Chat with us
Anthropology

UPSC Anthropology 2022 — Paper I

All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2022 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.

8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IPaper

Topics covered

Formalist-substantivist debate, Mesolithic art, Radcliffe-Brown, genetic counselling, PRA (1)Nature of anthropology, primate social organization, Palaeolithic typo-technology (1)Matrilineal descent and residence, animal domestication, Neanderthal classification (1)Heath-Carter somatotype method, cultural relativism, Kula Ring interpretations (1)Genetic polymorphism, genetic imprinting, pre-natal development, shamanism, household (1)Social control mechanisms, health and lifestyle diseases, declining age at menarche (1)Evolutionary forces and human diversity, fieldwork tradition, White-Steward-Sahlins cultural evolution (1)Socio-cultural demographic theories, blood group and HLA systems, anthropometry in design (1)

A

Q1
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Formalist-substantivist debate, Mesolithic art, Radcliffe-Brown, genetic counselling, PRA

Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Debate between formalist and substantivist approaches (10 marks) (b) Mesolithic rock art in Indian subcontinent (10 marks) (c) Radcliffe-Brown's ideas on status, role and institution (10 marks) (d) Pedigree analysis in genetic counselling (10 marks) (e) Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित पर लगभग 150 शब्दों (प्रत्येक) में टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : (a) औपचारिकतावादी और मूलवादी दृष्टिकोणों के बीच वाद-विवाद (10) (b) भारतीय उपमहाद्वीप में मध्यपाषाण शैल कला (10) (c) सामाजिक प्रस्थिति, भूमिका और संस्था पर रेडक्लिफ-ब्राउन के विचार (10) (d) आनुवंशिक परामर्श में वंशवृक्ष विश्लेषण (10) (e) सहभागी ग्रामीण मूल्यांकन (पी.आर.ए.) और सहभागी अधिगम एवं कार्य (पी.एल.ए.) (10)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (General Anthropology). (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise definitions, named scholars/sites, clear distinction between concepts, and correct application of anthropological theory.

  • Define Formalism (e.g., Binford, processual) and Substantivism (e.g., Sahlins, Marxian).
  • Contrast their views on the role of culture and economics.
  • Mention the 'New Archaeology' context for Formalism.
  • Mention the 'Marxist' or 'Evolutionary' context for Substantivism.
  • Identify key sites (e.g., Bhimbetka, Kailashnath).
  • Describe the 'Microlithic' or 'Middle Stone Age' context.
  • Mention the 'Red ochre' or 'pigment' usage.
  • Describe the subject matter (animals, hunting, dancing).
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q2
50M elaborate Nature of anthropology, primate social organization, Palaeolithic typo-technology

(a) "Anthropology is the systematic, objective and holistic study of human kind in all times and places". Elaborate the argument. (20 marks) (b) Discuss different forms of primate social organisation. (15 marks) (c) Discuss with suitable examples the typo-technological problems in Indian palaeolithic industry with reference to environmental hypotheses. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) "नृविज्ञान हर देश-काल में मानवजाति का व्यवस्थित, वस्तुनिष्ठ एवं समग्र अध्ययन है" । तर्क का विस्तार कीजिए । (20) (b) प्राइमेट सामाजिक संगठन के विभिन्न स्वरूपों की चर्चा कीजिए । (15) (c) पर्यावरणीय परिकल्पना के संदर्भ में उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ भारतीय पुरापाषाण उद्योग में टाइपो-तकनीकी समस्याओं की चर्चा कीजिए । (15)

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) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise definitions, clear linkage of theory to evidence, and specific Indian examples.

  • Define 'systematic' as scientific method vs. armchair speculation
  • Define 'objective' as value-free stance and cross-cultural comparison
  • Define 'holistic' as integration of biological and cultural anthropology
  • Define 'all times and places' as diachronic and synchronic scope
  • Describe 'One-male, multi-female' (harem) groups (e.g., Baboons)
  • Describe 'Multi-male, multi-female' (troop) groups (e.g., Macaques)
  • Describe 'One-male, one-female' (pair-bonding) (e.g., Gibbons)
  • Describe 'Solitary' or 'Fission-fusion' (e.g., Orangutans/Baboons)
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q3
50M discuss Matrilineal descent and residence, animal domestication, Neanderthal classification

