Anthropology 2024 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q4

(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 प्रश्न 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

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

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.

Key points expected

  • 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

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10For (a), accurately distinguishes between Nuremberg Code, Belmont Report, and Indian-specific guidelines (ICMR 2017, Biomedical Research Ethics); for (b), correctly dates Ulgulan (1899-1900) and distinguishes between religious and political dimensions of Birsa's movement; for (c), correctly applies demographic transition theory stage and replacement fertility concept to Indian regional variationBasic familiarity with ethical principles but conflates biomedical and anthropological ethics; general chronology of Birsa Munda without specific movement details; mentions population aging and youth bulge without theoretical framingConfuses Birsa Munda with other tribal leaders (Sido-Kanhu, Tilka Manjhi); treats AI ethics and genetic ethics as identical; demographic discussion limited to population size without transition dynamics
Theoretical framing20%10For (a), deploys Laura Nader's 'studying up' for AI power asymmetries and Paul Rabinow's biosociality for genetic identity construction; for (b), uses James Scott's 'weapons of the weak' or Ranajit Guha's subaltern studies for millenarian movements; for (c), applies Amartya Sen's capability approach or Tim Dyson's demographic transition models to policy implicationsMentions general anthropological ethics or tribal welfare theories without specific theorists; standard historical narrative of Birsa without analytical framework; basic demographic transition mention without theorist attributionNo theoretical engagement; purely descriptive treatment of all three parts; confuses sociological and anthropological frameworks
Ethnographic / Indian examples20%10For (a), cites specific cases: Andamanese genetic sampling controversies, Project Tiger DNA database ethics, or AI facial recognition in CAA-NRC context; for (b), references Ranchi archives, Jaipal Singh Munda's integration of Birsa's legacy, and specific Munda customary practices (sarna, dhumkuria); for (c), uses NFHS-5 data, Kerala vs. Bihar demographic contrast, and internal migration corridorsGeneral mention of tribal communities for (a) without specific cases; basic Jharkhand geography for (b); generic north-south divide for (c) without data citationNo Indian examples; hypothetical or Western-centric illustrations only; factually incorrect examples (e.g., locating Birsa in Madhya Pradesh)
Comparative analysis20%10For (a), compares AI ethics (algorithmic opacity) vs. genetic ethics (irreversibility of germline edits) with common thread of informed consent; for (b), contrasts Birsa's millenarianism with contemporary Santhal Hul or Gond Koya rebellion; for (c), compares India's demographic trajectory with China's premature aging or Africa's delayed transition, drawing policy lessonsSome comparison between biological and socio-cultural anthropology in (a); mentions other tribal movements without systematic contrast; basic developed vs. developing country comparison in (c)No comparative element; treats each part in isolation; no cross-referencing between AI and genetic concerns, or between historical and contemporary tribal politics
Conclusion & applied angle20%10Synthesizes all three parts through anthropology's applied role: ethical research as empowerment (protecting tribal communities from extractive biotech), Birsa's legacy informing community-based participatory research ethics, and demographic policy sensitive to tribal youth aspirations; proposes institutional mechanisms (tribal research ethics committees, decolonized AI training data) with specific recommendations for NITI Aayog or Ministry of Tribal AffairsSeparate concluding paragraphs for each part without integration; general call for ethical research and tribal welfare; standard demographic dividend recommendationNo conclusion or abrupt ending; purely summative without applied forward look; contradictory recommendations (e.g., more genetic research without safeguards)

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