All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2022 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Indian anthropology diverse topics (1)Indian anthropologists and caste system (1)Archaeology and Indian anthropologists (1)Globalisation, proto-history and religion (1)Tribal studies and regional issues (1)Tribal development and policies (1)Tribal policies and social issues (1)Tribal movements and development (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesIndian anthropology diverse topics
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Pit-dwellers of Kashmir
(b) Varna and Buddhism
(c) Dharma versus Religion
(d) Safeguards for linguistic minorities in India
(e) Westernisation and Modernisation
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणी लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) कश्मीर के गर्तवासी
(b) वर्ण एवं बौद्धधर्म
(c) धर्म बनाम रिलिजन
(d) भारत में भाषाई अल्पसंख्यकों हेतु परिरक्षण
(e) पश्चिमीकरण एवं आधुनिकीकरण
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Anthropology Paper II (Socio-Cultural). (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, specific examples, clear distinctions, and correct terminology.
Define the culture (Kashmir Northern Neolithic)
Mention specific site (e.g., Burzahom, Gufkral)
Describe key features (pit-houses, bone tools)
One-line significance in Indian prehistory
Define Varna (social stratification)
Explain Buddhism's critique of Varna (e.g., rejection of birth-based status)
50MillustrateIndian anthropologists and caste system
(a) Illustrate the contribution of Irawati Karve to Indian Anthropology. Make a special mention of her literary contribution. 20
(b) What are the arguments for excluding Narmada Man from Homo erectus category? 15
(c) Critically describe Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's argument on the origin of Indian caste system. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय मानवशास्त्र में इरावती कर्वे के योगदान का उल्लेख कीजिए। उनके साहित्यिक योगदान का विशेष उल्लेख कीजिए। 20
(b) नर्मदा मानव को होमो इरेक्टस संवर्ग से हटाने के तर्क क्या हैं? 15
(c) भारतीय जाति व्यवस्था के उद्भव पर डॉ० बी० आर० अम्बेडकर के तार्किक विचारों का समालोचनात्मक विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। 15
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) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with named examples and critical analysis.
Kinship Organization in India (1953): four kinship zones
Hindu Society: An Interpretation: jatis and caste clusters
Yuganta (Sahitya Akademi Award) as her main literary contribution
Marathi essays (e.g., Paripurti, Bhovara, Gangajal)
Cranial capacity of Narmada Man (approx 1400 cc)
Comparison with Homo erectus cranial capacity (approx 900 cc)
50Mcritically evaluateArchaeology and Indian anthropologists
(a) Make a critical appraisal of Megalithic tradition in India with special reference to North-East India. 20
(b) Assess the contributions of S. C. Dube in Indian village studies. 15
(c) Describe the methods adopted by Sir Herbert Hope Risley in classifying Indian populations. What are the criticisms against Risley's classification? 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) उत्तर-पूर्व भारत के विशेष संदर्भ में भारतीय महापाषाण परंपरा का आलोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 20
(b) भारतीय ग्रामों के अध्ययन में एस० सी० दुबे के योगदान का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 15
(c) सर हर्बर्ट होप रिजले द्वारा भारतीय जनसंख्या के वर्गीकरण में चयनित प्रविधियों का वर्णन कीजिए। रिजले के वर्गीकरण के विरुद्ध समालोचनाएँ क्या हैं? 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-supported with specific examples and scholars.
Define Megalithic tradition and its chronological scope
Describe specific North-East sites (e.g., Khasi, Jaintia)
Critique the 'Megalithic culture' concept (e.g., diffusionism)
Link to specific tribal groups (e.g., Khasi, Garo)
Identify Dube's key works (e.g., 'Indian Village')
Explain his methodological approach (participant observation)
Discuss his view on caste and village structure
Evaluate his impact on subsequent village studies
Describe Risley's method (nasal index)
Explain his classification (Aryans, Dravidians, etc.)
Discuss the criticisms of his method (e.g., biological)
50MelucidateGlobalisation, proto-history and religion
(a) "Globalisation, on one hand has provided opportunities and on the other hand thrown challenges to Indian villages." Elucidate. 20
(b) Describe briefly the proto-history of Gujarat. Discuss the significance of Gujarat proto-history in international trade. 15
(c) Critically examine 'Indigenisation of Christianity' in India. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "वैश्वीकरण ने जहाँ एक तरफ अवसर प्रदान किया वहीं वह दूसरी तरफ भारतीय गाँवों के लिए चुनौती बन गया।" व्याख्या कीजिए। 20
(b) गुजरात के आद्य-इतिहास का संक्षिप्त विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। गुजरात आद्य-इतिहास के अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापार में महत्व की विवेचना कीजिए। 15
(c) भारत में 'ईसाइयत के स्वदेशीकरण' का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and critically analytical with named examples and sites.
Define globalisation in the context of rural India
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesTribal studies and regional issues
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Regionalism as an opportunity and threat to national integration
(b) Issues of tribal agricultural labourers
(c) Major problems of nomadic and semi-nomadic groups
(d) Role of the Governor in the Fifth Schedule areas
(e) Austroasiatic languages
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणी लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) राष्ट्रीय एकीकरण में क्षेत्रवाद एक अवसर एवं जोखिम
(b) जनजातीय खेतिहर मज़दूरों के मुद्दे
(c) यायावर एवं अर्ध-यायावर समूहों की प्रमुख समस्याएँ
(d) पाँचवीं अनुसूची क्षेत्रों में राज्यपाल की भूमिका
(e) ऑस्ट्रोएशियाटिक भाषाएँ
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Anthropology Paper II: Social and Cultural 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, specific examples, and clear analysis of each part.
