All 16 questions from the 2024 Civil Services Mains Anthropology paper across 2 papers — 800 marks in total. Each question comes with a detailed evaluation rubric, directive
word analysis, and model answer points.
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesAttributes of culture, Harappan trade, kinship, genetics, hemoglobin
Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Attributes of culture
(b) Harappan maritime trade
(c) Critical perspective on avoidance and joking relationship
(d) Lethal and sublethal genes
(e) Hemoglobin in health and disease
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'Write notes' demands concise, information-dense responses for each sub-part with approximately 30 words per mark. Allocate roughly 150 words × 10 marks = 1500 total words, distributed evenly at ~150 words per sub-part (10 marks each). Structure each note with a precise definition, 2-3 core attributes/mechanisms, and one illustrative example. Prioritize factual accuracy over elaboration; avoid narrative introductions. For (c) and (e), ensure critical/applied dimensions are addressed within the word limit.
(a) Attributes of culture: Define culture (Tylor/Malinowski); list 5-6 attributes (learned, shared, symbolic, integrated, adaptive, dynamic); cite Indian example (sacred cow complex, caste as cultural system).
(c) Critical perspective on avoidance and joking relationships: Define both (Radcliffe-Brown's structural-functionalism); critique (power asymmetry in avoidance, ritualized aggression in joking); Indian cases (mother-in-law/son-in-law avoidance in South India; clan joking among Gonds/Bhilala).
(d) Lethal and sublethal genes: Define lethal (homozygous fatal, e.g., Tay-Sachs, sickle cell homozygous) vs. sublethal (reduced fitness, e.g., sickle cell trait heterozygote advantage); mention balanced polymorphism; Indian context (sickle cell in tribal populations of Central India).
(e) Hemoglobin in health and disease: Structure (HbA, HbF, HbA2); pathologies (thalassemia α/β, sickle cell, HbE); diagnostic significance (electrophoresis); public health relevance (high prevalence in Indian tribal and coastal populations, screening programs).
(a) Discuss historical particularism as a critical development to the classical evolutionism. 20 marks
(b) Describe the evidences of food production and domestication of animals with special reference to Mehrgarh. Throw light on its significance. 15 marks
(c) Critically comment on the lifestyle diseases and their impact on human health. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' for part (a) requires critical examination with arguments for and against, while parts (b) and (c) use 'describe' and 'critically comment' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief introduction framing the three themes → systematic treatment of each sub-part with clear sub-headings → integrated conclusion linking historical particularism's emphasis on context to understanding both Mehrgarh's unique trajectory and modern lifestyle diseases as culturally embedded phenomena.
Part (a): Historical particularism as Boas's critique of unilinear evolutionism—emphasis on diffusion, cultural relativism, and inductive fieldwork against Morgan/Tylor's comparative method and psychic unity
Part (a): Specific contributions—Boas's rejection of savagery-barbarism-civilization stages, Kroeber's superorganic, and the shift to historical reconstruction over evolutionary laws
Part (b): Mehrgarh evidence—wheat/barley cultivation, sheep/goat/cattle domestication, mud-brick structures, granaries, and craft specialization in Period I (7000-5500 BCE)
Part (b): Significance of Mehrgarh—indigenous development vs. diffusion from West Asia, precursor to Indus civilization, evidence of long-distance trade (lapis, turquoise)
Part (c): Lifestyle diseases—definition as non-communicable diseases (NCDs): diabetes, CVD, obesity, hypertension linked to sedentism, diet change, stress
Part (c): Critical anthropological perspective—Sahlins's 'original affluent society' contrast, epidemiological transition theory, structural violence and commodification of health
Integrated thread: How historical particularism's method informs understanding both Mehrgarh's unique developmental path and culturally-specific disease patterns in contemporary India
50MdiscussKaryotype analysis, urbanization and family, fieldwork challenges
(a) What is meant by karyotype? How does its analysis help in diagnosis of the chromosomal aberrations in man? 20 marks
(b) Define urbanization and discuss its impact on family in India with examples. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
This multi-part question requires defining key terms and then elaborating with analysis and examples. Spend approximately 40% of word budget (~400 words) on part (a) given its 20 marks; allocate ~30% each (~300 words) to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief unified introduction, then three clearly demarcated sections with sub-headings, ending with a synthesized conclusion on anthropology's applied relevance. For (a), define karyotype precisely then explain diagnostic applications; for (b), define urbanization then analyze impacts on joint family, marriage, and kinship with Indian cases; for (c), discuss challenges like ethics, access, and technology in contemporary fieldwork.
