All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2024 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2024Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Rural economy, state societies, tribal communities (1)PVTGs, PESA Act, colonial history of Indian Anthropology (1)Rakhi Garhi, social change theorists, forest policies and tribal rights (1)Ethics in anthropology, Birsa Munda, demographic challenges (1)Tribal studies, constitutional provisions, ILO conventions (1)Climate change and tribals, religion and anthropology, P.K. Bhowmick (1)Holistic health and COVID-19, caste system theories, ethno-nationalism (1)South Indian Paleolithic sites, theocratic state, mining impacts on tribals (1)
A
Q1
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) ग्रामीण अर्थव्यवस्था का अंकरूपण 10
(b) राज्य समाजों की उत्पत्ति 10
(c) सीरो-मालाबार ईसाई 10
(d) झारखंड की कारीगर जनजातियाँ 10
(e) जनजातीय बच्चों में बुंदिरोध एवं बेस्टिंग के कारण 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II Rubric. (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, named theories/tribes, specific Indian examples, clear structure.
Define digitisation in economic context
Mention Digital India or specific rural schemes
Identify one specific rural application (e.g., e-NAM, UPI)
State one-line significance for rural development
Define 'State' in anthropological terms (e.g., Weber's monopoly of legitimate force; Fortes and Evans-Pritchard's state vs stateless societies)
Mention one theory of origin (e.g., Childe's surplus/urban revolution, Wittfogel's hydraulic, Carneiro's circumscription)
Identify one key feature (e.g., centralization, bureaucracy)
State one-line significance of state formation
Define Syro-Malabar Christians (St. Thomas Christians)
Mention their origin (St. Thomas arrival)
Identify one key feature (e.g., distinct liturgy, caste structure)
State one-line significance in Indian history
Define 'artisan tribes' (craft-based STs)
Name one specific Jharkhand artisan tribe (e.g., Asur, Lohra, Karmali, Mahli, Chik Baraik)
Identify one key feature (e.g., specific craft, social status)
State one-line significance of their role
Define stunting and wasting (nutritional terms)
Identify one key cause (e.g., dietary deficiency)
Identify one social cause (e.g., lack of healthcare)
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विशेष रूप से कमजोर जनजातीय समूहों (पीवीटीजी) के लिए सरकार द्वारा हाल ही में शुरू की गई कल्याणकारी योजनाओं की आलोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए । समीक्षा कीजिए कि पीवीटीजी को त्रुटिवश आदिम जनजातीय समूह (पीटीजी) क्यों कहा जाता था । 20
(b) पेसा अधिनियम कैसे स्थानीय स्वशासन को सशक्त बना रहा है और महिलाओं की राजनीतिक भागीदारी को प्रभावित कर रहा है ? 15
(c) स्वायत्तता बनाए रखने हेतु भारतीय मानवशास्त्रियों द्वारा निभाई गई आलोचनात्मक भूमिका के परिप्रेक्ष्य में भारतीय मानवशास्त्र के औपनिवेशिक इतिहास का विखंडन कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Comprehensive, critical, and well-structured answers with specific examples and clear reasoning.
Define PVTG and the criteria for identification (e.g., pre-agriculture, negative growth).
List specific welfare measures (e.g., PVTG Development Programme, food security).
Explain the shift from 'Primitive' to 'Particularly Vulnerable' (decolonizing language).
Critically evaluate the implementation gaps or challenges of these measures.
Define PESA (1996) and its objective (empowerment of Gram Sabhas).
Explain the mechanism of local self-governance (Gram Sabha authority).
Detail women's reservation in Panchayats (one-third under Article 243D, raised to 50% in many states) alongside PESA's ST reservation.
Discuss the impact on women's political agency and decision-making.
Outline the colonial origins of Indian Anthropology (e.g., for administration).
Identify key Indian anthropologists (e.g., S.C. Dube, M.N. Srinivas).
