All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2025 Paper I (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IPaper
Topics covered
Mendelian traits, kinship, osteodontokeratic culture, primate communication, embodiment (1)Miocene hominoids, symbolic anthropology, political economy in bio-cultural anthropology (1)Nutritional anthropology, culture as system, pedigree and genealogical analysis (1)Anthropology as bridge, Mousterian culture, Frazer's evolutionism and religion (1)Ethnography methods, menopause, fission track dating, mtDNA, foetal origins of disease (1)Genetic markers, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology (1)Marriage forms and kinship, origin of food production, African continent in human evolution (1)Postmodernism and social justice, GWAS, forensic anthropology and facial reconstruction (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesMendelian traits, kinship, osteodontokeratic culture, primate communication, embodiment
Write notes on the following in 150 words each:
(a) Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits. (10 marks)
(b) Theoretical significance of Purum kinship-system. (10 marks)
(c) Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers. (10 marks)
(d) Smell as a signal among non-human primates. (10 marks)
(e) Culture and embodiment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में टिप्पणी लिखिए :
(a) मेंडलीय तथा गैर-मेंडलीय तत्त्व । (10 अंक)
(b) पुरुम नातेदारी प्रणाली का सैद्धांतिक महत्व । (10 अंक)
(c) अस्थिदंतशृंग संस्कृति और इसके निर्माता । (10 अंक)
(d) गैर-मानव प्राइमेट्स में संकेतक रूप में गंध । (10 अंक)
(e) संस्कृति तथा अवतारणा । (10 अंक)
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, named examples/sites, theoretical links, clear distinction between concepts.
50MdiscussMiocene hominoids, symbolic anthropology, political economy in bio-cultural anthropology
(a) Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution. (20 marks)
(b) Compare and contrast the symbolic approaches of Clifford Geertz and Victor Turner to understand culture. (15 marks)
(c) How political economy is integrated with ecological and adaptability perspectives in bio-cultural anthropology? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) उद्विकास में मध्य नूतन कालीन होमिनोइड अवशेषों तथा उनके महत्व की विवेचना कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) संस्कृति को समझने में क्लीफोर्ड गीर्ट्ज तथा विक्टर टर्नर के प्रतीकात्मक दृष्टिकोणों की तुलना तथा भेद स्पष्ट कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) जैव-सांस्कृतिक नृविज्ञान में राजनीतिक अर्थव्यवस्था को पारिस्थितिकी एवं अनुकूलनशीलता से कैसे एकीकृत किया जाता है ? (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
(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 well-structured answers with named examples and clear distinctions.
Name specific Miocene hominoid taxa by period (Proconsul; Kenyapithecus, Dryopithecus, Pierolapithecus; Sivapithecus/Ramapithecus; late Miocene hominins Sahelanthropus, Orrorin, Ardipithecus kadabba)
Detail morphological features (dentition/enamel, thorax and limb adaptations for suspension, facial features of GSP 15000)
Explain phylogenetic significance: Ramapithecus reassigned to Sivapithecus and the orangutan lineage; molecular-clock evidence; ape–human split in Africa ~7–6 Ma
50MdiscussNutritional anthropology, culture as system, pedigree and genealogical analysis
(a) How anthropologists assess the nutritional status of a community? Discuss the significance of intersectionality of ecology, culture, and social inequality in the study of nutritional anthropology. (20 marks)
(b) Critically examine the drawbacks in assuming culture as an 'integrated-closed' system in understanding of contemporary society. (15 marks)
(c) Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) मानवशास्त्री किसी समुदाय की पोषण स्थिति का मूल्यांकन कैसे करते हैं ? पोषण मानव विज्ञान के अध्ययन में पारिस्थितिकी, संस्कृति तथा सामाजिक असमानता की प्रतिछेदनीयता के महत्व की विवेचना कीजिए । (20 अंक)
(b) समकालीन समाज को समझने में संस्कृति को एक 'एकीकृत-बंद' प्रणाली के रूप में मानने की कमियों की समालोचनात्मक जांच कीजिए । (15 अंक)
(c) पेडिग्री तथा जीनियालाजी विश्लेषणों के बीच अंतर स्पष्ट कीजिए। इनके इतिहास तथा मानवशास्त्रीय अध्ययनों में इनकी उपयोगिता की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1 (Physical Anthropology & Social Anthropology). (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise definitions, clear differentiation, strong application to Indian context, and critical analysis.
Define nutritional status and anthropometric indicators (BMI, stunting).
50MelucidateAnthropology as bridge, Mousterian culture, Frazer's evolutionism and religion
(a) Anthropology provides a multidimensional understanding of human beings by bridging the gap between science and humanities. Elucidate. (20 marks)
(b) Write a note on Mousterian tool tradition, Mousterian culture and its makers. (15 marks)
(c) Critically examine James Frazer's theory of evolutionism. Elucidate the place of religion in modernity. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विज्ञान तथा मानविकी की बीच की दूरी को पाटकर मानवविज्ञान मानव अध्ययन को बहुआयामी समझ प्रदान करता है। स्पष्ट कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) मुस्तारी औजार परंपरा, मुस्तारी संस्कृति तथा इसके निर्माताओं पर टिप्पणी लिखिए। (15 अंक)
(c) जेम्स फ्रेजर के उद्विविकास के सिद्धांत का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए। आधुनिकता में धर्म के स्थान को स्पष्ट कीजिए। (15 अंक)
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) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesEthnography methods, menopause, fission track dating, mtDNA, foetal origins of disease
Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
(a) Multispecies, Multi-sited and Critical Ethnography. (10 marks)
(b) Evolutionary significance of menopause. (10 marks)
(c) Fission track dating method and its applications. (10 marks)
(d) Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. (10 marks)
(e) Foetal origin of adult diseases and contribution of David Barker. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में टिप्पणी लिखिए :
(a) बहुजातीय, बहुस्थानीय तथा आलोचनात्मक नृजाति वर्णन। (10 अंक)
(b) रजोनिवृत्ति का उद्विविकासीय महत्व। (10 अंक)
(c) विखंडन ट्रैक कालनिर्धारण प्रविधि एवं इसकी उपयोगिता। (10 अंक)
(d) सूत्रकणिकीय डीएनए तथा मानव उद्विविकास। (10 अंक)
(e) वयस्क रोगों की भ्रूण उत्पत्ति तथा डेविड बार्कर का योगदान। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Anthropology Paper 1: Biological & 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, named theories (e.g., Grandmother Hypothesis), and specific examples for all 5 parts.