(a) Definition of karyotype as complete set of chromosomes arranged in homologous pairs by size, shape, and banding pattern; mention G-banding, Q-banding techniques
(a) Diagnostic applications: detection of aneuploidy (Down syndrome-Trisomy 21, Turner syndrome-Monosomy X, Klinefelter syndrome-XXY), structural aberrations (deletions, duplications, translocations, inversions), prenatal diagnosis via amniocentesis/CVS, and karyotyping in cancer cytogenetics (Philadelphia chromosome in CML)
(b) Definition of urbanization: demographic shift, economic transformation, and spatial reorganization; distinguish between urban growth and urbanization
(b) Impact on Indian family: erosion of joint family system (M.S. Gore's studies), rise of nuclear families, changing marriage patterns (inter-caste, love marriages), women in workforce, elderly care crisis; examples from Mumbai Dharavi, Delhi resettlement colonies, or census data trends
(c) Contemporary fieldwork challenges: informed consent and ethics (Nuremberg Code, ICMR guidelines), 'studying up' vs traditional communities, digital ethnography and virtual fieldwork, post-COVID methodological adaptations, insider-outsider dilemma, funding and access constraints, decolonization critiques of anthropological practice
(a) Critically discuss the characteristics of the psychological types in the cultures of the American South-West as observed by Ruth Benedict. 20 marks
(b) Discuss the Acheulian and Oldowan traditions of Indian Paleolithic cultures with suitable illustrations. 15 marks
(c) What is genetic counselling? Briefly discuss various steps involved in it. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically discuss' for part (a) demands balanced exposition with evaluative judgment, while parts (b) and (c) require descriptive-analytical treatment. Allocate approximately 40% of time and words to part (a) given its 20 marks, 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief composite introduction → detailed treatment of Benedict's typology with critique → systematic comparison of Oldowan and Acheulian in India with site illustrations → stepwise explanation of genetic counselling with Indian relevance → integrated conclusion highlighting anthropological unity across psychological, archaeological and biological dimensions.
Part (a): Benedict's three psychological types—Dionysian (Zuni), Apollonian (Pueblo), and Paranoid (Dobu/Kwakiutl)—with specific Southwest American ethnographic referents and her 'culture as personality writ large' thesis
Part (a): Critical evaluation of Benedict's approach—strengths (holistic configuration, cultural relativism) and limitations (circular reasoning, overgeneralization, neglect of individual variation, ahistorical static models)
Part (b): Oldowan tradition in India—characteristic chopper-chopping tools, sites like Siwalik foothills (Hiran Valley, Uttarbaini), early Pleistocene context, association with Homo erectus
Part (b): Acheulian tradition in India—bifacial handaxes and cleavers, stratigraphic succession over Oldowan, key sites (Madras industry/Attirampakkam, Didwana, Bhimbetka, Hunsgi-Baichbal valleys), technological and typological evolution
Part (c): Definition and scope of genetic counselling—clinical communication process for inherited disorders, prenatal and preconception contexts
Part (c): Systematic steps—pedigree construction, risk assessment, diagnostic testing (karyotyping, molecular genetics), communication of results, decision support, follow-up; Indian relevance (thalassemia, sickle cell, consanguinity counseling)
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesChronometric dating, Kula exchange, heritability, political organization, genetic disorders
Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10×5=50
(a) Chronometric dating
(b) Cultural relevance of the Kula
(c) Heritability and its estimation
(d) Authority and forms of political organization
(e) Single-gene mutation disorders in man
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'write short notes' demands concise, information-dense responses for each sub-part with precise terminology and illustrative examples. Allocate approximately 30 words per sub-part (150 words total), spending roughly 6-7 minutes per note: (a) define chronometric dating and cite C-14/K-Ar methods with Indian sites like Mehrgarh; (b) explain Malinowski's Kula and its sociopolitical functions; (c) define heritability (h²) and mention twin studies; (d) contrast band-tribe-chiefdom-state with authority sources; (e) list autosomal/X-linked disorders with Indian prevalence data. No introduction or conclusion needed; maximize content density.
