This article, is a compilation of gems given by Dr. K.Vijayakarthikeyan (AIR 22 / CSE 2010) on the IOforum. At present, He is an IAS officer in Tamilnadu cadre.
- Disclaimer
- Advantages of anthropology
- Getting started with Anthropology
- Preparation of anthropology (mains)
- Useful books
- About these Books
- Tips for anthropology preparation
- Importance of diagrams in anthropology answer writing
Disclaimer
It’s completely based on my anthro strategy which helped me (Dr. Vijay) get 375 marks in Anthropology, in 1st attempt in cse 2010, it worked wonders with me, it may or may not work with you
Advantages of anthropology
- Scoring subject
- Interesting subject
- Easy to grasp especially For science graduates
Getting started with Anthropology
Anthropology is divided into two papers–
Paper 1
- Physical anthropology –
- prehistory-evolution of man,
- biological concepts of man,
- genetics and diseases,
- race
- Social anthropology(sociology related)
- family,marriage,religion,kinship etc
- Theories
- Misc – demography,research methodology etc
Paper 2
- Prehistory in india
- Indian social system
- Indian tribes and their problems
Mrunal Edit:
Entire syllabus of Anthropology can be seen on the Page 8 of UPSC 2012 Notification (Click me to download PDF).
IGNOU also run M.A. in Anthropology but unfortunately it seems they’ve not uploaded the PDF material on http://www.egyankosh.ac.in, as they did with History, Sociology and Public Administration.
Preparation of anthropology (mains)
It’s advisable to start anthro preparation as early as possible after the upsc preliminary examination and with focussed, systematic study one can complete the subject by end of august.
Useful books
- P.Nath(preferred) /das for physical anthropology.Nath is very useful for misc topics also
- Social anthropology by majumdar/madan
- Makhan jha’s book of anthropology theories
- Indian anthropology by R.N. Sharma
- Indian anthropology by Nadeem Hasnan
- is interesting but not commission exam oriented. Just keep glancing at it when u feel bored with other stuff thats more than enough. Do not waste time trying to cram it line by line.
- R.n.sharma is good for tribal topics, also get hold muniratnam sir’s notes plus do keep updating and make notes from min. Of tribal affairs websites wrt tribal legislations,schemes
- P.nath is good for the genetics /biology part
- Makhan Jha is an essential book as there are no good books available exclusively for theories) also make use of internet and prepare notes for theories given in union public service commission syllabus that are not in makhan jha.
- Das/nath havesimple diagrams for physical part but parts are not marked in both. There is a physical anthro book by r.n.sharma which has well marked parts but instead of buying that book just for diagrams,i suggest you see the topic in das/nath and then google the topic (eg. Neanderthal skull) you’l get beautiful diagrams.for diagrams on pre historic tools, ” an outline of indian prehistory ” by d.k.bhattacharya is good but again instead of getting the book you can get it from the internet. Most of my flow charts are result of my own thoughts- i just make a pictographic representation of the whole broad concept,didnt refer anywhere for it.
Tips for anthropology preparation
- Try to start preparation as soon as upsc preliminary examination are over(thats the reason for me posting now) instead of choosing it late and feeling sorry better start your preparation asap. I finished the whole thing in 4 months.
- Try attempting physical anthro based and theory based questions as much as possible.from what i know, socio based questions fetch lesser marks comparitively( i avoided questions like those on origin of language in the exam even though i knew it)
- When you come across a case study, note it down as use it at appropriate topics where you are expected to explain the concept
- Practice diagrams for physical part, diagrams will ultimately fetch us more marks
- Do not ignore theories part ,selective study is always dangerous
- Try to make good notes for theories and misc part as good material is not available in market.
- Keep updating the latest trends and developments in anthropology from newspaper/magazines and internet
Importance of diagrams in anthropology answer writing
- It’s more catchy and provides more information,saves examiner’s time also- if he finds your diagram to be very good, he’l be more inclined to like your description too.. So as far as physical anthro is concerned, neat diagrams will definitely give us an edge over others.. So practice diagrams
- By diagrams i meant anatomical -skull,vertebra,bones,teeth diagrams when we are asked to write about prehistoric man,also a good comparative diagram with modern man also can be given(depending on question).for questions on prehistoric stages you can give good diagrams of the tools used then, a rough picture of the habitat, some pictures of artefacts found etc.. Its easier to draw diagrams and then explain.
- Just read the theory part then spend 5 mins for looking at the diagram, then try and do a rough sketch.. 15 mins /day for the diagrams should be more than enough.. That too its only when you read the physical part..
- diagrams are important ( for physical anthro part only) because you can draw a picture and explain things easily than writing paras and paras( saves time too). It also shows that you know the concept better. Nobody will reduce your marks for not drawing, but you are bound to get more if u give neat sketches. So if you want really high scores then you have to pay attention to it.
