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Anthropology

UPSC Anthropology 2021 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2021 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

Anthropological theories and methods (1)Human evolution and anthropological theory (1)Political anthropology and evolution (1)Scope of anthropology and linguistic anthropology (1)Biological anthropology and social organization (1)Human adaptation and kinship (1)Social stratification and anthropometry (1)Research methods and kinship theory (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Anthropological theories and methods

Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Animism and Deep Ecology (10 marks) (b) Marriage Regulations and Alliance Theory (10 marks) (c) Historical Particularism and Franz Boas (10 marks) (d) "The bio-cultural approach is the hallmark of Biological Anthropology." Explain. (10 marks) (e) Thermoluminescence (TL) dating (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित पर लगभग 150 शब्दों (प्रत्येक) में टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : (a) सर्वात्मवाद (जीववाद) एवं नितल पारिस्थितिकी (10 अंक) (b) विवाह नियम एवं वैवाहिक बंधन (एलायंस) सिद्धांत (10 अंक) (c) ऐतिहासिक विशिष्टतावाद एवं फ्रांज बोअस (10 अंक) (d) "जैव-सांस्कृतिक दृष्टिकोण जैविक नृविज्ञान की पहचान है।" स्पष्ट कीजिए। (10 अंक) (e) थर्मोल्युमिनेसेंस (टी.एल.) तिथि-निर्धारण (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (General Anthropology). (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, named theorists, clear distinctions, and relevant examples for each part.

  • Define Animism (Tylor) as belief in non-human agency
  • Define Deep Ecology (Naess) as biocentric equality
  • Distinguish Animism (cultural) from Deep Ecology (philosophical)
  • Mention the link between human and non-human nature
  • Define Marriage Regulations (rules of exogamy/endogamy)
  • Define Alliance Theory (marriage as social exchange)
  • Attribute Alliance Theory to Lévi-Strauss
  • Explain marriage as a bond between groups, not just individuals
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Q2
50M discuss Human evolution and anthropological theory

(a) What are the physical and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus? Discuss its phylogenetic status. (20 marks) (b) Elucidate the concept of "thick description" of Clifford Geertz with a suitable example. (15 marks) (c) Describe the features of early farming cultures and Neolithic of the Near East. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) होमो इरेक्टस की शारीरिक और सांस्कृतिक विशेषताएँ क्या हैं ? इसकी फाइलोजेनेटिक स्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए। (20 अंक) (b) एक उपयुक्त उदाहरण के साथ क्लिफोर्ड गीर्ट्ज के "थोस विवरण" की अवधारणा को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (15 अंक) (c) प्रारंभिक कृषि संस्कृतियों और निकट पूर्व के नवपाषाण काल की विशेषताओं का वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Physical & Social). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, well-structured, with named sites/thinkers and diagrams.

  • Physical traits: bipedalism, brain size, robust build
  • Cultural traits: stone tools, fire use, migration
  • Phylogenetic status: link to H. sapiens
  • Mention key sites: Java, Peking, Africa
  • Define 'thick description' (interpretive anthropology)
  • Contrast with 'thin description' (Ryle)
  • Provide a suitable example (e.g., winking)
  • Explain the role of context in meaning
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Q3
50M explain Political anthropology and evolution

(a) How do political organisations of simple societies establish power, authority and legitimacy? (20 marks) (b) Explain the genetic mechanisms of micro and macro evolution. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the salient features of different traditions of European Mesolithic. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) साधारण समाजों के राजनीतिक संगठन शक्ति, सत्ता और वैधता कैसे स्थापित करते हैं ? (20 अंक) (b) सूक्ष्म और दीर्घ उद्विकास के आनुवंशिक तंत्रों की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) मध्यपाषाणकालीन यूरोप की विभिन्न परंपराओं की मुख्य विशेषताओं की चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and theoretical grounding.

  • Define power, authority, and legitimacy
  • Explain role of elders and chiefs
  • Discuss consensus and ritual authority
  • Provide ethnographic examples
  • Define micro and macro evolution
  • Explain mutation and recombination
  • Discuss natural selection and drift
  • Link mechanisms to evolutionary change
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Q4
50M elaborate Scope of anthropology and linguistic anthropology

(a) Elaborate the scope of anthropology and elucidate its uniqueness in the field of other social sciences. (20 marks) (b) Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings. (15 marks) (c) "Chromosomal aberrations can play havoc with the human body and mind." Explain with suitable examples. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) नृविज्ञान के दायरे को विस्तारपूर्वक प्रस्तुत कीजिए और अन्य सामाजिक विज्ञानों के क्षेत्र में इसकी विशिष्टता को स्पष्ट कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) भाषाई नृविज्ञान की प्रमुख शाखाओं का उल्लेख कीजिए तथा सामाजिक और सांस्कृतिक पृष्ठभूमि में भाषा के उपयोग पर चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) "क्रोमोसोमल विपथन मानव शरीर और दिमाग पर कहर बरपा सकते हैं ।" उपयुक्त उदाहरणों सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, with specific examples and clear distinctions.