(a) Chronometric dating: Distinguish absolute vs. relative dating; name radiocarbon (C-14), potassium-argon (K-Ar), thermoluminescence; cite Indian applications (Mehrgarh, Hoshangabad, Bhimbetka)
(b) Kula exchange: Explain Malinowski's Trobriand ethnography; describe clockwise (soulava) vs. anticlockwise (mwali) circulation; emphasize rank, reciprocity, and political alliance over economic gain
(c) Heritability: Define as proportion of phenotypic variance due to genetic variance (h² = VG/VP); explain broad vs. narrow sense; mention twin/adoption studies and limitations (population-specific, not individual)
(d) Political organization: Elaborate Service's typology (band-tribe-chiefdom-state); contrast authority types (traditional, charismatic, legal-rational per Weber); cite Indian examples (Naga village republics, caste panchayats)
(e) Single-gene disorders: Distinguish autosomal dominant (Huntington's), recessive (sickle cell, thalassemia), X-linked (hemophilia, Duchenne); note high Indian prevalence of β-thalassemia and sickle cell in tribal belts
(a) Discuss the geographical distribution of Homo erectus. Taking into account its physical features, where does it fit in human evolutionary line? 20 marks
(b) Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology with suitable examples. 15 marks
(c) How does Lévi-Strauss look at the Tsimshian myth of Asdiwal? Critically discuss Lévi-Strauss' theory of structuralism in the light of his study of mythologies. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires a comprehensive, analytical treatment with balanced coverage across all three sub-parts. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure as: brief introduction acknowledging the three distinct domains (paleoanthropology, applied anthropology, and social theory); body paragraphs addressing each sub-part sequentially with clear sub-headings; and a concluding synthesis that briefly connects how all three areas demonstrate anthropology's interdisciplinary scope.
Part (a): Geographical distribution covering Africa (Olduvai, Koobi Fora), Asia (Java, Zhoukoudian, Dmanisi), and possible European presence; physical features including cranial capacity (750-1250 cc), sagittal keel, prognathism, reduced sexual dimorphism, and limb proportions indicating modern human-like body plan
Part (a): Evolutionary placement as intermediate between Homo habilis and Homo sapiens, with discussion of African H. ergaster vs. Asian H. erectus debate, and significance of Nariokotome Boy (WT 15000)
Part (b): Forensic applications including skeletal identification (age, sex, ancestry, stature), trauma analysis, facial reconstruction, disaster victim identification (DVI), and time-since-death estimation; Indian examples such as Aarushi Talwar case, 2004 tsunami victim identification, or Delhi serial blasts investigations
Part (c): Lévi-Strauss's analysis of Asdiwal myth demonstrating structural oppositions (mountain/sea, upstream/downstream, hunting/fishing, father/son-in-law) and their dialectical resolution
Part (c): Critical evaluation of structuralism—strengths in revealing universal cognitive structures vs. limitations including neglect of historical context, individual agency, and functional/symbolic dimensions; comparison with Malinowski's functionalism or Leach's critique
(a) Critically explain the notion of 'deconstruction' in the light of the postmodern works of Jacques Derrida. 20 marks
(b) What is a multifactorial trait? Illustrate your answer with suitable human examples. 15 marks
(c) Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically explain' for part (a) demands balanced exposition with evaluative depth, while parts (b) and (c) require 'illustrate' and 'discuss' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct sections addressing each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a unified conclusion that connects postmodern critique to scientific methodology in anthropology.
