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 (2021)
SECTION – A
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Animism and Deep Ecology
(b) Marriage Regulations and Alliance Theory
(c) Historical Particularism and Franz Boas
(d) “The bio-cultural approach is the hallmark of Biological Anthropology.” Explain.
(e) Thermoluminescence (TL) dating
Q2. (a) What are the physical and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus ? Discuss its phylogenetic status.
(b) Elucidate the concept of “thick description” of Clifford Geertz with a suitable example.
(c) Describe the features of early farming cultures and Neolithic of the Near East.
Q3. (a) How do political organisations of simple societies establish power, authority and legitimacy ?
(b) Explain the genetic mechanisms of micro and macro evolution.
(c) Discuss the salient features of different traditions of European Mesolithic.
Q4. (a) Elaborate the scope of anthropology and elucidate its uniqueness in the field of other social sciences.
(b) Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings.
(c) “Chromosomal aberrations can play havoc with the human body and mind.” Explain with suitable examples.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Human adolescent growth spurt
(b) The losses and gains of erect posture
(c) Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept?
(d) Descent Groups
(e) Modes of Subsistence
Q6. (a) What is acclimatization ? Discuss adaptive responses to high altitude and cold climate.
(b) How are the cases of disputed paternity solved? Discuss the recent techniques.
(c) Critically evaluate Lewis Morgan’s classification of family.
Q7. (a) Critically evaluate different types of social stratifications with suitable examples.
(b) Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity.
(c) What is Anthropometry? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person.
Q8. (a) Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research.
(b) Discuss the physiological and evolutionary theories of aging.
(c) Explain the structural analysis of kinship as proposed by Lévi-Strauss
Anthropology Optional Question Paper-2 (2021)
1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Purushartha and righteous living today
(b) Relevance of tribe-caste continuum
(c) Harappan seals
(d) Caste and social capital
(e) Factionalism and politics in rural India
Q2. (a) Critically discuss the origin of Indus Valley Civilization. Mention the evidences of its endogenous origin from the pre-Harappan sites.
(b) Give the distribution and characteristic features of Upper Paleolithic culture in India.
(c) Discuss the morphological features and phylogenetic Position of Ramapithecus.
Q3. (a) Explain the impact of the concept of nature-man-spirit complex on sustainable use of natural resources with suitable examples.
(b) Examine the contributions of S. C. Roy in highlighting the role of customary laws in tribal life.
(c) Critically assess the impact of Christianity on tribal culture and identity.
Q4. (a) Discuss the contributions of N. K. Bose in understanding tribal commune and their place in Indian civilization.
(b) Discuss the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions in transforming traditional power hierarchy in rural India.
(c) Elucidate the problems and challenges in educational attainment of the Scheduled Tribes.
SECTION – B
5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50 marks
(a) Urbanization and tribal institutions
(b) Ethnic media and social awareness
(c) Cultural diversity and multiculturalism
(d) Concept of tribe and Indian census
(e) Politics of recognition and deprivation
Q6. (a) Discuss the impact of the Forest Rights Act (2006) on the livelihood and culture of tribal people in India.
(b) Examine the factors responsible for malnutrition in tribal India and suggest interventions required to overcome the problem.
(c) Delineate the factors influencing fertility in Indian population.
Q7. (a) Explain the impact of successive Land Acquisition Acts on tribal social organization.
(b) Discuss the problems involved in rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals displaced due to development projects in India.
(c) Discuss the interventions made by the Non-Governmental Organizations for empowering tribal women.
Q8. (a) Examine how structural transformation in economy is affecting traditional social relationships in agrarian society.
(b) Delineate the constitutional safeguard for religious minorities in India.
(c) Identify the causes of tribal unrest with special reference to North-East 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.
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