- For non physical anthro part – give some pictorial additions – like a cycle(eg. Bonded labour question in 2010)/ flow chart- that way we have an edge over others
- Question : Is it required to draw skeletons and dentition for questions on neanderthals, australopithecines etc?? Answer. Yes.. Diagrams will definitely fetch you more marks..
- focussed preparation with good strategy and guidance will definitely succeed
From vishal singh
My drawing skills are quite poor and i had little prior exposure to biology (apart from ncert and the general stuff). I decided to take anthropology just before upsc preliminary examination results were out in august 2010. Somebody suggested me to read ember & ember to have an idea about anthropology, i found it very interesting, intuitive and structured. It was already too late, i had two months time to prepare, that too without coaching. Although my mains total of 278 (150+128) is not very impressive, it is more than what one expects to manage in two months time. I regret that i started it so late.
The bottom-line is that if you find the subject interesting and have right aptitude, you can prepare it from scratch even if you’ve a non life-science background. Drawing is not a matter of concern as there are only a few drawings to be prepared which can be practiced over time. More important is to understand the changes in features(in human anatomy as well as in tools etc.) And its effect on physical and cultural evolution. All that can be managed, provided you have sufficient time and willing to put efforts.
Nishi Sharma update (November-06-2012)
Syllabus should done in this sequence to understand the topics in better manner and in lesser time.
1 Intro
2 Biology
3 Research
4 Caste
5 Tribals
whether ican take medical science and anthropology options together.
@Mrunal….I have downloaded the images recently added as Nishi Sharma update (November-06-2012)….Unfortunately they are not visible clearly in any image viewer. Kindly check or provide links so that proper images can be downloaded.
Btw thanks a lot for the update in the anthro thread.
click on the image, then zoom in.
Sir I have heard many ppl saying that it is not possible to be a UPSC topper by writing in a language other than english and hindi.Are the candidates of regional language in some sort of disadvantage?????? Plz reply
That is incorrect information. There are people in Top-50, from non-english/non-hindi medium in Mains.
The disadvantage is only that you’ve to translate notes on your own from the standard reference books in English /Hindi. Because usually good books are not available in non-English medium.
thanks Mrinal sir
please tell me if any e book is available
Thanks Nishi n Mrunal, :-)
@Nishi your updates are really very informative.
Now plz advice how to make notes for theories….
does any one have notes on tribe and nation state; also on role of anthropology in rural development?
Sir i was impressed the way you have shared your effort and guiding many. and the above books you have suggested are enough for upsc exam? if no can you suggest other books?
thnks sir i really need that
Sir can i read harlombous(sociology) to understand family kinship etc as i hve read once wen i was in engg as dat tym i thought of taking socio as optional now i opt Anthro….
sir plz tell us important topic of both papers
Dear Mrunal,
I would like to thank you for your valuable support first. in true sence you are a kingmaker..
here i have a suggestion; as everyone here with anthro optional is demanding, can you arrange for a discussion forum on this site where candidates with respective optionals can discuss/ share views/ preparation tips etc.. it will be of great help
regards,
ashish
sir can we crack the civils with out coaching
Can anyone suggest how to go for anthropology if one doesn’t have background.
FOR MPPSC ANTHROPOLOGY MAINS PROSPECTIVE WHICH BOOK SUITABLE OR ENOUGH FOR EXAM POINT OF VIEW ?
I have opened this page only today and find many replies based on superficial knowledge. I should explain some of these:
1. Books Recommended
John Beattie : Other Cultures (I consider it bible of Social Anthropology
Upadhyay & Pande : Anthropological Thought (Because that is the only book available; If you have good English Harris is the best)
B.M. Das : Physical Anthropology (Because it has been written by an anthropologist; Nath is quite elaborate but first, Nath is a zoologist; second, and therefore, typical anthropological topics e.g. Fossil Evidence, Race etc) do not follow anthropological approach. Besides Hardy-Weinberg Principle is wrong; Biginers can start with NCERT’s XII biology book. Harrison et al.; is good for some topics like Growth and Ecology)
Bhattacharya : An Outline of Indian Prehistory (because that is the only book recently by an anthropologist.
Srinivas Caste in Modern India & Other Essays (Paper II is Indian Anthro and to have a feel of India society as also to understand the concepts given by Srinivas; NCERT’s Indian Society too can be a great
help as also NCERT’s Social Change)
Hasnain : Tribal India & Indian Anthro (Thogh tribal India is bulky, it is updated almost every year; otherwise Verma’s Indian Tribes too is a good book. Vidyarthi’s Tribal Cultures of India, though outdated in many respects, is still useful in many others. Indian Anthropology by Hasnain may help in understanding Srinivas better)
Besides, Annual Reports (latest) om Ministries of Tribal Affairs and Social Justice ca help in updating contents of SCs & STs.
2. Coaching Institutes
All comments about coaching institutes can be biased for or against and some of them may be motivated too. Therefore visit all the institutes by self and then decide – career can not be left to the advise of strangers, including myself.