Part (a): Derrida's deconstruction as critique of logocentrism and binary oppositions; key concepts of 'différance', trace, and critique of presence; application to anthropological knowledge production
Part (a): Critical evaluation of deconstruction's implications for ethnographic authority and the 'crisis of representation' in anthropology
Part (b): Definition of multifactorial/polygenic traits as determined by multiple genes plus environmental interaction; distinction from Mendelian single-gene traits
Part (b): Human examples: skin colour (melanin genes + UV exposure), stature (nutritional and genetic factors), intelligence/IQ, diabetes susceptibility; Indian context examples like lactose tolerance variations
Part (c): Probability sampling techniques (simple random, stratified, systematic, cluster) with applicability to homogeneous vs. heterogeneous populations
Part (c): Non-probability sampling (purposive, snowball, quota) and their specific utility in anthropological fieldwork with hidden or marginalized communities
Part (c): Comparative assessment of which techniques suit different research contexts: large-scale surveys vs. intensive ethnographic study
50Mcritically examineSocial stratification, ABO and Rh blood groups, biocultural evolution
(a) Examine critically the concept of social stratification as a basis for sustaining social inequality. 20 marks
(b) Describe the genetics and inheritance patterns of the ABO and Rh blood groups in man. 15 marks
(c) Critically discuss the synergistic effect of biological and cultural factors in human evolution. 15 marks
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically examine' for part (a) demands balanced evaluation with evidence, while (b) requires 'describe' (factual precision) and (c) requires 'critically discuss' (synergistic analysis). Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction, then three clearly demarcated sections with sub-headings, followed by a unified conclusion connecting stratification, genetic diversity, and biocultural adaptation.
Part (a): Distinction between social stratification (hierarchical ranking) and social inequality (differential access to resources); how stratification institutionalizes and perpetuates inequality through closure mechanisms (Weber's closure theory, caste ascriptive status)
Part (a): Critical evaluation—functionalist view (Davis-Moore thesis) vs. conflict theory (Marx, Weber); whether stratification is necessary or constructed; Indian evidence: caste system, OBC reservations, class-caste overlap
Part (b): ABO blood group genetics: three alleles (IA, IB, i) on chromosome 9, codominance of IA and IB, multiple alleles inheritance; Punnett square predictions for all combinations
Part (b): Rh factor genetics: two alleles (D and d), D dominant, simple Mendelian inheritance; clinical significance (hemolytic disease of newborn, Rh incompatibility); population genetics relevance
Part (c): Biocultural evolution concept: gene-culture coevolution (Durham, Boyd & Richerson); lactase persistence as classic case; brain size increase linked to tool use, cooking (Wrangham)
Part (c): Critical discussion of synergism—whether biological and cultural factors operate equally or cultural evolution has decoupled from biological; Indian context: high-altitude adaptation among Ladakhi, Andamanese pygmyism
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesRural economy, state societies, tribal communities
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Digitisation of rural economy 10
(b) Origin of State Societies 10
(c) Syro-Malabar Christians 10
(d) Artisan tribes of Jharkhand 10
(e) Causes of stunting and wasting among tribal children 10
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'write short notes' demands concise, information-dense responses for each sub-part with precise terminology and focused coverage. Allocate approximately 30 words per sub-part (150 total), spending roughly 3 minutes per part: (a) define digitisation with e-NAM/PM-KISAN examples; (b) contrast Service's band-tribe-chiefdom-state sequence; (c) note Syrian Christian migration and caste integration; (d) identify Lohar, Kumhar, Malhar with their craft specialisations; (e) list biological and socio-economic determinants of undernutrition. No introduction or conclusion needed; begin directly with definitional precision for each.
(a) Digitisation: e-NAM, PM-KISAN, Common Service Centres, digital payment penetration in rural India, challenges of connectivity and digital literacy
(b) Origin of State: Service's evolutionary model (band→tribe→chiefdom→state), Fried's stratification theory, irrigation/hydraulic hypothesis (Wittfogel), warfare/conquest theories
(c) Syro-Malabar Christians: Thomas of Cana migration, Syrian liturgical tradition, caste-like hierarchy within (Northists/Southists), integration with Hindu caste system in Kerala
50Mcritically discussPVTGs, PESA Act, colonial history of Indian Anthropology
(a) Critically discuss the recent welfare measures initiated by the Government for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Comment why PVTGs were erroneously called Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs). 20
(b) How is PESA Act empowering local self-governance and impacting women's political participation ? 15
(c) Deconstruct the colonial history of Indian Anthropology highlighting the critical role played by the Indian Anthropologists in sustaining its autonomy. 15
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically discuss' for part (a) demands balanced evaluation with evidence, while parts (b) and (c) require analytical exposition. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure as: brief integrated introduction → systematic treatment of each sub-part with internal conclusions → synthesizing conclusion linking tribal welfare, self-governance, and indigenous knowledge systems.
