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Syllabus of Anthropology Paper - I


1.1. Meaning, Scope and development of Anthropology.

    1.2. Relationships with other disciplines: Social Sciences, behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth Sciences and Humanities.

    1.3. Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance:

    1. Social-cultural Anthropology.
    2. biological Anthropology.
    3. Archaeological Anthropology.
    4. Linguistic Anthropology.

    1.4. Human Evolution and emergence of Man:

    1. Biological and Cultural factors in human evolution.
    2. Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre-Darwinian, Darwinian and Post-Darwinian).
    3. Synthetic theory of evolution; Brief outline of terms and concepts of evolutionary biology (Doll’s rule, Cope’s rule, Gause’s rule, parallelism, convergence, adaptive radiation, and mosaic evolution).

    1.5.Characteristics of Primates: Evolutionary Trend and Primate Taxonomy; Primate Adaptations; (Arboreal and Terrestrial) Primate Taxonomy; Primate Behaviour; Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates; Living Major Primates; Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes; Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications.

    1.6. Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following:

    1. Plio-preleistocene hominids in South and East Africa—Australopithecines.
    2. Homo erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus (heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis.
    3. Neanderthal man—La-chapelle-aux-saints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type).
    4. Rhodesian man.
    5. Homo sapiens—Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelede.

    1.7. The biological basis of Life: The Cell, DNA structure and replication, Protein Synthesis, Gene, Mutation, Chromosomes, and Cell Division.

    1.8. (a) Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating methods.
    (b) Cultural Evolution—Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures:

    1. Paleolithic
    2. Mesolithic
    3. Neolithic
    4. Chalcolithic
    5. Copper-Bronze age
    6. Iron Age

    2.1.The Nature of Culture: The concept and Characteristics of culture and civilization;Ethnocentrism vis-a-vis cultural Relativism.

    2.2.The Nature of Society: Concept of Society; Society and Culture; Social Institution; Social groups; and social stratification.

    2.3.Marriage: Definition and universality; Laws of marriage (endogamy, exogamy, hypergamy, hypogamy, incest taboo); Type of marriage (monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, group marriage). Functions of marriage; Marriage regulations (preferential, prescriptive and proscriptive); Marriage payments (bride wealth and dowry).

    2.4. Family: Definition and universality; Family, household and domestic groups; functions of family; Types of family (from the perspectives of structure, blood relation, marriage, residence and succession); Impact of urbanization, industrialization and feminist movements on family.

    2.5.Kinship: Consanguinity and Affinity; Principles and types of descent (Unilineal, Double, Bilateral Ambilineal); Forms of descent groups (lineage, clan, phratry, moiety and kindred); Kinship terminology (descriptive and classificatory); Descent, Filiation and Complimentary Filiation;Decent and Alliance.

    3.Economic Organization: Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology; Formalist and Substantivist debate; Principles governing production, distribution and exchange (reciprocity,redistribution and market), in communities, subsisting on hunting and gathering, fishing, swiddening, pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture; globalization and indigenous economic systems.

    4.Political Organization and Social Control:Band, tribe, chiefdom, kingdom and state; conceptsof power, authority and legitimacy; social control, law and justice in simple Societies.

    5. Religion: Anthropological approaches to the study of religion (evolutionary, psychological and functional); monotheism and polytheism; sacred and profane; myths and rituals; forms of religion in tribal and peasant Societies (animism, animatism, fetishism, naturism and totemism); religion, magic and science distinguished; magico-religious functionaries (priest, shaman, medicine man,

    6. Anthropological theories:
    (a) Classical evolutionism (Tylor, Morgan and Frazer)
    (b) Historical particularism (Boas) Diffusionism (British, German and American)
    (c) Functionalism (Malinowski); Structural—Functionlism (Radcliffe-Brown)
    (d) Structuralism (Levi-Strauss and E. Leach)
    (e) Culture and personality (Benedict, Mead, Linton, Kardiner and Cora-du Bois)
    (f) Neo—evolutionism (Childe, White, Steward, Sahlins and Service)
    (g) Cultural materialism (Harris)
    (h) Symbolic and interpretive theories (Turner, Schneider and Geertz)
    (i) Cognitive theories (Tyler, Conklin)
    (j) Post-modernism in anthropology.

    7. Culture, Language and Communication: Nature, origin and characteristics of language; verbal and non-verbal communication; social context of language use.

    8. Research methods in Anthropology:
    (a) Fieldwork tradition in anthropology
    (b) Distinction between technique, method and methodology
    (c) Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources of information, participatory methods.
    (d) Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data.

    9.1. Human Genetics: Methods and Application: Methods for study of genetic principles in man family study (pedigree analysis, twin study, foster child, co-twin method, cytogenetic method, chromosomal and karyo-type analysis), biochemical methods, immunological methods, D.N.A. technology and recombinant technologies.

    Mendelian genetics in man-family study, single factor, multifactor, lethal, sub-lethal and polygenic inheritance in man.

