The UPSC (Union Public Service Commission) Main Examination is a highly competitive and rigorous assessment that aspirants undertake to pursue a career in the Indian Civil Services. Among the various optional subjects offered, Anthropology stands out as a unique and multidisciplinary field that delves into the study of human societies, cultures, and biological evolution. The Anthropology optional paper in the UPSC Main Examination not only demands a profound understanding of human diversity but also requires candidates to critically analyze and apply anthropological concepts to contemporary issues. By exploring previous year’s papers on the Anthropology optional, aspirants gain valuable insights into the examination pattern, question types, and the depth of knowledge expected. This introduction sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the challenges and opportunities presented by the UPSC Main Examination’s Anthropology optional through the lens of previous year’s papers.
Question Paper Specific Instructions
- Please read each of the following instructions carefully before attempting questions :
- There are EIGHT questions divided in two SECTIONS and printed both in HINDI and in ENGLISH.
- The candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
- Questions no. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE from each section.
- The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
- Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate which must be stated clearly on the cover of this Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet in the space provided. No marks will be given for answers written in a medium other than the authorized one.
- Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.
- Illustrate your answers with suitable sketches, maps, and diagrams. These shall be drawn in the space provided for answering the question itself.
- Attempts of questions shall be counted in chronological order. Unless struck off, the attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partly. Any page or portion of the page left blank in the answer book must be clearly struck off.
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-1 (2015)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Archaeological Anthropology. 10 marks
(b) Society and Culture. 10 marks
(c) Incest Taboos. 10 marks
(d) Horticulture. 10 marks
(e) Historical Particularism. 10 marks
2.(a) Elucidate the biological and cultural factors in Human Evolution. 15 marks
(b) How did Morgan explain the evolution of marriage, family and Socio-Political organization, and how did other evolutionists disagree with his explanation ? 20 marks
(c) How do diffusionism and evolutionism differ as explanations of Culture Change ? 15 marks
3.(a) Define family and critically examine the universality of family. 15 marks
(b) How do you relate the concepts of ‘Sacred’ and ‘Profane’ in Durkheim’s theory of religion with a focus on the role of totem ? 15 marks
(c) Explain the basic features of ‘Postmodernism’ in Anthropology. 20 marks
4.(a) Critically examine the Formalists’ and Substantivists’ views on the applicability of economic laws in the study of primitive societies. 20 marks
(b) Explain the difference between emic and etic, and how does the difference derive from the study of language ? 10 marks
(c) What made Geertz’s Interpretive Anthropology distinct from Turner’s Symbolic Anthropology ? What does each of them mean by the terms Symbol’ and ‘Symbolic’ ? 20 marks
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Palaeolithic culture. 10 marks
(b) Down’s Syndrome. 10 marks
(c) Longitudinal method of studying growth. 10 marks
(d) Menopause and its impact. 10 marks
(e) DNA technology in Medicine. 10 marks
6.(a) Describe the salient characteristics and geographical distribution of Homo erectus. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding evolution. 15 marks
(c) Discuss chromosomal aberrations in man illustrating with examples. 15 marks
7.(a) What is an anthropometric somatotype? Describe Health and Carter’s method of somatotyping. 20 marks
(b) Critically examine the physiological responses and acclimatization to cold climate in Man. 15 marks
(c) Elucidate the role of Anthropology in selection and monitoring of sports persons. 15 marks
8.(a) Forensic Science can help in criminal investigations. Discuss. 20 marks
(b) Define genetic polymorphism. Give details of its types with suitable examples. 15 marks
(c) What do you understand by Immunogenetics? Explain with suitable examples. 15 marks
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-2 (2015)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Relevance of tribal Panchsheel today
(b) Sacred complex as a dimension of Indian civilization
(c) South Indian Paleoliths
(d) Panchayati Raj Institutions and Social Change
(e) Rights over resources and tribal unrest
2.(a) Examine the social implications of media and communication technology. 20 marks
(b) Briefly describe the classical models of ethnic and linguistic classification of Indian population. Discuss its relevance today. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the problems faced by religious minorities in India. 15 marks
3.(a) Discuss how constitutional provisions in India have built-in mechanisms for dealing with the problem of land alienation in tribal areas. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the impact of Hinduism on the status of tribal women in Central India. 15 marks
(c) Describe the paleoanthropological fossil finds from Siwalik hills. Examine the contribution of Siwalik fossils to paleoanthropological knowledge. 15 marks
4.(a) Critically examine the concept of communalism and its relevance for multireligious and multiethnic polity of India. 20 marks
(b) Examine in detail the role of anthropology in planning for tribal development. 15 marks
(c) Critically compare ‘Affirmative Action’ of USA and ‘Protective Discrimination’ for Scheduled Tribes in India. 15 marks
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Prehistoric Rock Art of Central India
(b) Islam and Matriliny
(c) Socioeconomic characteristics of shifting cultivator
(d) Elwin-Ghurye Debate on Tribes
(e) Role of Governor in Fifth Schedule Areas
6.(a) Examine the contribution of village studies towards the understanding of Indian social system. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the impact of globalization on village economy in India. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the significance of Harappan Civilization sites from India. 15 marks
7.(a) Recently non-government organizations have been critiqued for interfering with developmental process in tribal heartland ! Critically comment. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the nature of social change in tribal India under the impact of developmental programmes. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the contribution of M. N. Srinivas to the study of Indian society. Examine the influence of British social anthropologists on his ideas. 15 marks
8. (a) What do you understand by dynamics of caste mobility? How did the concept of Sanskritization contribute to its functionality? 20 marks
(b) Critically examine the concept of tribe-caste continuum and its relevance in contemporary India. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the sociocultural, economic and psychological constraints responsible for low literacy in tribal areas. 15 marks
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How can I effectively prepare for UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional using previous year papers?
A1: Utilizing UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional previous year papers is a strategic approach. Begin by thoroughly analyzing the question patterns and understanding the weightage of different topics. Identify recurring themes and focus on strengthening your knowledge in those areas. Practice writing answers within the stipulated time to enhance your time management skills and improve the quality of your responses.
Q2: Are there any specific trends in the UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers over the years?
A2: Yes, there are discernible trends in the UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers. The questions often emphasize a holistic understanding of anthropological concepts, linking theoretical knowledge with practical application. Additionally, recent papers tend to include more interdisciplinary questions, requiring candidates to integrate anthropological perspectives with contemporary issues.
Q3: How can I enhance my answer writing skills for Anthropology Optional based on previous year papers?
A3: Answer writing skills are crucial for Anthropology Optional in UPSC Mains. Practice is key. Start by writing answers to previous year questions under exam conditions. Focus on clarity, structure, and logical flow. Pay attention to the presentation, use diagrams and case studies where relevant. Regularly evaluate and seek feedback to continually improve your writing style.
Q4: Are there any specific topics within Anthropology Optional that are frequently asked in UPSC Mains papers?
A4: While the range of topics is vast, certain areas are consistently featured in UPSC Mains Anthropology Optional papers. These include socio-cultural aspects, human evolution, tribal studies, and applied anthropology. Prioritize these areas during your preparation, ensuring a thorough understanding of the underlying concepts and their practical implications.
Q5: How should I incorporate the study of previous year papers into my overall Anthropology Optional preparation strategy?
A5: Integrating the study of previous year papers is crucial for effective preparation. Begin by categorizing questions based on topics and sub-topics. Devote more time to areas with higher question frequency. Understand the evolution of questions over the years to anticipate potential areas of focus. Regularly revise and update your knowledge in alignment with the changing trends observed in previous papers.
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