Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150…

Examine the uniqueness of tribal knowledge system when compared with mainstream knowledge and cultural systems. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks

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मुख्यधारा के ज्ञान और सांस्कृतिक प्रणालियों की तुलना में आदिवासी ज्ञान प्रणाली की विशिष्टता की जाँच कीजिए । (150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए)

The question as printed in the 2021 General Studies paper

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Model answer

Drafted with AI by UPSC Answer Check against this question's marking rubric, to the 150-word length. UPSC does not publish answers for Mains — this is one way to score well, not an official key. How we build rubrics and answers.

Tribal knowledge systems (TKS) are holistic: nature, spirituality and daily life form one worldview, whereas mainstream knowledge is specialised and compartmentalised.

Transmission and ownership: Mainstream systems rest on written records and individual intellectual property; TKS passes on orally and experientially through rituals, folklore and collective community custodianship.

Ecological embeddedness: TKS is place-specific and sustainability-oriented, as in sacred groves, regulated shifting cultivation, the Nagas' Zabo water-conservation system, the Dongria Kondh's protection of the Niyamgiri hills and the Irula's snake-catching and venom expertise.

Vulnerability: Despite recognition under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 and the Nagoya Protocol, TKS faces biopiracy and marginalisation, so benefit-sharing with communities is essential.

How this answer will be evaluated

Framework: GS1 Society: Continuity, data, intersectionality, then solution

What earns full marks: Sharp contrast with specific examples and ecological focus

Evaluation rubric

Each sub-part is marked on its own, against the marks and word limit printed on the paper.

The answer Contrast tribal knowledge systems with mainstream systems to highlight their unique features. 10 marks · 150 words

examine— intro → how/why with reasoning → evidence → conclusion
Must cover
- Identify oral tradition vs written documentation
- Explain holistic/ecological nature of tribal knowledge
- Contrast communal ownership vs individual IP
- Mention specific tribal examples (e.g., Dongria Kondh, Irula, Naga Zabo)
Loses marks
- Treating tribal knowledge as primitive
- Ignoring the ecological context
- Vague generalizations without examples
Earns more
- Reference to 'Living Knowledge' concept
- Mention of biodiversity conservation role
- Comparison with Western scientific method
- Note on intergenerational transmission
Extra mark
- Cite specific tribal practice (e.g., Jhum cultivation)
- Reference to the Nagoya Protocol / biopiracy safeguards (Biological Diversity Act, 2002)

What "Examine" is asking you to do

Test the proposition the question puts to you and return a finding on how far it holds. Examine stems carry a claim, or ask whether something has happened, and expect evidence weighed both ways before the extent is stated — often with remedial measures attached.

Structure that answers it

Restate the claim as the question frames it → evidence that supports it → evidence that undercuts it → the conditions under which it holds → verdict on how far it stands

Where marks are lost

Stopping at description. An examination has to reach a finding, and “examine with justification” means the extent must be stated, not implied.

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