    9.3. Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection, Mendelian population, Hardy-Weinberg law; causes and changes which bring down frequency-mutation, isolation, migration, selection, inbreeding and genetic drift. Consanguineous and non-consanguineous mating, genetic load, genetic effect of consanguineous and cousin marriages.

    9.4. Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man, methodology.
    (a) Numerical and structural aberrations (disorders).
    (b) Sex chromosomal aberration- Klinefelter (XXY), Turner (XO), Super female (XXX), intersex and other syndromic disorders.
    (c) Autosomal aberrations- Down syndrome, Patau, Edward and Cri-du-chat syndromes.
    (d) Genetic imprints in human disease, genetic screening, genetic counseling, human DNA profiling, gene mapping and genome study.

    9.5. Race and racism, biological basis of morphological variation of non-metric and characters. Racial criteria, racial traits in relation to heredity and environment; biological basis of racial classification, racial differentiation and race crossing in man.

    9.6 Age, sex and population variation as genetic marker: ABO, Rh blood groups, HLA Hp, transferring, Gm, blood enzymes. Physiological characteristics-Hb level, body fat, pulse rate, respiratory functions and sensory perceptions in different cultural and socio-ecomomic groups.

    9.7. Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology: Bio-cultural Adaptations—Genetic and Non-genetic factors. Man’s physiological responses to environmental stresses: hot desert, cold, high-altitude climate.

    9.8. Epidemiological Anthropology: Health and disease. Infectious and non-infectious diseases, Nutritional deficiency related diseases.

    10. Concept of human growth and Development: Stages of growth—pre-natal, natal, infant, childhood, adolescence, maturity, senescence.

    — Factors affecting growth and development genetic, environmental, biochemical, nutritional, cultural and socio-economic.
    — Ageing and senescence. Theories and observations
    — biological and chronological longevity. Human physique and somatotypes. Methodologies for growth studies.

    11.1. Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio events to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.

    11.2. Demographic theories-biological, social and cultural.

    11.3. Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.

    12. Applications of Anthropology: Anthropology of sports, Nutritional anthropology, Anthroplogy in designing of defence and other equipments, Forensic Anthroplogy, Methods and principles of personal identification and reconstruction, Applied human genetics—Paternity diagnosis, genetic counselling and eugenics, DNA technology in diseases and medicine, serogenetics and cytogenetics in reproductive biology.

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    Paper - 2

    1.1. Evolution of the Indian Culture and Civilization— Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic-Chalcolithic), Protohistoric (Indus Civilization). Pre-Harappan, Harappan and post Harappan cultures. Contributions of the tribal cultures to Indian civilization.

    1.2. Palaeo—Anthropological evidences from India with special reference to Siwaliks and Narmada basin (Ramapithecus, Sivapithecus and Narmada Man).

    1.3. Ethno-archaeology in India: The concept of ethno-archaeology; Survivals and Parallels among the hunting, foraging, fishing, pastoral and peasant communities including arts and crafts producing communities.

    2. Demographic profile of India— Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution. Indian population—factors influencing its structure and growth.

    3.1. The structure and nature of traditional Indian social system—Varnashram, Purushartha, Karma, Rina and Rebirth.

    3.2. Caste system in India— Structure and characteristics Varna and caste, Theories of origin of caste system, Dominant caste, Caste mobility, Future of caste system, Jajmani system. Tribe-case continuum.

    3.3. Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex.

    3.4. Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity of Indian society.

    4. Emergence, growth and development in India— Contributions of the 18th, 19th and early 20th Century scholar-administrators. Contributions of Indian anthropologists to tribal and caste studies.

    5.1. Indian Village— Significance of village study in India; Indian village as a social system; Traditional and changing patterns of settlement and inter-caste relations; Agrarian relations in Indian villages; Impact of globalization on Indian villages.

    5.2. Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political and economic status.

    5.3. Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change in Indian society: Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernization; Inter-play of little and great traditions; Panchayati Raj and social change; Media and Social change.

    6.1. Tribal situation in India— Bio-genetic variability, linguistic and socio-economic characteristics of the tribal populations and their distribution.

    6.2. Problems of the tribal Communities— Land alienation, poverty, indebtedness, low literacy, poor educational facilities, unemployment, under- employment, health and nutrition.

    6.3 Developmental projects and their impact on tribal displacement and problems of rehabilitation. Development of forest policy and tribals. Impact of urbanisation and industrialization on tribal populations.

    7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes. Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes.

    7.2 Social change and contemporary tribal societies: Impact of modern democratic institutions, development programmes and welfare measures on tribals and weaker sections.

    7.3 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.

    8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies.

    8.2 Tribe and nation state— a comparative study of tribal communities in India and other countries.

    9.1 History of administration of tribal areas, tribal policies, plans, programmes of tribal development and their implementation. The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups), their distribution, special programmes for their development. Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development.