Define multispecies ethnography (Haraway, Tsing, Kirksey and Helmreich; human–nonhuman entanglement)
Define multi-sited ethnography (Marcus 1995; following threads across sites)
50MdiscussGenetic markers, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology
(a) What are genetic markers? Discuss their applications in understanding population variation, disease association and forensics. (20 marks)
(b) "The agenda of biological anthropology became more scientific from the middle of the twentieth century." Justify. (15 marks)
(c) Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) आनुवंशिक मार्कर क्या होते हैं ? जनसंख्या भिन्नता, रोग संबंध और फोरेंसिक्स को समझने में उनके अनुप्रयोग पर चर्चा कीजिए। (20 अंक)
(b) "बीसवीं सदी के मध्य से शारीरिक मानव विज्ञान की कार्यसूची अधिक वैज्ञानिक बन गयी।" पुष्टि कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) संस्कृति, भाषा तथा विचारों के संबंधों को समझने के लिए भाषाई मानवविज्ञान के सैद्धांतिक दृष्टिकोणों का संक्षेप में वर्णन कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper 1. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured with named examples and clear theoretical grounding.
50Mcritically discussMarriage forms and kinship, origin of food production, African continent in human evolution
(a) How the study of variation in forms of marriage led to rethinking on the concepts of social reproduction, kinship and family? (20 marks)
(b) What are the major theories proposed in support of the origin of food production? How the change in subsistence economy brought revolution during this period? (15 marks)
(c) Critically discuss the centrality of the African continent in the narrative of human evolution. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विवाह के रूपों में भिन्नता के अध्ययन ने सामाजिक प्रजनन, नातेदारी तथा परिवार की अवधारणा को कैसे प्रेरित किया ? (20 अंक)
(b) खाद्य उत्पादन की उत्पत्ति के समर्थन में प्रस्तावित प्रमुख सिद्धांत क्या हैं ? इस अवधि के दौरान निर्वाह अर्थव्यवस्था में परिवर्तन ने किस प्रकार क्रांति ला दी थी ? (15 अंक)
(c) मानव उद्विकास की गाथा में अफ्रीकी महाद्वीप की केंद्रीयता की आलोचनात्मक विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper I (Physical & Social Anthropology). (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: Precise definitions, named theories/fieldworkers, specific ethnographic cases, and clear critical analysis.
Define social reproduction and its link to marriage
Cite specific non-standard marriage forms (e.g., polyandry, levirate, woman–woman marriage)
Name specific ethnographic cases (e.g., Nayar — Gough's definition of marriage; Khasa; Nuer)
Explain the rethinking of family as a social unit (Schneider, Strathern, Carsten)
Name major theories (Childe's oasis; Braidwood's hilly flanks; Binford/Flannery marginal zone and broad spectrum; Cohen/Boserup population pressure; Sauer abundance; Hayden feasting)
Define the Neolithic Revolution (Childe) and the shift from foraging to food production
Mention South Asian evidence (Mehrgarh, Lahuradewa) and social-structural impact (sedentism, hierarchy, surplus)
Note the health trade-offs (Cohen and Armelagos: nutritional deficiency, dental hypoplasia, infection, stature decline)
50MdiscussPostmodernism and social justice, GWAS, forensic anthropology and facial reconstruction
(a) How the theories of postmodernism are relevant in promoting social justice and empowerment of marginalised communities? (20 marks)
(b) 'Genome-wide Disease Association Studies (GWAS) advanced our understanding of health and disease.' Discuss. (15 marks)
(c) Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) उत्तर आधुनिकता के सिद्धांत सामाजिक न्याय को बढ़ावा देने और हाशिये पर खड़े समुदायों के सशक्तिकरण में कैसे प्रासंगिक हैं ? (20 अंक)
(b) 'जीनोम-व्यापी रोग संबंध अध्ययन (GWAS) स्वास्थ्य एवं रोगों पर हमारी समझ विकसित करते हैं।' विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
(c) फोरेंसिक विश्लेषण में मानव अवशेषों की उपयोगिता का परीक्षण कीजिए। चेहरा पुनर्निर्माण तकनीकी की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
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) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and critical analysis.
Define postmodernism's critique of grand narratives (Lyotard, Foucault, Derrida)
Explain relevance to social justice (e.g., crisis of representation, intersectionality)
Explain relevance to empowerment of marginalized communities
Provide specific examples of marginalized groups and balance with limits/critiques
Define Genome-wide Disease Association Studies (GWAS)
Explain how GWAS identifies genetic variants
Discuss specific examples of diseases studied (e.g., TCF7L2, FTO, CFH)