Part (a): Critical evaluation of recent PVTG welfare measures (Van Dhan Vikas Yojana, PMJAY, residential schools, habitat rights under FRA) with assessment of implementation gaps
Part (a): Explanation of why 'Primitive' was erroneous—evolutionary baggage, stigmatization, denial of coevalness, shift to 'Particularly Vulnerable' recognizing structural vulnerability not backwardness
Part (b): PESA's empowerment mechanisms—Gram Sabha authority over land acquisition, minor forest produce, excise, and dispute resolution; contrast with 73rd Amendment exclusions
Part (b): Gendered impact analysis—reservation for women in Gram Sabha and executive committees, actual participation barriers (patriarchal norms, proxy representation), cases like Mendha-Lekha vs. tokenism
Part (c): Colonial phase—survey ethnography (Risley, Thurston), racial typologies, administrative instrumentality; post-colonial critique by Indian anthropologists
Part (c): Indian anthropologists' autonomy efforts—D.N. Majumdar's caste-tribe synthesis, L.P. Vidyarthi's ecosystem approach, S.C. Dube's village studies, M.N. Srinivas's structural-functionalism indigenization
Part (c): Institutional autonomy—Tribal Research Institutes, Anthropological Survey of India's post-Independence reorientation, decolonizing methodology
50Mcritically describeRakhi Garhi, social change theorists, forest policies and tribal rights
(a) Critically describe evidences from Rakhi Garhi and its linkages to Harappan civilization. 20
(b) Compare and contrast the approaches of M.N. Srinivas and L.P. Vidyarthi to social change in village India. 15
(c) Examine the impact of Forest Policies from 1878 to 2006 on land alienation and deprivation of rights of tribal communities in India. 15
Answer approach & key points
The question demands critical description for (a), comparison for (b), and examination for (c). Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, three distinct sections addressing each sub-part with clear sub-headings, and a unified conclusion that synthesizes insights across archaeological, sociological, and policy dimensions of tribal and village studies.
Part (a): Rakhi Garhi's location on Saraswati river basin, its status as largest Harappan site in India, evidence of early Harappan to mature Harappan transition, findings of terracotta figurines, seals, bead manufacturing, and drainage system linking it to urban planning of Harappa-Mohenjodaro
Part (a): Critical assessment of Rakhi Garhi's significance in challenging 'Harappan = Indus Valley' narrative, evidence of indigenous development vs. diffusion, and recent excavations (1997-2020) establishing it as metropolitan center
Part (b): M.N. Srinivas's Sanskritization-Westernization framework, focus on caste mobility and all-India perspective with Mysore village studies; L.P. Vidyarthi's Sacred Complex-Great Tradition-Little Tradition model emphasizing tribe-caste continuum and ecological-cultural adaptation in Middle India
Part (b): Comparative analysis of Srinivas's structural-functionalism and micro-macro integration vs. Vidyarthi's cultural ecology and regional focus; their differential treatment of religion, power, and change mechanisms
Part (c): Chronological tracing from Indian Forest Act 1878 (state monopoly, reserved/protected forests), Forest Policy 1952 (nationalization), 1988 (people's participation), to Forest Rights Act 2006 (restoration of community rights)
Part (c): Critical examination of how colonial and post-colonial policies facilitated land alienation through zamindari system, forest contractors, displacement for dams/mining, and failure of rehabilitation; specific evidence from Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Northeast tribal communities
50MdiscussEthics in anthropology, Birsa Munda, demographic challenges
(a) What are the ethical concerns in biological and socio-cultural anthropology because of recent advances in AI and genetic research ? 20
(b) Write an essay on the life history of tribal activist and freedom fighter Birsa Munda. What was the impact of his sacrifice on tribal society ? 15
(c) What are the demographic challenges of India's changing population dynamics in the next 50 years ? 15
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'discuss' requires a balanced, analytical treatment across all three parts. Allocate approximately 40% of time and words to part (a) given its 20 marks, with 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief composite introduction, then dedicated sections for each sub-part with internal sub-headings, followed by an integrated conclusion that connects ethical anthropology, tribal empowerment, and demographic policy.