    9.2 Role of anthropology in tribal and rural development.

    9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism and ethnic and political movements.

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    Previous Year UPSC Questions

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    2020 2019 2018 2017
    2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
    2019 2018 2017

    Paper-1


    SECTION ‘A’

    1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
      (a) Attributes of culture
      (b) Harappan maritime trade
      (c) Critical perspective on avoidance and joking relationship
      (d) Lethal and sublethal genes
      (e) Hemoglobin in health and disease
    2. (a) Discuss historical particularism as a critical development to the classical evolutionism.
      (b) Describe the evidences of food production and domestication of animals with special reference to Mehrgarh. Throw light on its significance.
      (c) Critically comment on the lifestyle diseases and their impact on human health.
    3. (a) What is meant by karyotype? How does its analysis help in diagnosis of the chromosomal aberrations in man?
      (b) Define urbanization and discuss its impact on family in India with examples.
      (c) Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research.
    4. (a) Critically discuss the characteristics of the psychological types in the cultures of the American South-West as observed by Ruth Benedict.
      (b) Discuss the Acheulian and Oldowan traditions of Indian Paleolithic cultures with suitable illustrations.
      (c) What is genetic counseling? Briefly discuss various steps involved in it.

    SECTION ‘B’

    1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
      (a) Chronometric dating
      (b) Cultural relevance of the Kula
      (c) Heritability and its estimation
      (d) Authority and forms of political organization
      (e) Single-gene mutation disorders in man
    2. (a) Discuss the geographical distribution of Homo erectus. Taking into account its physical features, where does it fit in human evolutionary line?
      (b) Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology with suitable examples.
      (c) How does Lévi-Strauss look at the Tsimshian myth of Asdiwal? Critically discuss Lévi-Strauss’ theory of structuralism in the light of his study of mythologies.
    3. (a) Critically explain the notion of 'deconstruction' in the light of the postmodern works of Jacques Derrida.
      (b) What is a multifactorial trait? Illustrate your answer with suitable human examples.
      (c) Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group.
    4. (a) Examine critically the concept of social stratification as a basis for sustaining social inequality.
      (b) Describe the genetics and inheritance patterns of the ABO and Rh blood groups in man.
      (c) Critically discuss the synergistic effect of biological and cultural factors in human evolution.

    Paper-2


    SECTION ‘A’

    1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each:
      (a) Digitisation of rural economy
      (b) Origin of State Societies
      (c) Syro-Malabar Christians
      (d) Artisan tribes of Jharkhand
      (e) Causes of stunting and wasting among tribal children
    2. (a) Critically discuss the recent welfare measures initiated by the Government for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Comment why PVTGs were erroneously called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs).
      (b) How is PESA Act empowering local self-governance and impacting women’s political participation?
      (c) Deconstruct the colonial history of Indian Anthropology highlighting the critical role played by the Indian Anthropologists in sustaining its autonomy.
    3. (a) Critically describe evidences from Rakhi Garhi and its linkages to Harappan civilization.
      (b) Compare and contrast the approaches of M.N. Srinivas and L.P. Vidyarthi to social change in village India.
      (c) Examine the impact of Forest Policies from 1878 to 2006 on land alienation and deprivation of rights of tribal communities in India.
    4. (a) What are the ethical concerns in biological and socio-cultural anthropology because of recent advances in AI and genetic research?
      (b) Write an essay on the life history of tribal activist and freedom fighter Birsa Munda. What was the impact of his sacrifice on tribal society?
      (c) What are the demographic challenges of India’s changing population dynamics in the next 50 years?

    SECTION ‘B’

    1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each:
      (a) B.K. Roy Burman’s concept of ‘Buffer Zone’
      (b) Describe ILO’s Convention No. 169 (1989) on Indigenous and Tribal people. Is India a signatory to it?
      (c) Agricultural practices of the Apatani
      (d) Status of Sixth Schedule Areas
      (e) Constitutional Safeguards for Backward Classes
    2. (a) Custodians of natural resources are the tribals, but they are the most deprived. Critically examine how climate change will impact their survival in future.
      (b) Elucidate the difference between secularism, religiosity, religious fundamentalism, and spiritualism from an anthropological perspective.
      (c) Discuss the contribution of P.K. Bhowmick in decriminalising the status of the Lodha tribe.
    3. (a) Critically examine existing paradigms of holistic health for the marginalized sections of society drawing inferences from COVID-19 pandemic.
      (b) Discuss the theories on the origin of caste system and its criticism in India. Differentiate between caste, class, and race.
      (c) Elucidate the resurgence of ethno-nationalism from an anthropological lens.
    4. (a) Describe the important Paleolithic sites from South India with suitable examples. What is the significance of South Indian Paleolithic cultures?
      (b) Distinguish a 'Theocratic State' from a secular, liberal, democratic state. Illustrate your answer with examples from tribal and contemporary societies.
      (c) Discuss the economic, social, and developmental impacts on tribal communities with special reference to mining.

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