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 (2020)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Natufian culture
(b) Sapir-Whorf hypothesis
(c) (Cultural relativism) Human rights and Cultural relativism
(d) (Liminality) Victor Turner and Liminality
(e) Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour
Q2. (a) Critically evaluate the contesting theories of the emergence and dispersal of modern Homo Sapiens.
(b) Discuss Erving Goffman’s concept of total institutions and its relevance in contemporary society.
(c) Differentiate between Lower Palaeolithic culture and Middle Palaeolithic culture with suitable examples.
Q3. (a) Explain the impact of feminist movement on universality of marriage and family structure.
(b) Critically examine the demographic and epidemiological consequences with rise in food production and sedentism.
(c) Elucidate how Darwin and Post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the development of Synthetic theory of evolution.
Q4. (a) Discuss various anthropological approaches to the study of personality and culture.
(b) Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion patterns among the non-human primates.
(c) How is the construct of power linked to the notion of conspicuous consumption and its impact on distributive justice?
SECTION – B
Q5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
(a) (Eugenics) Racism and Eugenics
(b) Genetic drift
(c) Experiential Ethnography
(e) Ethics and Genetic engineering
(e) Senescence
Q6. (a) Secular trend in human growth can be positive, negative or neutral. Illustrate with examples.
(b) Describe the impact of infectious diseases on indigenous populations.
(c) How may numerical aberrations in sex chromosomes lead to genetic disorders?
Q7. (a) Explain how variations in language usage is related to social inequality.
(b) Describe the biocultural responses to extreme climatic events.
(c) How do marriage rules impact the gene pool of populations?
Q8. (a) How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit of the discipline?
(b) What are the applications of human genomic research in human welfare?
(c) How have interpretation and presentation of data changed from classical to contemporary writings in anthropological texts?
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-2 (2020)
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Contribution of Robert Bruce Foote to Indian Archaeology
(b) Debates on ‘Aryan’ invasion
(c ) Contribution of K. S. Singh to Indian Anthropology
(d) Dravidian languages
(e) ‘Khap’ Panchayat
2.(a) Discuss the impact of Islam on Indian Society.
(b) Discuss the contribution of V. N. Misra to Archaeological Anthropology in India.
(c)Elucidate the linguistic classification of Indian tribes.
3.(a)Discuss the characteristics of caste system in India.
(b)Discuss the importance of Ethnoarchaeology in reconstructing the Past citing Indian examples.
(c)Explain the impact of Hinduism on Tribal people of India.
4.(a)Explain the reasons of caste violence in India with suitable examples.
(b)Discuss the impact of Globalization on Indian villages.
(c)Describe the provisions under 6th Schedule of Indian constitution.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a)Concept of Sanskritisation
(b)’Narmada’ Man
(c)Concept of ‘Dominant’ caste
(d)Linguistic minorities in India
(e)Concept of Ethnicity
6.(a)What are the Social and Political problems of religious minorities in India?
(b)Describe the functions of Tribal Research Institutes in India.
(c)Discuss the effect of job reservation in alleviating unemployment among the tribal people of India.
7.(a) Explain the impact of development-induced displacemic in India with suitable examples.nent-induced displacement among the tribal people.
(b)Discuss the characteristic features of ‘Neolithic culture’ in India.
(c)Critically evaluate the state of implementation of the constitutional safeguards for the scheduled castes.
8.(a) Discuss the regionalism and demand for autonomy in India from Anthropological perspective with respect to Kashmir/Nagaland/Bodoland/Gorkhaland agitation.
(b)Elucidate the problems of land alienation among the tribals of India.
(c)Describe the different settlement patterns in rural India
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.
In case you still have your doubts, contact us on 9811333901.
For UPSC Prelims Resources, Click here
For Daily Updates and Study Material:
Join our Telegram Channel – Edukemy for IAS
- 1. Learn through Videos – here
- 2. Be Exam Ready by Practicing Daily MCQs – here
- 3. Daily Newsletter – Get all your Current Affairs Covered – here
- 4. Mains Answer Writing Practice – here
