All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Anthropology 2025 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2025Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Soanian culture, caste, regionalism, Elwin, traditions (1)Siwaliks palaeoanthropology, Sarkar's classification, Christianity in North-East (1)Upper Palaeolithic, tribal health, Guha Karve Chopra contributions (1)Caste mobility, population growth factors, ST concept critique (1)Urbanization on tribals, Ramapithecus, tribalism, Varnashrama, Lothal (1)Indian village concept, NGOs and weaker sections, OBC list formulation (1)Tribal development limitations, ethnic conflicts, Nation-State concept (1)Nilgiri tribes interdependence, minorities in India, PVTGs criteria (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesSoanian culture, caste, regionalism, Elwin, traditions
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) 'Soanian cultural' tradition
(b) Caste domination, factionalism and political power
(c) Regionalism and Autonomy
(d) Verrier Elwin's philosophy with respect to Arunachal Pradesh
(e) Characteristics and communication between Little and Great Traditions
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणी लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) 'सोहन संस्कृति' परम्परा
(b) जातिगत वर्चस्व, गुटबंदी एवं राजनीतिक शक्ति
(c) क्षेत्रवाद तथा स्वायत्तता
(d) अरुणाचल प्रदेश के संदर्भ में वेरियर एल्विन का दर्शन
(e) लघु तथा बृहद् परम्पराओं के लक्षण एवं उनके बीच संचार
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Anthropology Paper II (UPSC). (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 theorists/sites, clear Indian examples, and critical analysis.
Define Soanian as a Lower Palaeolithic chopper–chopping tool industry (not handaxe-based); de Terra and Paterson (1939)
Tools: heavy unifacial choppers/chopping tools
Key sites: Soan Valley (Pakistan) and Siwalik Indian sites (Beas–Banganga, Sirsa valley); Pleistocene deposits
Significance: exception west of the Movius Line; debated chronology relative to Acheulian; regional technological variability
Define caste domination in political context
Explain factionalism as a mechanism of power
Link to specific Indian political example (e.g., Bihar, UP)
50MdiscussSiwaliks palaeoanthropology, Sarkar's classification, Christianity in North-East
(a) Discuss the palaeoanthropological significance of Siwaliks of India giving its subdivisions, fossil primate fauna and major primate fossil localities. 20
(b) Delineate the major features of S. S. Sarkar's classification of Indian populations. Was his classification better than Risley? Explain. 15
(c) Evaluate the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribe societies of North-East India. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में शिवालिक के पुरामानवशास्त्रीय महत्व की इसके प्रविभागों, प्राइमेट जीवाश्म प्राणिजातों तथा प्रमुख प्राइमेट जीवाश्म स्थलों सहित विवेचना कीजिए। 20
(b) एस. एस. सरकार द्वारा किए गए भारतीय जनसमूहों के वर्गीकरण के प्रमुख लक्षणों का निरूपण कीजिए। क्या उनका वर्गीकरण रिजले से बेहतर था? स्पष्ट कीजिए। 15
(c) उत्तर-पूर्व भारत की अनुसूचित जनजातियों पर ईसाई धर्म के प्रभाव का मूल्यांकन कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (c) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and balanced analysis.
(a) Describe the distinctive features and distribution of Upper Palaeolithic of India. 20
(b) Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India. 15
(c) Highlight the significant contributions of B. S. Guha, Irawati Karve and S. R. K. Chopra to Indian Anthropology. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में उच्च पुरापाषाण के विशिष्ट लक्षणों एवं विस्तार का वर्णन कीजिए। 20
(b) भारतीय जनजातियों के स्वास्थ्य को प्रभावित करने वाले पर्यावरणीय एवं जैव सांस्कृतिक कारकों का परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
(c) भारतीय मानवविज्ञान में बी० एस० गुहा, इरावती कर्वे तथा एस० आर० के० चोपड़ा के महत्त्वपूर्ण योगदान पर प्रकाश डालिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Physical & Social Anthropology). (a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > close Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured with named sites, tribes, and scholars.
