(2013)
20. Examine the impact of non-tribal contract on socio-cultural institutions of tribal people with suitable examples.(2013)
21. Write a note in 150 words on Relevance of tribal Panchsheel today (2015)
22. Discuss the nature of social change in tribal India under the impact of developmental programmes. (2015)
23. Describe how various tribal development programmes and plans have impacted the process of social transformation among tribes.(2016)
24. Give a critical appraisal of any one tribal development programme during Xllth Five-Year plan. Give your suggestions for any improvement in the programme. (2017)
25. Critically assess the existing plans and programmes meant for tribal welfare. (2019)
26. Describe the functions of Tribal Research Institutes in India. (2020)
The concept of ethnicity; Ethnic conflicts and political developments; Unrest among tribal communities; Regionalism and demand for autonomy; Pseudo-tribalism; Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-independent India; National integration.
1. Taking the example of any region, describe the radical changes that are taking place in tribal societies and assess their future outcome. (1983)
2. Discuss the divisive factors which disrupt national integration in India. Suggest solutions to counteract the divisive forces. (1984)
3. Write a note on Role of ethnic groups in national integration. (1985)
4. Write a note on Issues relating to national integration (1986)
5. What suggestions would you like to make as an anthropologist for bringing the tribal peoples in the national mainstream without obliterating their separate identity. (1987)
6. Examine the advantages and disadvantages of linguistic States in India in the context of national Integration (1987)
7. Write a note on Regional Disparity and National Integration. (1988)
8. Assertion of ethnic identity and ethnic solidarity has been a pervasive process in India after Independence. Analyse this in relation to constitutional safeguards and emerging national integration. (1988)
9. Define the concept of ‘ethnic identity’. Discuss how it is emerging in the context of tribal unrest in some regions of country.(1989)
10. What are the major issues of National Integration in India ? Discuss how it has been eroded in recent years. What remedial measures would you suggest for National Integration ? (1989)
11. Write a note on Cultural pluralism and national integration.(1990)
12. Discuss the divisive factors which disrupt national integration in India. What would you suggest to counteract the divisive forces ? (1992)
13. Write a note on Ethnicity (1993)
14. Write a note on Positive and negative response of the tribals to Governmental measures (1994)
15. Write a note on : Identify the factors responsible for regionalism in contemporary India (1995)
16. Discuss the significance of the regionalism and communalism in Indian context and its role in ethno-political movements in the present political system. (1997)
17. Outline the historical background of tribal administration during the colonial period. Evaluate post-Independence administrative policies with special reference to states under either the Fifth Schedule or Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.(2000)
18. What is regionalism ? Evaluate how regionalism has stimulated political movements in India. (2003)
19. Elucidate the nature of changes in administration of tribal areas from colonial period to PostIndependence era in India. (2005)
20. Discuss the anthropological understanding of rising ethnicity among | 34. Indian tribes in the context of nation-building.(2007)
21. Write a note on Concept of Ethnicity (2008)
22. Write a note on Tribal unrest in Central India. (2009)
23. Discuss and compare the approaches towards the tribes during colonial and post independent India. (2010)
24. Do you find any significant change in the approaches? Assess. (2010)
25. Analyse the factors influencing tribal regionalism, citing Indian examples. (2010)
26. Write a note in 150 words on Left-wing extremism and tribals in India. (2011)
27. Compare the approach adopted towards tribal communities during Colonial and post independence periods. (2011)
28. Write a note in 150 words on Colonial Ethnography (2012)
29. Write a note in 150 words on Government Action towards Left Wing Extremism. (2013)
30. Assess the contributions of earth 20th century ethnographic tradition to Indian anthropology. (2013)
31. Discuss the rise of ethno-nationalism among Indian tribes with specific example.(2014)
32. What are the significant factors responsible for tribal unrest ? (2014)
33. Describe the history of tribal administration in the colonial period. (2014)
34. Write a note in 150 words on Rights over resources and tribal unrest (2015)
35. Give a critical assessment of ‘Negrito Problem’ in India (2016)
36. Write a note in 150 words on The role that regionalism plays in demand for | autonomy among Indian tribes. (2016)
37. Write a note in 150 words on Tribe as a colonial construct (2016)
38. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism. (2017)
39. Discuss the various factors resulting in tribal unrest in various parts of India. (2018)
40. What has been the contribution of tribal people to the Indian Independence movement ?(2019)
41. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnicity and regionalism. (2019)
42. Explain the reasons of caste violence in India with suitable examples. (2020)
43. Write short note on the Concept of Ethnicity in about 150 words (2020)
44. Identify the causes of tribal unrest with special reference to North-East India.(2021)
Social Movements among Tribal society
1. Discuss the role of sociopolitical movements in the emergence of tribal identity in the Indian context. (1990)
2. Discuss the socio-economic and political characteristics of revitalization movements in tribal India. How are they affected by culture-contact with outsiders ? (1991)
3. Write a note on Tribal movement-pros and cons. (1994)
4. Write a note on Jharkhand Movement (1999)
5. Assess the political and economic role of tribal and rural movements in the creation of the new states of Uttaranchal Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh (2000)
6. Write a note on Birsa Movement (2001)
7. Identify the causes and consequences of major tribal movements in India. (2003)
8. Classify the tribal movements in contemporary India in a regional perspective and analyse the contributive factors. (2004)
9. Critically review Tana Bhagat Movement-its causes and effects (2006)
10. Write a note on Revivalistic Movements (2008)
11. Write a note in 150 words on Ethnic movements in India. (2013)
Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity Islam and other religions on tribal
societies.
1. Write a note on Hindu mode of tribal absorption (1995)
2. Define religion in anthropological perspective. Bring out the impact of Christianity on the converted and non-converted tribal groups of India. (1996)
3. Write a note on Impact of Christianity on tribal societies (2000)
4. Write a note on Bases of tribal religion. (2002)
5. Analyse the impact of Christianity on tribal communities with special reference to North East India. (2009)
6. Discuss the impact of Hindu Society on tribal population in India. (2011)
7. Using ethnographic examples, highlight the processes of religious conversions in Tribal India. (2012)
8. Write a note in 150 words on Impact of Christianity on tribes (2014)
9. Discuss the impact of Hinduism on the status of tribal women in Central India. (2015)
10. Discuss the impact of Islam on scheduled tribes of India. (2016)
11. Write a note in 150 words on Impact of Christianity on Indian tribes. (2017)
12. Describe the impact of Buddhism on the tribal population of India. (2019)
13. Explain the impact of Hinduism on Tribal people of India. (2020)
14. Critically assess the impact of Christianity on tribal culture and identity. (2021)
Tribe and nation state – a comparative study of tribal communities in India and other countries.
1. What do you know by tribe and nation? How do states carved for tribals in India differ from tribal-nation states in Africa? Discuss. (2001)
2. Critically examine the relationship between tribal communities and the Nation-State on issues of governance (2012)
3. Critically compare ‘Affirmative Action’ of USA and ‘Protective Discrimination for Scheduled Tribes in India. (2015)
4. Critically evaluate the term ‘tribe’ (as used in India) as compared to the term ‘indigenous’ in some other countries. (2017)
5. Discuss with appropriate examples how tribal unrest may be understood as emerging out of an incompatibility between tribes and the nation-state. (2019)
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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