Best wishes.
I have opened this page only today and find many replies based on superficial knowledge. I should explain some of these:
1. Books Recommended
John Beattie : Other Cultures (I consider it bible of Social Anthropology)
Upadhyay & Pande : Anthropological Thought (Because that is the only book available; If you have good English Harris is the best)
B.M. Das : Physical Anthropology (Because it has been written by an anthropologist; Nath is quite elaborate but first, Nath is a zoologist; second, and therefore, typical anthropological topics e.g. Fossil Evidence, Race etc) do not follow anthropological approach. Besides Hardy-Weinberg Principle is wrong; Beginers can start with NCERT’s XII biology book. Harrison et al.; is good for some topics like Growth and Ecology)
Bhattacharya : An Outline of Indian Prehistory (because that is the only book recently by an anthropologist.
Srinivas Caste in Modern India & Other Essays (Paper II is Indian Anthro and to have a feel of India society as also to understand the concepts given by Srinivas; NCERT’s Indian Society too can be a great
help as also NCERT’s Social Change)
Hasnain : Tribal India & Indian Anthro (Though tribal India is bulky, it is updated almost every year; otherwise Verma’s Indian Tribes too is a good book. Vidyarthi’s Tribal Cultures of India, though outdated in many respects, is still useful in many others. Indian Anthropology by Hasnain may help in understanding Srinivas better)
Besides, Annual Reports (latest) of Ministries of Tribal Affairs and Social Justice ca help in updating contents of SCs & STs.
2. Coaching Institutes
All comments about coaching institutes can be biased for or against and some of them may be motivated too. Therefore visit all the institutes by self and then decide – career can not be left to the advise of strangers, including myself.
Best wishes.
Hey, Nishi!! Can you please reupload the image-1 of intro part as it is currupted and cannot be viewed while digitalized.
regards,
Thakur
sir, i am preparing for 2016 csat. i am interested in anthropology and public adm in hindi medium, cause passed graduation from ignou in hindi medium wuth public adm. so, can you guide me that combination of public adm and antropology in hindi medium and availibility of material for mains can full fill my dreams as a ips officer. thanking you sir…
by 2016, UPSC might remove optional subjects from mains exam. Therefore, It is too early to start optional preparation for 2016 (or investing time / money in buying its books / material).
hello,good evening to all of you.sir i have a query, i’m an engineering graduate but i had a biology as on of my subjects in hr. sec. would you advice me to take up anthro as a subject for i do have knowledge of biology,i’m caught in a predicament of choosing subjects out of anthro,political sciences & sociology!i do have interest in pol sciences but i’m told that its a vast subject and perhaps as per recent trend not a scoring subject.i have interest in all there of them ,i shall be grateful if you help me out of this situation and plz do recommend books which i should buy!
Tabish Beigh
Definitely Anthro.
Please see my previous message for books. Best wishes
ashtam sir , thank you for replying. should i get all the books you have mentioned of?? i did rather read one good book for one topic.having too many books can be a bit confusing so could you please mention the best ones i should buy.one more thing i need your help with , is political science really a vast subject i mean is the syllabus too much. im planning to appear in state civil srevices exam with poo science and anthro as my optionals ,is it a good combination or should i prefer pub ad over pol science
which are good coaching institutes in India?
thank you,
Brain Tree In Hyderabad; Vaid’s in Delhi
Its better not to go to braintree instead target and rc reddy are gud in hyderabad
i took in target ias by sosin tayyaba madam, it is really good. and for science back ground people no other thought you can join there
sir
please upload previous year anthropology papers..,,,
sir i am student of bsc physics and though i dont have as such knowledge of biology, i have chosen anthropology. earlier i had decided agriculture, but later gave up. is this decision of anthropology good?
Hi Mrunal,
Can u provide links for VAIDS COACHING (as i live in hyderabad how i’ll get in contact with them for getting material for anthro)
and i had heard about brilliant material as well . is it worth to buy it
or should i go with vaids or if any other please provide guidance
could someone share the source to refer for these topics
1. symbolic and interpretive theories
2. cognitive theories
3. Post modernism
Hi.. could any one give step by step approach to prepare anthropology like where to start and how to move on various topics and which book would be sufficient for preparation. There are a lot of books and I dont know how to move on to different books.
Indian anthro: RN SHARMA or Nadeem hasnain which is better?????????????????????????
heard a lot about hasnani
U can go for this
hi can anyone suggest with changing trends which is better suject to pick history or anthro
ANTHROPOLOGY
thanks can you please tell me with which book should i start my prepration with
Hi All,
Does anyone know from where one can collect muniratnam sir’s notes for anthro? Has one collected it recently.
Regards,
Rajith
u can get those at jwahar book shop near jnu
Hi friends!
Anyone with Anthropology optional????? please reply….
shilpa.chatla@googlemail.com
-Shilpa
yes i ve….
yes…me too…
annexme.arjun@gmail.com
i can say the same
me too