Part (a): AI ethics in anthropology covering algorithmic bias in ethnographic data, informed consent in digital ethnography, and surveillance concerns; genetic research ethics including CRISPR applications, biobanking, indigenous DNA exploitation, and genetic determinism risks
Part (a): Intersection of biological and socio-cultural concerns: genetic ancestry testing commodification, AI-driven phenotyping reinforcing race concepts, and dual-use research dilemmas with Indian regulatory context (ICMR, DBT guidelines)
Part (b): Birsa Munda's life trajectory: 1875-1900, Munda tribe background, influence of Sardar movement, formation of Ulgulan (1899), religious reform (Birsait), armed resistance against British and zamindars, arrest and death in 1900
Part (b): Impact on tribal society: immediate suppression of forced labour (bethi/begari), long-term mobilization template for Jharkhand movement, symbolic resource for tribal identity politics, and 20th century Adivasi assertion including Jaipal Singh Munda's contributions
Part (c): Demographic transition analysis: declining fertility (TFR below replacement in southern states), aging population challenges, youth bulge in northern states, and regional demographic divergence
Part (c): Policy challenges: elderly care infrastructure, pension systems, inter-state migration pressures, skill development for demographic dividend, and sustainable development implications for 2075 population projections
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesTribal studies, constitutional provisions, ILO conventions
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) B.K. Roy Burman's concept of 'Buffer Zone' 10
(b) Describe ILO's Convention No. 169 (1989) on Indigenous and Tribal people. Is India a signatory to it ? 10
(c) Agricultural practices of the Apatani 10
(d) Status of Sixth Schedule Areas 10
(e) Constitutional Safeguards for Backward Classes 10
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'write short notes' demands concise, information-dense responses for each sub-part with approximately 30 words per mark. Allocate roughly 30 words (20% time) per sub-part since all carry equal 10 marks: for (a) define Buffer Zone with its policy implications; for (b) outline ILO 169's key provisions and explicitly state India's non-signatory status with reasons; for (c) focus on paddy-cum-fish cultivation and bamboo irrigation; for (d) cover Autonomous District Councils and current amendments; for (e) distinguish between SC/ST and OBC safeguards citing Articles 338A, 342A. No introduction or conclusion needed across parts; begin each note directly with the core concept.
(a) B.K. Roy Burman's Buffer Zone: Concept of intermediate zone between core tribal areas and plains; socio-cultural and economic buffer function; relevance to tribal development policy and integration debates
(b) ILO Convention 169: Right to self-identification, land rights, consultation (not consent), participation in decision-making; India NOT a signatory—cites sovereignty concerns and existing constitutional provisions as alternatives
(d) Sixth Schedule Areas: Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram; legislative, judicial, developmental powers; 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2019 provisions; current implementation gaps
(e) Constitutional safeguards for Backward Classes: National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) under 102nd Amendment 2018; Articles 338A, 342A; distinction from SC/ST safeguards; creamy layer exclusion; state vs central list dynamics
50Mcritically examineClimate change and tribals, religion and anthropology, P.K. Bhowmick
(a) Custodians of natural resources are the tribals, but they are the most deprived. Critically examine how climate change will impact their survival in future. 20
(b) Elucidate the difference between secularism, religiosity, religious fundamentalism and spiritualism from an anthropological perspective. 15
(c) Discuss the contribution of P.K. Bhowmick in decriminalising the status of the Lodha tribe. 15
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically examine' for part (a) demands balanced evaluation with evidence, while (b) requires 'elucidate' (clear explanatory exposition) and (c) needs 'discuss' (detailed treatment). Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction acknowledging the thematic spread (ecology-religion-activist anthropology), then three distinct sections with internal conclusions, followed by a synthesizing conclusion on anthropology's applied relevance.
