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 (2019)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) The relationship between Linguistics and Social-Cultural Anthropology
(b) Cultural Relativism
(c) Pastoralism in India
(d) Cultural Materialism
(e) Relative Dating Methods
Q2. (a) Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture.
(b) How did Radcliffe-Brown and Levi-Strauss study kinship in terms of social structure ?
(c) Elucidate Mesolithic culture and associated rock art with examples from India.
Q3. (a) Discuss social stratification according to any three major approaches.
(b) “Europeans are closer to Neanderthals.” Critically discuss in view of the African origin of humankind.
(c) Discuss briefly the major traditions in the Upper Palaeolithic culture of Europe.
Q4. (a) With reference to the somatoscopic and morphometric characteristics commonly used for racial classification, make critical comments as to whether ‘Race’ is a valid concept.
(b) Critically explain the anthropological approaches to religion.
(c) Differentiate between transient and balanced genetic polymorphism. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from human populations.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Adaptive primate radiation
(b) Implications of mutation in evolution
(c) Olduvai Gorge
(d) Anthropological inputs in facial reconstruction
(e) Genetico-environmental factors affecting human growth
Q6. (a) Examine critically the contributions of Victor Turner and Clifford Geertz in anthropology.
(b) “Human adaptations are always bio-cultural in nature.” Discuss with reference to human adaptation to high-altitude climate.
(c) Discuss the methods of studying human growth with their merits and demerits.
Q7. (a) Discuss how indigenous people encounter globalization.
(b) “Applied human genetics has come to touch every sphere of human life.” Discuss in light of recent advances in molecular anthropology.
(c) Evaluate participant observation in producing anthropological knowledge.
Q8. (a) Discuss with examples the Megalithic culture of India in the archaeological context.
(b) Discuss the bio-cultural factors influencing fertility in light of the relationship between fecundity and fertility.
(c) Discuss phenomenology as a research method in anthropological studies.
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-2 (2019)
SECTION – A
Q1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Phylogenetic position and morphological features of Ramapithecus
(b) Ethno-archaeological analysis of hunting activities of contemporary tribal communities.
(c) Distribution of Tibeto-Burman group of languages in India.
(d) Use of doctrine of Karma and rebirth in justifying the Varna system.
(e) The Jajmani system and contemporary market economy.
Q2. (a) Describe the Palaeolithic culture with special reference to Soanian tradition. Indicate the problems of describing the Indian Palaeolithic.
(b) What has been the contribution of tribal people to the Indian Independence movement ?
(c) Describe the impact of Buddhism on the tribal populations of India.
Q3. (a) What kind of society may be reconstructed from the archaeological evidences of Harappan culture?.
(b) Discuss the impact of media on the social life of Indian villages.
(c) Critically assess the existing plans and programmes meant for tribal welfare.
Q4. (a) Give an account of the contributions of Iravati Karve and B. S. Guha to the analysis of race and caste in India.
(b) What has been the impact of development projects on the environment and livelihood of forestdwelling tribes ?.
(c) Identify some special programmes for particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (erstwhile PTGs).
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Ethnicity and regionalism.
(b) Panchayati Raj as a facilitator of social inclusion in rural society.
(c) Anthropological understanding of communalism.
(d) Issues relating to tribal education.
(e) Distribution of Neolithic sites in India.
Q6. (a) Identify the theoretical concepts that have emerged out of village studies in India. .
(b) Critically discuss the role of NGOs in tribal development.
(c) Describe the impact of industrialization on the economic and social aspects of India’s villages.
Q7. (a) Discuss how the elements of Little and Great Traditions combine in the emergence of social/political/religious movements, giving any one example to illustrate the issue.
(b) Write about the role of colonial administration in the development of Anthropology in India.
(c) What are the salient issues faced by pastoral communities in India? Discuss with suitable examples.
Q8. (a) Discuss with appropriate examples how tribal unrest may be understood as emerging out of an incompatibility between tribes and the nation-state. .
(b) What has been the impact of non-Hindu religions on the emancipation of Schedule Castes in India?
(c) What are the constitutional safeguards to protect the interests of the Indian tribes?
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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