Explain how they challenged colonial narratives (e.g., 'Hinduism' vs 'Hindu society').
Discuss the establishment of autonomous Indian schools of thought.
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) राखी गढ़ी से प्राप्त साक्ष्यों और हड़प्पा सभ्यता से इसके संबंधों का समालोचनात्मक विवरण दीजिए । 20
(b) ग्रामीण भारत में सामाजिक परिवर्तन पर एम.एन. श्रीनिवास और एल.पी. विद्यार्थी के दृष्टिकोणों की तुलना और अंतर प्रस्तुत कीजिए । 15
(c) भारत में जनजातीय समुदायों की भूमि हस्तांतरण और अधिकारों के वंचन पर 1878 से 2006 तक की वन नीतियों के प्रभाव का परीक्षण कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Sociology & Social Anthropology). (a) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (b) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise, specific, and critical; uses named concepts and evidence effectively.
Identify Rakhigarhi (Hisar, Haryana; Ghaggar–Chautang plain) as one of the largest Harappan settlements, with Early (Sothi-Siswal/Hakra) to Mature Harappan phases
Detail specific material evidence (planned streets and drains, mud-brick houses, bead and craft workshops, seals, weights, cemetery)
Explain the linkages with the wider Harappan civilisation (shared town planning, standard weights, script, craft and trade networks)
Critically evaluate the evidence (dating, publication gaps, ancient DNA from a single individual, contested interpretations)
Identify Vidyarthi's key concepts (e.g., sacred complex, nature–man–spirit complex, Great and Little Traditions, impact of industrialisation on tribes)
Contrast their views on the nature of change (structural mobility vs civilisational/ecological change)
Discuss their views on the role of the state or modernity
Identify the 1878 Forest Act as a starting point
Explain the mechanism of 'land alienation' (displacement)
Discuss the 'deprivation of rights' (customary rights ignored)
Mention the 2006 Forest Rights Act (FRA) as a corrective
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) एआई और आनुवंशिक अनुसंधान में वर्तमान की प्रगति के कारण जैविक और सामाजिक-सांस्कृतिक मानवशास्त्र की नैतिक चिंताएं क्या हैं ? 20
(b) जनजातीय सक्रियतावादी और स्वतंत्रता सेनानी बिरसा मुंडा के जीवन इतिहास पर एक निबंध लिखिए । जनजातीय समाज पर उनके बलिदान का क्या प्रभाव पड़ा ? 15
(c) अगले 50 वर्षों में भारत की बदलती जनसंख्या गतिशीलता की जनसांख्यिकीय चुनौतियां क्या हैं ? 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Socio-Cultural & Biological). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c) challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Genetic privacy and consent in tribal populations
AI bias in anthropological data analysis
Bio-piracy and bioprospecting of tribal knowledge
Informed consent in digital ethnography
Life history: birth, education, and rise as a leader
The Munda Uprising (1899-1900) against British rule
Impact: Revival of tribal identity and self-respect
Impact: Long-term inspiration for tribal rights movements
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) बी.के. रॉय बर्मन की 'बफर जोन' की अवधारणा 10
(b) स्वदेशी और जनजातीय लोगों पर आईएलओ के सम्मेलन संख्या 169 (1989) का वर्णन कीजिए । क्या भारत इस पर हस्ताक्षरकर्ता है ? 10
(c) आपातानी की कृषि पद्धतियाँ 10
(d) छठी अनुसूची क्षेत्रों की प्रस्थिति 10
(e) पिछड़े वर्गों के लिए संवैधानिक सुरक्षा के उपाय 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Sociology & Social Anthropology). (a) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > 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, specific, and directly addresses the command word with relevant examples.