Part (a): Tribals as ecological refugees — analyze how climate change disrupts traditional resource management (shifting cultivation, forest dependence) with specific vulnerabilities (water scarcity, crop failure, displacement)
Part (a): Critical examination of the 'custodian' narrative — assess whether romanticization obscures structural deprivation, and evaluate adaptation vs. collapse scenarios for tribal futures
Part (b): Anthropological distinction of four concepts — secularism (public sphere separation), religiosity (lived practice intensity), religious fundamentalism (textual literalism/reactionary politics), spiritualism (individual transcendence beyond organized religion)
Part (b): Emic-etic distinction and how anthropology treats these as cultural phenomena rather than theological truths, with attention to Talal Asad's critique of secularism as modernist ideology
Part (c): P.K. Bhowmick's empirical research on Lodhas of Midnapore — documentation of their actual economic practices vs. colonial 'criminal tribe' stereotype under Criminal Tribes Act 1871
Part (c): Specific contributions — ethnographic evidence leading to denotification (1952), rehabilitation advocacy, and broader impact on Indian anthropology's engagement with stigmatized communities
50Mcritically examineHolistic health and COVID-19, caste system theories, ethno-nationalism
(a) Critically examine existing paradigms of holistic health for the marginalised sections of society drawing inferences from COVID-19 pandemic. 20
(b) Discuss the theories on origin of caste system and its criticism in India. Differentiate between caste, class and race. 15
(c) Elucidate the resurgence of ethno-nationalism from an anthropological lens. 15
Answer approach & key points
The directive 'critically examine' for part (a) demands balanced evaluation with evidence; parts (b) and (c) require 'discuss' and 'elucidate' respectively. Allocate approximately 40% of word budget to part (a) given its 20 marks, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure: brief integrated introduction → systematic treatment of each sub-part with clear headings → synthesised conclusion linking health marginalisation, caste stratification, and identity politics.
Part (a): Critique of biomedical vs. traditional/indigenous health paradigms for marginalised groups; COVID-19 exposed structural vulnerabilities (migrant workers, Adivasis, urban poor); reference to social determinants of health framework and One Health approach
Part (a): Specific pandemic inferences—reverse migration, vaccine hesitancy, digital divide in health access, role of ASHA workers, community-led responses vs. top-down failures
Part (b): Theories of caste origin—Risley's racial theory, Nesfield's occupational theory, Ghurye's Indo-Aryan theory, Majumdar's closed-class theory; contemporary criticism from Dumont (hierarchy vs. power), Ambedkar (graded inequality), and Marxist scholars
Part (b): Systematic differentiation of caste (ascriptive, ritual hierarchy), class (achieved, economic), and race (phenotypical, colonial construction) with Indian illustrations
Part (c): Anthropological analysis of ethno-nationalism—primordialism (Geertz), instrumentalism (Gellner), constructivism (Anderson); application to India (Kashmir, Northeast, Hindutva) and global parallels
Part (c): Role of census, language politics, territorial claims, and identity mobilisation in contemporary resurgence
50MdescribeSouth Indian Paleolithic sites, theocratic state, mining impacts on tribals
(a) Describe the important Paleolithic sites from South India with suitable examples. What is the significance of South Indian Paleolithic cultures ? 20
(b) Distinguish a 'Theocratic State' from a secular, liberal, democratic state. Illustrate your answer with examples from tribal and contemporary societies. 15
(c) Discuss the economic, social and developmental impacts on tribal communities with special reference to mining. 15
Answer approach & key points
The question demands descriptive coverage of three distinct sub-topics: South Indian Paleolithic archaeology, theocratic state theory with comparative politics, and mining impacts on tribals. Structure the answer with clear tripartite sections—begin each part with definitional clarity, develop with region-specific examples and analytical depth, and conclude with integrated insights on tribal governance and sustainable development.
Part (a): Mention key South Indian Paleolithic sites—Attirampakkam (Tamil Nadu, oldest Acheulian), Hunsgi-Baichbal valleys (Karnataka), Kurnool caves (Andhra), and Malaprabha valley; explain significance of Madras handaxe tradition and continuity of occupation
Part (a): Significance includes: establishing South India as independent center of Lower Paleolithic (not derivative of Soanian), evidence of early hominin dispersal, and rich Quaternary stratigraphy for dating
Part (b): Define theocratic state (political authority legitimized by divine/supernatural sanction, religious hierarchy fused with governance) versus secular-liberal-democratic state (separation of powers, constitutional supremacy, individual rights)
Part (b): Tribal examples: Bhil 'Bhagat' movements, Naga chiefs with priestly functions, or Santal 'Manjhi' combining ritual-political roles; Contemporary contrast: Indian constitutional state vs. ISIS or Taliban as negative exemplars
Part (c): Mining impacts—economic (displacement, wage labor proletarianization, loss of commons), social (breakdown of kinship, alcoholism, gender violence), developmental (infrastructure paradox, environmental degradation, PESA violations)
Part (c): Case studies: Niyamgiri (Dongria Kondh vs. Vedanta), Jharia coal belt (Munda/Oraon displacement), or iron ore mining in Bastar; mention FRA 2006, Samatha judgment (1997), and need for FPIC