  • Define scope: biological, social, cultural, linguistic.
  • Holistic approach as unique feature.
  • Compare with sociology, psychology, history.
  • Mention comparative and cross-cultural method.
  • List major branches (e.g., Ethnolinguistics, Sociolinguistics).
  • Explain language as a social institution.
  • Discuss language and culture relationship (Sapir-Whorf).
  • Mention language use in social stratification.
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B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Biological anthropology and social organization

Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Human adolescent growth spurt (10 marks) (b) The losses and gains of erect posture (10 marks) (c) Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept? (10 marks) (d) Descent Groups (10 marks) (e) Modes of Subsistence (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित पर लगभग 150 शब्दों (प्रत्येक) में टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : (a) मानव किशोर वृद्धि में उछाल (10 अंक) (b) सीधे खड़ी मुद्रा के नुकसान और लाभ (10 अंक) (c) क्या नस्ल एक वैध और जैविक रूप से सार्थक अवधारणा है ? (10 अंक) (d) वंश समूह (10 अंक) (e) निर्वाह के तरीके (10 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper I (Physical Anthropology & Social Anthropology). (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (e) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise definitions, clear distinction between concepts, specific examples, and correct biological/anthropological terminology.

  • Define adolescent growth spurt
  • Mention role of growth hormone (GH)
  • Note sexual dimorphism in timing
  • Mention skeletal maturation
  • Mention 'gains' (e.g., freeing hands, field of view)
  • Mention 'losses' (e.g., back pain, hip issues)
  • Link to hominin evolution
  • Mention energy efficiency
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Q6
50M discuss Human adaptation and kinship

(a) What is acclimatization? Discuss adaptive responses to high altitude and cold climate. (20 marks) (b) How are the cases of disputed paternity solved? Discuss the recent techniques. (15 marks) (c) Critically evaluate Lewis Morgan's classification of family. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) पर्यनुकूलन क्या है ? अधिक ऊँचाई और ठंडी जलवायु के लिए अनुकूली प्रतिक्रियाओं पर चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) विवादित पितृत्व के मामलों को कैसे सुलझाया जाता है ? हाल की तकनीकों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) लुईस मॉर्गन के परिवार के वर्गीकरण का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper I (Physical & Social Anthropology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, accurate, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.

  • Define acclimatization vs adaptation
  • High altitude: Erythrocytosis, increased lung capacity
  • Cold climate: Counter-current heat exchange, shivering
  • Mention specific ethnic groups (e.g., Sherpa, Inuit)
  • Mention ABO/Rh blood group limitations
  • Explain DNA profiling (STR analysis)
  • Mention PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction)
  • Reference to legal/forensic application
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Q7
50M critically evaluate Social stratification and anthropometry

(a) Critically evaluate different types of social stratifications with suitable examples. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity. (15 marks) (c) What is Anthropometry? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ विभिन्न प्रकार के सामाजिक स्तरीकरणों का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) उर्वरता और प्रजनन-क्षमता के जैव-सामाजिक निर्धारकों की चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) मानवमिति क्या है ? किसी व्यक्ति की पोषण स्थिति और खेल क्षमता का आकलन करने में इसकी भूमिका की चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Social Anthropology & Biological Anthropology). (a) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-structured with specific examples and theoretical references.

  • Define social stratification and its criteria
  • Distinguish caste, class, and estate systems
  • Provide suitable examples for each type
  • Critically evaluate the rigidity and fluidity of systems
  • Define fertility and fecundity
  • Identify biological determinants (age, health)
  • Identify social determinants (marriage, education)
  • Link biological and social factors
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Q8
50M discuss Research methods and kinship theory

(a) Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the physiological and evolutionary theories of aging. (15 marks) (c) Explain the structural analysis of kinship as proposed by Lévi-Strauss. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) मानवशास्त्रीय अनुसंधान के संचालन में डेटा संग्रह के विभिन्न साधनों की चर्चा कीजिए । (20 अंक) (b) वयोवृद्धि के शरीर-क्रियात्मक और विकासवादी सिद्धांतों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (15 अंक) (c) लेवी-स्ट्रॉस द्वारा प्रस्तावित नातेदारी के संरचनात्मक विश्लेषण की व्याख्या कीजिए । (15 अंक)

Answer approach & key points

(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive coverage of all required points with specific examples and clear distinctions.

  • Participatory observation and fieldwork
  • Interviews (structured/unstructured) and life histories
  • Questionnaires and surveys
  • Secondary sources (archives, census, genealogies)
  • Physiological theories (e.g., cellular damage, telomeres)
  • Evolutionary theories (e.g., mutation accumulation, antagonistic pleiotropy)
  • Distinction between physiological and evolutionary
  • Concept of senescence
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