50Mcritically examineCaste mobility, population growth factors, ST concept critique
(a) What are the different types of caste mobility in India? Highlight the various factors responsible for it. 20
(b) Elucidate the role of demographic and social factors for population growth in India. 15
(c) Critically examine the concept of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and mention the limitations of administrator's criteria. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में विभिन्न प्रकार की जाति गतिशीलताएँ क्या हैं? इनके उत्तरदायी विभिन्न कारकों पर प्रकाश डालिए। 20
(b) भारत की जनसंख्या वृद्धि में जनसांख्यिकीय तथा सामाजिक कारकों की भूमिका स्पष्ट कीजिए। 15
(c) अनुसूचित जनजाति (एस० टी०) की अवधारणा का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए तथा प्रशासकों द्वारा निर्दिष्ट मानकों की सीमाओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Social Anthropology). (a) highlight: name the salient points > one line of substance each > 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, well-structured, uses specific anthropological terminology and Indian examples, directly addresses all parts of the question.
Define vertical vs horizontal, individual vs collective, positional vs structural mobility
50M150wCompulsorywrite short notesUrbanization on tribals, Ramapithecus, tribalism, Varnashrama, Lothal
Write short notes on the following in about 150 words each : 10×5=50
(a) Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India
(b) Taxonomic status of Ramapithecus in the light of Ramapithecus-Sivapithecus controversy
(c) Tribalism and Pseudotribalism
(d) Varnashrama and its contemporary relevance
(e) Lothal dockyard and international trade relations
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक पर लगभग 150 शब्दों में लघु टिप्पणी लिखिए : 10×5=50
(a) भारत के जनजातीय समुदायों पर शहरीकरण तथा उद्योगीकरण के प्रभाव
(b) रामापिथेकस-शिवापिथेकस विवाद की रोशनी में रामापिथेकस की वर्गीकी प्रस्थिति
(c) जनजातिवाद तथा छद्म-जनजातिवाद
(d) वर्णाश्रम एवं इसका समकालीन औचित्य
(e) लोथल गोदीबाड़ा तथा अंतर्राष्ट्रीय व्यापारिक संबंध
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Sociology & 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, clear distinction between concepts, and specific Indian context.
Define urbanization and industrialization in tribal context
Mention land alienation or displacement
Mention cultural erosion or identity loss
Mention economic integration or wage labor
Define Ramapithecus (Lewis 1934; early hominid hypothesis of Simons and Pilbeam)
Mention the Ramapithecus-Sivapithecus controversy
State current status: junior synonym of Sivapithecus
Clarify it is NOT a human ancestor (orangutan lineage)
50MelaborateIndian village concept, NGOs and weaker sections, OBC list formulation
(a) "The village was not merely a place where people lived; it had a design in which were reflected the basic values of Indian civilization." Who said this? Elaborate. 20
(b) Discuss the role of NGOs in the socioeconomic and political development of weaker sections and the manner in which they facilitate other stakeholders. 15
(c) Trace the history and describe the methods of formulating the lists of OBCs, both at the State and National levels. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) "गाँव मात्र ऐसा स्थान नहीं था जहाँ लोग रहते थे; यह ऐसा अभिकल्प था जहाँ भारतीय सभ्यता के आधारभूत मूल्य प्रतिबिंबित होते थे।" यह कथन किसका था? इस कथन की विस्तारपूर्वक व्याख्या कीजिए। 20
(b) कमजोर वर्गों के सामाजिक-आर्थिक एवं राजनीतिक विकास में गैर-सरकारी संगठनों की भूमिका तथा अन्य हितधारकों को सुसाध्य बनाने के तरीकों की विवेचना कीजिए। 15
(c) अन्य पिछड़े वर्गों की सूची बनाने की प्रविधियों तथा इसके इतिहास के अनुरेखण का राज्य तथा राष्ट्र के स्तर पर वर्णन कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: UPSC Anthropology Paper II (Socio-Cultural Anthropology). (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) trace: start point > the stages in sequence > end point > what changed Full marks: Accurate attribution, critical analysis, specific examples, clear structure