Define regionalism as a political/social phenomenon
Identify it as an opportunity (e.g., local development)
Identify it as a threat (e.g., separatism)
Provide one Indian example (e.g., Dravidian movement, Jharkhand or Gorkhaland statehood demands)
Define the specific group (Adivasi agricultural labourers)
Mention landlessness or lack of land rights
Discuss exploitation by moneylenders or landlords
Reference to migration or seasonal labour issues
Define nomadic and semi-nomadic groups
Mention loss of grazing lands
Discuss lack of access to social services (health, education)
Reference to legal status or citizenship issues
Define Fifth Schedule areas (Tribal Areas)
Mention the Governor's power to make regulations
Reference to Article 244(1) of the Constitution
Discuss the role in land transfer and moneylending
Define Austroasiatic language family
Mention major branches (Munda, Khmer, Vietnamese)
Reference to specific Indian languages (e.g., Santali, Mundari)
(a) Discuss the objectives of Integrated Tribal Development Projects (ITDPs). How far have these objectives been achieved? 20
(b) Compare the functioning of traditional 'Tribal Council' with that of 'Gram Sabha' under PESA. 15
(c) Explain how British policies impacted the major resources of the tribals. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) एकीकृत जनजातीय विकास परियोजनाओं (आइ० टी० डी० पी०) के उद्देश्यों की विवेचना कीजिए। इन उद्देश्यों को कहाँ तक प्राप्त किया जा चुका है? 20
(b) पेसा (पी० ई० एस० ए०) के अन्तर्गत पारम्परिक 'जनजातीय परिषदों' के संचालन की तुलना 'ग्राम सभाओं' से कीजिए। 15
(c) ब्रिटिश नीतियों ने जनजातियों के प्रमुख संसाधनों को कैसे प्रभावित किया है? स्पष्ट कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Social Anthropology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and critical analysis with named schemes, statutes, and tribal examples.
Define ITDP and its core objectives (economic/social upliftment)
(a) Discuss the views of G. S. Ghurye and Verrier Elwin on the approach towards tribal populations. What are the policies of the Government of India towards Indian tribal populations? 20
(b) Discuss the issues and solutions related to the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe populations in India. 15
(c) Explain the social and religious consequences of contact between tribal and non-tribal populations. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) जनजातीय समाजों पर जी० एस० घुर्ये तथा वेरियर एल्विन के दृष्टिकोणों की विवेचना कीजिए। भारतीय जनजातीय समाजों के प्रति भारत सरकार की नीतियाँ क्या हैं? 20
(b) भारत में अनुसूचित जाति एवं अनुसूचित जनजातियों के मुद्दे एवं इनके समाधानों की विवेचना कीजिए। 15
(c) जनजातीय एवं गैर-जनजातीय समाजों में सम्पर्क द्वारा उत्पन्न सामाजिक एवं धार्मिक परिणामों को स्पष्ट कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II Rubric. (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: Precise anthropological terminology, specific examples, balanced analysis, clear structure
Ghurye: tribes as 'backward Hindus'
Elwin: early isolationist ('national park') view and later shift
Ghurye's integrationist approach to tribes
Elwin's protectionist approach to tribes
Specific issues faced by SC populations
Specific issues faced by ST populations
Government solutions for SC populations
Government solutions for ST populations
Social consequences of tribal-non-tribal contact
Religious consequences of tribal-non-tribal contact
(a) Compare the nature of tribal movements between North-East and Central India. Briefly mention the current status of existing tribal movements in these areas. 20
(b) Briefly describe the anthropological perspective on development. How have anthropologists contributed in India's rural development? 15
(c) How can a balance be struck between livelihood concern and environmental degradation in the context of shifting cultivation? 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) उत्तर-पूर्व एवं मध्य भारत में जनजातीय आंदोलनों के स्वरूप की तुलना कीजिए। इन क्षेत्रों में निवर्तमान जनजातीय आंदोलनों की वर्तमान स्थिति का संक्षिप्त उल्लेख कीजिए। 20
(b) विकास पर मानवशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण का संक्षिप्त विवरण दीजिए। भारत के ग्रामीण विकास में मानवशास्त्रियों ने कैसे योगदान दिया है? 15
(c) झूम कृषि के संदर्भ में आजीविका प्रसंग एवं पर्यावरणीय अवक्षयण के मध्य कैसे संतुलन बनाया जा सकता है? 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) suggest: the problem in one line > implementable measures > who acts > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with clear examples and theoretical grounding.
Contrast NE (identity/autonomy) vs Central (land/resource) nature
Identify specific NE movements (e.g., Naga, Mizo, Bodo)
Identify specific Central movements (e.g., Santhal Hul, Birsa Munda's Ulgulan, Jharkhand statehood, Pathalgadi)
Briefly mention current status of movements in both regions
Define anthropological perspective on development (holistic, cultural)
Explain how anthropologists contribute to rural development
Provide specific examples of anthropological contributions
Link anthropological insights to practical rural development outcomes
Identify the tension between livelihood and environment
Suggest specific measures to balance both concerns