1. Instructions for UPSC Mains-2014 Anthropology Paper
  2. Anthropology Optional Paper 1: SECTION A
  3. Anthropology Optional Paper 1: SECTION B
  4. Anthropology Optional Paper 2: SECTION A
  5. Anthropology Optional Paper 2: SECTION B
  6. Download for Hindi medium

Instructions for UPSC Mains-2014 Anthropology Paper

  • Paper-I and II: Each 3 hours and 250 marks.
  • There are 8 questions divided into two sections, printed in both Hindi and English.
  • You’ve to attempt 5 questions. No.1 and 5 are compulsory and out of remaining, 3 are to be attempted choosing atleast 1 question from each section.
  • Word limit, wherever specific, should be adhered to. (Mrunal- they did not specify wordlimit in questions, except for Q1 and Q5).
  • Attempt all questions in chronological order, unless struck off, attempt of a question shall be counted even if attempted partially. Any page of portion of the page left blank in the question-cum-answer booklet must be clearly struck off.

Anthropology Optional Paper 1: SECTION A

Q1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 x5=50

  1. Double Descent
  2. Genealogical Method
  3. Major sub-divisions of Anthropology
  4. Ecological Anthropology
  5. Field work tradition in Anthropology

Q2. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. 15
  2. Is culture unique to human beings? Critically examine. 15
  3. Discuss the role of anthropology in the understanding of health and disease. What specific understanding is available with respect to infectious and non-infectious diseases? 20

Q3. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Discuss the nature of Law and Justice in simple societies citing suitable examples. 20
  2. Define marriage and describe the various types of marriages in human societies. 15
  3. Define Status and Role. Distinguish between Ascribed and Achieved Status. 15

Q4. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. What is functionalism? Discuss the functional approach to the understanding of Religion. 20
  2. What is understood by ‘Rites of Passage’? Describe the various phases of the ‘Rites of Passage and their significance. 20
  3. Differentiate between State and Stateless Societies. 10

Anthropology Optional Paper 1: SECTION B

Q5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 x5=50

  1. Cross-sectional methods of studying human growth
  2. Genetic Counselling
  3. Epidemiological Anthropology
  4. Asian Homo erectus
  5. Fertility and Fecundity

Q6. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. What are the different stages of Growth? Describe any one of them in detail. 20
  2. Describe Turner and Klinefelter Syndromes in 15
  3. What are the stresses at high altitudes? How do better cardio-respiratory functions help the native highlanders in combating low environmental pressure? 15

Q7. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Discuss the factors affecting gene frequencies among human populations. 20
  2. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. 15
  3. Discuss the relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility. 15

Q8. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Discuss Ageing and Senescence. Describe either the biological or social theories of Ageing. 20
  2. Describe the absolute dating methods in Archaeology, highlighting the importance of each method. 15
  3. Describe the Neolithic culture of India. 15

Anthropology Optional Paper 2: SECTION A

Q1 Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50

  1. Neolithic cultures of N-E India
  2. Tribe-Caste continuum
  3. Great tradition and Little tradition
  4. Major linguistic divisions of India
  5. Contribution of H. H. Risley to the ‘Aryan’ debate

Q2. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Describe what is known of Harappan Religion. Have some of its elements continued into later Hinduism? Discuss. 20
  2. Describe the concept of ‘Sacred Complex’ with an ethnographic example. 15 marks
  3. Do you think caste persists in contemporary India? Critically discuss. 15 marks

Q3. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Define the concept ‘Dominant Caste’ and examine its relevance in the contemporary Indian village with suitable examples. 20 Marks
  2. Discuss the contribution of Islam to the composite culture of India. 15 marks
  3. Discuss the importance of the ethno-archaeological approach to the study of indigenous craft in India. 15 marks

Q4. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Discuss the contributions of S. C. Roy to understanding the tribes of India. 20 Marks
  2. Describe the evolutionary significance of the fossil finds of the Narmada Basin. 15 marks
  3. Outline the distribution of Dravidian languages in India and describe their cultural significance. 15 marks

Anthropology Optional Paper 2: SECTION B

Q5. Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50

  1. Biogenetic variations of Indian tribes
  2. Social and economic marginalization of tribal people
  3. Forest policy and tribes
  4. The concept of PTG
  5. Impact of Christianity on tribes

Q6. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Critically examine the constitutional provisions for safeguarding the interests of Scheduled Tribes in India. 20 Marks
  2. Discuss the impact of land alienation on the tribes of Central India. 15 marks
  3. Critically evaluate the National Tribal Policy. 15 marks

Q7. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Discuss the impact of Globalization on the livelihood of the tribal populations. 20 Marks
  2. What are the significant factors responsible for tribal unrest? 15 marks
  3. Discuss the rise of ethno-nationalism among Indian tribes with specific example. 15 marks

Q8. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

  1. Critically assess the role of anthropologists in rural development. 20 Marks
  2. Critically examine the role of NGOs in promoting health and education in tribal areas. 15 marks
  3. Describe the history administration in the colonial period. 15 marks

Download for Hindi medium

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