UPSC MAINS 2023 - Anthropology Optional Previous Year Paper - Blog (2024)

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.

SECTION – A

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

(a) Scope and relevance of Social and Cultural Anthropology.

(b) Cultural impact of Iron Age.

(c) Race and Ethnicity.

(d) Customary laws and Environmental conservation.

(e) Gene expression.

2. (a) Discuss major species of Australopithecus discovered from South and East Africa. Describe the discovery, physical features and significance of Taung baby.

(b) Discuss the Paleolithic environment in light of available evidences with special reference to India.

(c) Elucidate the different forms of malnutrition. Describe protein-calorie malnutrition with suitable examples.

3. (a) What is hominization process? Discuss the major trends in human evolution with the help of suitable examples and illustrations.

(b) How did Clifford Geertz look at religion? Differentiate between anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of religion.

(c) What is mixed-longitudinal method of studying human growth? Discuss its merits and demerits.

4. (a) Discuss the role of marriage regulations in traditional societies in India for strengthening social solidarity.

(b) Discuss various methods of personal identification based on skeletal remains.

(c) Identify the major Mesolithic sites and describe the typo-technological features with special reference to India.

SECTION – B

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

(a) Polygenic Inheritance

(b) Prehistoric significance of Rakhigarhi

(c) Glottochronology

(d) Menopausal symptoms

(e) William Ogburn and Cultural lag

6. (a) Critically discuss the controversies related to fieldwork of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead.

(b) Discuss the impact of globalization on the economic systems indigenous communities.

(c) Describe the practical applications of DNA technology in the current scenario.

7. (a) Describe various methods of qualitative data analysis. Highlight some popular computer softwares used in qualitative analysis.

(b) What assumptions must be met for a population to be in genetic equilibrium? Explain the importance of genetic equilibrium.

(c) Discuss political and methodological aspects of national character studies. Elucidate the contemporary relevance of such studies.

8. (a) Critically examine Arjun Appadurai’s conceptualization of global cultural economy.

(b) Describe the causes of structural abnormalities of chromosomes with suitable examples.

(c) Critically discuss A.L. Kroeber’s contribution to kinship studies.

SECTION – A

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

(a) Material culture and archaeology

(b) Interface between Purushartha and Ashrama

(c) Jajmani system continuity and change

(d) Prehistoric rock arts from Uttarakhand

(e) Religious pluralism and social solidarity

2. (a) “Tribes are backward Hindus.” Critically comment with reference to the contributions of G. S. Ghurye.

(b) “Indus Valley was the first settlement of the big civilization.” Comment critically.

(c) Discuss the basic tenets of Jainism and its impact on Indian society.

3. (a) “Sanskritization is a culture-bound concept.” Critically comment to assess the strength and limitation of this concept in developing a theoretical framework to study social change.

(b) Was Mesolithic culture the first step towards sedentary way of life? Illustrate your answer by citing suitable examples.

(c) Critically examine the impact of modern democratic institutions on contemporary tribal societies. Illustrate with suitable ethnographic examples.

4. (a) Elucidate the problems faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups and the major challenges in the formulation of special programmes for their development.

(b) Critically compare Risley’s and Sarkar’s approaches to the classification of peoples of India.

(c) Is caste mobility a recent phenomenon? Discuss in the light of Indological and Empirical context.

SECTION – B

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

(a) Scheduled areas

(b) Ramapithecus-Sivapithecus debate

(c) Village as little republic

(D) Dravidian languages and their subgroups

(e) Karma

6. (a) Is annihilation of caste possible? Discuss the future of caste system in the light of various proactive measures taken by the Indian State.

(b) Distinguishing between ethnic identity and ethnicity, discuss the factors responsible for ethnic conflict in tribal areas.

(c) “Siwalik deposits show a variety of Neogene fossil primates.” Critically examine.

7. (a) Elucidate the shifting terrains of India’s tribal policies in colonial and post-colonial periods..

(b) Critically examine how the displacement of tribal communities due to hydroelectric river dam projects has affected the women in local context. Illustrate with suitable ethnographic examples.

(c) Elucidate the role of anthropology in nation building. Illustrate with suitable examples.

8. (A) Discuss the distribution of tribes in different geographical regions of India. Identify the distinct institutional features of tribal societies of these regions.

(b) Critically evaluate the contributions of S. C. Roy to Indian anthropology.

(c) How are Other Backward Classes identified? Enumerating the important features, elucidate the recent changes in their social and economic life.

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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