(a) Discuss how the rules of descent contradict the principles of residence in matrilineal society, mentioning suitable examples ? (20 marks) (b) Enumerate the evidence of animal domestication in Indian microlithic industry. (15 marks) (c) Should we still distinguish between 'classic' and 'progressive' Neanderthals ? Discuss the controversy surrounding Neanderthal's position in human evolution. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों का उल्लेख करते हुए, चर्चा करें कि वंश के नियम मातृवंशीय समाज में निवास के सिद्धांतों का खंडन कैसे करते हैं ? (20) (b) भारतीय सूक्ष्म पाषाण उद्योग में पशुपालन के साक्ष्यों का उल्लेख कीजिए । (15) (c) क्या हमें अभी भी 'उत्कृष्ट' और 'प्रगतिशील' प्रकार के नियंडरथल के बीच अंतर करना चाहिए ? मानव विकास में नियंडरथल के स्थान से संबंधित विवाद की विवेचना कीजिए । (15)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Social Anthropology & Physical Anthropology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) enumerate: list the items in order > one line each > no commentary | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and theoretical depth.

  • Define matrilineal descent and matrilocal residence
  • Explain the 'contradiction' (e.g., husband's presence in wife's lineage)
  • Mention specific examples (e.g., Khasi, Garo, or Minangkabau)
  • Discuss the role of the maternal uncle (avunculate)
  • Mention specific sites (e.g., Bagor, Mahadaha, Sarai Nahar Rai)
  • Identify specific animals (e.g., dog, cattle, sheep, goat)
  • Describe the type of evidence (e.g., faunal remains, burials)
  • Link evidence to the Mesolithic/Microlithic timeframe
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q4
50M elaborate Heath-Carter somatotype method, cultural relativism, Kula Ring interpretations

(a) Why Heath and Carter used anthropometric measurements instead of photographs of an individual to assess the somatotype ? Elaborate their method. (20 marks) (b) Discuss the historical and cultural contexts that led to superseding ethnocentrism with cultural relativism in anthropology. (15 marks) (c) Critically examine various anthropological interpretations about the Kula Ring. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) हीथ और कार्टर ने कार्यप्ररूप का आकलन करने के लिए किसी व्यक्ति की तस्वीरों के बजाय मानवमितीय माप का उपयोग क्यों किया ? उनकी विधि का वर्णन कीजिए । (20) (b) ऐतिहासिक और सांस्कृतिक संदर्भों पर चर्चा करें, जिसके कारण नृविज्ञान में प्रजातिकेंद्रिता से सांस्कृतिक सापेक्षवाद का अधिक्रमण हुआ । (15) (c) कुला मुद्रिका के बारे में विभिन्न मानवशास्त्रीय व्याख्याओं का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । (15)

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) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Precise definitions, named theorists, and specific ethnographic details.

  • Limitations of 2D photos for 3D body composition
  • Definition of Ectomorph, Mesomorph, Endomorph
  • Specific measurements: skinfolds, bone breadths, muscle girths
  • Calculation of 7-component somatotype score
  • Definition of ethnocentrism vs cultural relativism
  • Role of Boas and the Four Field Cultures
  • Impact of colonialism and 'civilizing mission' critique
  • Contribution of Malinowski or Radcliffe-Brown
Open full rubric & evaluate →

B

Q5
50M 150w Compulsory write short notes Genetic polymorphism, genetic imprinting, pre-natal development, shamanism, household

Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Balanced and transient genetic polymorphism. (10 marks) (b) Genetic imprinting in human diseases. (10 marks) (c) Stages of human pre-natal development. (10 marks) (d) Shaman, sorcerer and medicine man. (10 marks) (e) Household and domestic group. (10 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित पर लगभग 150 शब्दों (प्रत्येक) में टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : (a) संतुलित और क्षणिक आनुवंशिक बहुरूपता । (10) (b) मानव रोगों में आनुवंशिक छाप । (10) (c) मानव जन्मपूर्व विकास के चरण । (10) (d) भूतसाधक ओझा, जादूगरी ओझा, और रोगहारी ओझा । (10) (e) कुटुंब और घरेलू समूह । (10)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper I (Physical & 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) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (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 distinctions, specific examples (diseases/tribes), and correct terminology.