Define 'Buffer Zone' as a transitional area
Link to B.K. Roy Burman's tribal studies
Explain the interface between tribal and non-tribal
Mention the impact on tribal identity
Identify ILO Convention No. 169 (1989)
Mention key rights (land, self-identification, consultation and participation)
State clearly that India has NOT ratified it (it ratified C107 in 1958)
Provide one reason for non-ratification
Identify Apatani as a tribe of the Ziro valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Describe wet-rice terrace cultivation with canal irrigation (and paddy-cum-fish)
Mention the integration of agriculture and forestry (bamboo, pine groves)
Note the role of the traditional village council (bulyang) and clan/community management
Identify the states (Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram)
Mention the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs)
Explain the legislative and executive powers of ADCs
Note the role of the Governor in these areas
Mention Articles 15(4) and 16(4) for reservation
Mention Article 335 for maintaining efficiency of administration
Mention the National Commission for Backward Classes (Article 338B, 102nd Amendment 2018)
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) प्राकृतिक संसाधनों के संरक्षक आदिवासी हैं, लेकिन वे सबसे अधिक वंचित हैं । समालोचनात्मक व्याख्या कीजिए कि जलवायु परिवर्तन भविष्य में उनकी उत्तरजीविता को कैसे प्रभावित करेगा । 20
(b) मानवशास्त्रीय परिप्रेक्ष्य से धर्मनिरपेक्षता, धार्मिकता, धार्मिक कट्टरवाद और आध्यात्मिकतावाद के बीच अंतर को स्पष्ट कीजिए । 15
(c) लोधा जनजाति को अपराधमुक्त स्थिति में लाने के लिए पी.के. भौमिक के योगदान की विवेचना कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Sociology & Anthropology of India). (a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (b) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Link tribal resource dependence to climate vulnerability
Identify specific impacts on food, water, and health
Discuss socio-economic consequences of climate stress
Provide specific Indian tribal examples
Define each of the four terms clearly
Highlight key differences between the concepts
Use anthropological theories or examples
Maintain an anthropological perspective throughout
Identify P.K. Bhowmick and his work
Explain the 'criminalized' status of the Lodha tribe
Detail Bhowmick's specific contributions to decriminalization
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) कोविड-19 महामारी से निष्कर्ष निकालते हुए समाज के हाशिए पर रहने वाले वर्गों के लिए समग्र स्वास्थ्य के मौजूदा प्रतिमानों का आलोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । 20
(b) भारत में जाति व्यवस्था की उत्पत्ति के सिद्धांतों और इसकी आलोचना की विवेचना कीजिए । जाति, वर्ग तथा नस्ल में अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए । 15
(c) मानवशास्त्रीय दृष्टिकोण से नृजातीय-राष्ट्रवाद के पुनरुत्थान पर प्रकाश डालिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > 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-supported with specific anthropological theories, ethnographic evidence, and Indian context.
Define holistic health paradigms (biomedical vs. social)
Identify specific marginalized sections (tribal, urban poor)
Analyze pandemic impact on these specific groups
Critique existing paradigms' failure to address social determinants
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
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के साथ दक्षिण भारत के महत्वपूर्ण पुरापाषाणकालीन स्थलों का वर्णन कीजिए । दक्षिण भारतीय पुरापाषाण संस्कृतियों का क्या महत्व है ? 20
(b) 'धर्मतंत्रीय राज्य' का धर्मनिरपेक्ष, उदारवादी, लोकतांत्रिक राज्य से अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए । अपने उत्तर को जनजातीय और समसामयिक समाजों से उदाहरणों सहित स्पष्ट कीजिए । 15
(c) खनन के विशेष संदर्भ में जनजातीय समुदायों पर पड़े आर्थिक, सामाजिक और विकासात्मक प्रभावों की विवेचना कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, well-structured with named examples and clear distinctions
Name specific South Indian sites (e.g., Attirampakkam, Kurnool, Belgaum)
Describe lithic technology (e.g., hand axes, cleavers, scrapers)
Explain significance of South Indian Paleolithic cultures
Provide suitable examples of tools or features
Define Theocratic State clearly
Define secular, liberal, democratic state
Provide tribal society examples of theocratic governance