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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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    Paper-1


    SECTION ‘A’

    1. Write notes on the following in 150 words each: 10×5=50
      (a) Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits.
      (b) Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system.
      (c) Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers.
      (d) Smell as a signal among non-human primates.
      (e) Culture and embodiment.
    2. (a) Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution. 20
      (b) Compare and contrast the symbolic approaches of Clifford Geertz and Victor Turner to understand culture. 15
      (c) How political economy is integrated with ecological and adaptability perspectives in bio-cultural anthropology? 15
    3. (a) How anthropologists assess the nutritional status of a community? Discuss the significance of intersectionality of ecology, culture, and social inequality in the study of nutritional anthropology. 20
      (b) Critically examine the drawbacks in assuming culture as an 'integrated-closed system in understanding of contemporary society. 15
      (c) Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies. 15
    4. (a) Anthropology provides a multidimensional understanding of human beings by bridging the gap between science and humanities. Elucidate. 20
      (b) Write a note on Mousterian tool tradition, Mousterian culture and its makers. 15
      (c) Critically examine James Frazer's theory of evolutionism. Elucidate the place of religion in modernity. 15

    SECTION ‘B’

    1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
      (a) Multispecies, Multi-sited and Critical Ethnography.
      (b) Evolutionary significance of menopause.
      (c) Fission track dating method and its applications.
      (d) Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution.
      (e) Foetal origin of adult diseases and contribution of David Barker.
    2. (a) What are genetic markers? Discuss their applications in understanding population variation, disease association and forensics. 20
      (b) "The agenda of biological anthropology became more scientific from the middle of the twentieth century." Justify. 15
      (c) Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought. 15
    3. (a) How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family? 20
      (b) What are the major theories proposed in support of the origin of food production? How the change in subsistence economy brought revolution during this period? 15
      (c) Critically discuss the centrality of the African continent in the narrative of human evolution. 15
    4. (a) How the theories of postmodernism are relevant in promoting social justice and empowerment of marginalised communities? 20
      (b) 'Genome-wide Disease Association Studies (GWAS) advanced our understanding of health and disease.' Discuss. 15
      (c) Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique. 15

    Paper-2


    SECTION ‘A’

    1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
      (a) 'Soanian cultural' tradition
      (b) Caste domination, factionalism and political power
      (c) Regionalism and Autonomy
      (d) Verrier Elwin's philosophy with respect to Arunachal Pradesh
      (e) Characteristics and communication between Little and Great Traditions
    2. (a) Discuss the palaeoanthropological significance of Siwaliks of India giving its subdivisions, fossil primate fauna and major primate fossil localities. 20
      (b) Delineate the major features of S. S. Sarkar's classification of Indian populations. Was his classification better than Risley? Explain. 15
      (c) Evaluate the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribe societies of North-East India. 15
    3. (a) Describe the distinctive features and distribution of Upper Palaeolithic of India. 20
      (b) Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India. 15
      (c) Highlight the significant contributions of B. S. Guha, Irawati Karve and S. R. K. Chopra to Indian Anthropology. 15
    4. (a) What are the different types of caste mobility in India? Highlight the various factors responsible for it. 20
      (b) Elucidate the role of demographic and social factors for population growth in India. 15
      (c) Critically examine the concept of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and mention the limitations of administrator's criteria. 15

    SECTION ‘B’

    1. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each 10×5=50
      (a) Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India.
      (b) Taxonomic status of Ramapithecus in the light of Ramapithecus-Sivapithecus controversy.
      (c) Tribalism and Pseudotribalism
      (d) Varnashrama and its contemporary relevance
      (e) Lothal dockyard and international trade relations
    2. (a) "The village was not merely a place where people lived; it had a design in which were reflected the basic values of Indian civilization." Who said this? Elaborate. 20
      (b) Discuss the role of NGOs in the socioeconomic and political development of weaker sections and the manner in which they facilitate other stakeholders. 15
      (c) Trace the history and describe the methods of formulating the lists of OBCs, both at the State and National levels. 15
    3. (a) Identify the contemporary limitations in the process of tribal development. How can anthropological knowledge contribute in this process? 20
      (b) Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures. 15
      (c) Critically evaluate the concept of Nation-State and describe its impact on indigenous societies. 15
    4. (a) Describe the nature of traditional socioeconomic interdependence among the Toda, Kota, Kurumba and Irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills. Highlight the changes occurring in these interrelationships. 20
      (b) Define minority. Elaborate the patterns of linguistic and religious minorities in India. 15
      (c) What are the identifying criteria for PVTGs in India? Examine their current status, nomenclature and distribution. 15

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