  • Define balanced polymorphism (heterozygote advantage)
  • Define transient polymorphism (migration/selection)
  • Example: Sickle cell anemia (balanced)
  • Example: ABO blood groups (transient)
  • Define genomic imprinting (parental origin)
  • Mention Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Mention Angelman syndrome
  • Mention Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q6
50M discuss Social control mechanisms, health and lifestyle diseases, declining age at menarche

(a) Discuss the mechanism of social control in different kinds of political systems. (20 marks) (b) What is meant by health ? Is the burden of life style diseases on the rise ? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (15 marks) (c) Critically evaluate the reasons of reduction in age at menarche in human females over the successive generations. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) विभिन्न प्रकार की राजनीतिक व्यवस्थाओं में सामाजिक नियंत्रण की क्रियाविधियों की विवेचना कीजिए । (20) (b) स्वास्थ्य से क्या तात्पर्य है ? क्या जीवनशैली से जुड़ी बीमारियों का बोझ बढ़ रहा है ? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए । (15) (c) उत्तरोत्तर पीढ़ियों में मानव महिलाओं में रजोधर्म आयु में गिरावट के कारणों का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए । (15)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Social Anthropology & Biological Anthropology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, uses specific anthropological examples and data, critical analysis where required.

  • Define social control (formal/informal)
  • Analyze mechanism in one tribal/kinship-based system
  • Analyze mechanism in a modern state system
  • Compare the role of law vs. custom
  • Define health (WHO or biological definition)
  • Identify specific lifestyle diseases (e.g., diabetes, CVD)
  • Provide evidence/statistics for the rise
  • Link causes to lifestyle factors (diet, sedentary)
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q7
50M discuss Evolutionary forces and human diversity, fieldwork tradition, White-Steward-Sahlins cultural evolution

(a) Discuss the role of evolutionary forces in creating human diversity. (20 marks) (b) Write the historical development of field work tradition in anthropology till recent times. (15 marks) (c) Discuss the approaches of Leslie White, Julian Steward and Marshall Sahlins in the light of cultural evolution. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) मानव विविधता के निर्माण में उद्विकासवादी शक्तियों की भूमिका की चर्चा कीजिए । (20) (b) हाल के समय तक नृविज्ञान में क्षेत्रीय कार्य परंपरा के ऐतिहासिक विकास की चर्चा कीजिए । (15) (c) सांस्कृतिक उद्विकास के आलोक में लेजली व्हाइट, जूलियन स्टीवर्ड और मार्शल सहलिंस के दृष्टिकोणों पर चर्चा कीजिए । (15)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured with named examples and clear distinctions.

  • Define mutation, selection, drift, migration
  • Link natural selection to specific traits (e.g., skin color)
  • Explain genetic drift in isolated populations
  • Mention gene flow and its homogenizing effect
  • Mention Malinowski and participant observation
  • Reference to Boas and cultural relativism
  • Discuss the shift from 'armchair' to fieldwork
  • Mention modern trends (e.g., digital ethnography)
Open full rubric & evaluate →
Q8
50M discuss Socio-cultural demographic theories, blood group and HLA systems, anthropometry in design

(a) Discuss the contemporary population problems in the light of various socio-cultural demographic theories. (20 marks) (b) What do you understand by blood group systems ? How is HLA system different from those based on red cell antigens ? (15 marks) (c) Discuss how anthropological knowledge of the human body may be used in designing equipments and articles of human use. (15 marks)

हिंदी में पढ़ें

(a) विभिन्न सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक जनसांख्यिकीय सिद्धांतों के आलोक में समसामयिक जनसंख्या समस्या की विवेचना कीजिए । (20) (b) रक्त समूह प्रणाली से आप क्या समझते हैं ? एच एल ए प्रणाली, लाल कोशिका प्रतिजनों पर आधारित प्रणाली से कैसे भिन्न है ? (15) (c) चर्चा करें कि मानव शरीर के मानवशास्त्रीय ज्ञान का उपयोग मानव उपयोग के उपकरणों और वस्तुओं को डिजाइन करने में कैसे किया जा सकता है । (15)

Answer approach & key points

Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Physical Anthropology & Demography). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive application of theories, precise biological distinctions, and specific anthropometric examples.

  • Define contemporary population problems (e.g., aging, migration, fertility decline)
  • Apply Malthusian theory to current resource/population dynamics
  • Apply Demographic Transition Theory (DTT) to stage-specific issues
  • Integrate socio-cultural factors (education, urbanization) into the analysis
  • Define blood group systems as genetic markers on cell surfaces
  • Explain the basis of red cell antigen systems (e.g., ABO, Rh)
  • Define HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) system and its location (leukocytes)
  • Highlight the key difference: HLA is highly polymorphic and linked to immunity
Open full rubric & evaluate →

Practice Anthropology 2022 Paper I answer writing

Pick any question above, write your answer, and get a detailed AI evaluation against UPSC's standard rubric.

Start free evaluation →