Correctly attribute the quote to André Béteille (Metcalfe’s 1830 Minute is the separate “little republics” formulation)
Explain the “design”: spatial (dominant caste at centre; service castes; ex-untouchable hamlets on edge), institutional (jajmani, panchayat, temple/tank) and value designs (hierarchy, interdependence)
Situate within the village-studies tradition (Srinivas, Marriott, Dumont) and civilisational values
Critically evaluate: Metcalfe romanticised isolation; villages linked by markets, pilgrimage, marriage, state; not a sealed system
Define 'weaker sections' in Indian context
Explain NGO role in socioeconomic development (education, health)
Explain NGO role in political development (awareness, rights)
Describe how NGOs facilitate other stakeholders (govt, community)
50Mcritically evaluateTribal development limitations, ethnic conflicts, Nation-State concept
(a) Identify the contemporary limitations in the process of tribal development. How can anthropological knowledge contribute in this process? 20
(b) Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures. 15
(c) Critically evaluate the concept of Nation-State and describe its impact on indigenous societies. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) जनजातीय विकास की प्रक्रिया में समकालीन सीमाओं की पहचान कीजिए। इस प्रक्रिया में मानवशास्त्रीय ज्ञान का योगदान कैसे हो सकता है ? 20
(b) भारत में बढ़ते हुए नृजातीय संघर्षों की विवेचना कीजिए तथा इनके संभावित उपचारी उपायों को प्रस्तावित कीजिए। 15
(c) राष्ट्र-राज्य की अवधारणा का समालोचनात्मक मूल्यांकन कीजिए तथा देशज समाजों पर इसके प्रभाव का वर्णन कीजिए। 15
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) critically evaluate: positives > negatives/limits > conditions/safeguards > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, well-structured, with specific examples and anthropological depth.
50MdescribeNilgiri tribes interdependence, minorities in India, PVTGs criteria
(a) Describe the nature of traditional socioeconomic interdependence among the Toda, Kota, Kurumba and Irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills. Highlight the changes occurring in these interrelationships. 20
(b) Define minority. Elaborate the patterns of linguistic and religious minorities in India. 15
(c) What are the identifying criteria for PVTGs in India? Examine their current status, nomenclature and distribution. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) नीलगिरि पर्वतों की टोडा, कोटा, कुरुम्बा तथा इरुला जनजातियों की परम्परागत सामाजिक-आर्थिक परस्पर निर्भरता की प्रकृति का विवरण प्रस्तुत कीजिए। इन अन्तर्सम्बन्धों में आए परिवर्तनों पर प्रकाश डालिए। 20
(b) अल्पसंख्यक की परिभाषा दीजिए। भारत में अल्पसंख्यकों के भाषाई तथा धार्मिक प्रतिमानों की विस्तारपूर्वक व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
(c) भारत में पी० वी० टी० जी० की पहचान के क्या आधार हैं? इनकी वर्तमान प्रस्थिति, नामावली तथा विस्तार का परीक्षण कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
(a) describe: define > structure or process in order > labelled diagram > significance | (b) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Comprehensive, specific, and well-structured answers with named examples and clear distinctions.
Define the specific economic role of each tribe (Toda, Kota, Kurumba, Irula)
Explain the traditional exchange mechanisms (e.g., Toda-Kota cattle exchange)
Highlight changes in interrelationships due to modernization or policy
Mention the specific ecological niche of each group
Provide a precise definition of 'minority' (legal or sociological)
Distinguish between linguistic and religious minorities
Elaborate on the distribution patterns of religious minorities
Elaborate on the distribution patterns of linguistic minorities