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General Studies 2021 GS Paper I 10 marks 150 words Compulsory Examine

GS Paper I — Q9

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

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

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

Q9 of the 2021 UPSC Mains General Studies GS Paper I, as printed
The question as printed in the 2021 General Studies paper
Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2021 General Studies questions

Model answer

Written 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.

Tribal knowledge systems (TKS) fundamentally differ from mainstream knowledge paradigms through their holistic, non-dualistic worldview, seamlessly integrating nature, spirituality, and daily life, unlike mainstream Cartesian dualism and compartmentalized science.

Transmission and Custodianship: Unlike mainstream systems rooted in formal textual documentation and individual intellectual property regimes, TKS is transmitted orally and experientially through rituals, folklore, and collective community custodianship.

Ecological Embeddedness and Sustainability: TKS is hyper-localized and ecologically attuned. This is evident in the Dongria Kondh’s preservation of Niyamgiri’s sacred groves and the Irula tribe's specialized snake venom expertise. Practices like community-managed sacred groves, regulated shifting cultivation, and the Nagas' indigenous Zabo water conservation system demonstrate sophisticated, place-based ecological management.

Contemporary Relevance: Although recognized under the Forest Rights Act (2006) and the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Nagoya Protocol, TKS remains vulnerable to biopiracy and marginalization. A critical synthesis of tribal knowledge with mainstream science—backed by robust benefit-sharing—is essential for sustainable development and climate resilience.

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.

All UPSC directive words, compared →

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

Framework: GS1 Society: Continuity, Data, Intersectionality, Solution. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Clear, analytical comparison with specific examples and deep understanding of tribal epistemology.

Key points expected

  • Contrast oral/communal transmission vs. written/individual mainstream knowledge
  • Explain the holistic, nature-centric worldview of tribal systems
  • Highlight the role of tradition and ritual in knowledge preservation
  • Discuss the practical, survival-based utility of tribal knowledge

Evaluation rubric

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

  1. The answer Analyze the distinct features of tribal knowledge systems relative to mainstream systems.  · 150 words

    examine— intro → how/why with reasoning → evidence → conclusion

    Must cover

    • Contrast oral/communal transmission vs. written/individual mainstream knowledge
    • Explain the holistic, nature-centric worldview of tribal systems
    • Highlight the role of tradition and ritual in knowledge preservation
    • Discuss the practical, survival-based utility of tribal knowledge

    Loses marks

    • Narrating history of tribes without analyzing knowledge systems
    • Using emotive language without analytical depth
    • Failing to provide a clear comparison with mainstream systems

    Earns more

    • Mention specific examples (e.g., Naga, Gond, or Santhal knowledge)
    • Reference the concept of 'indigenous knowledge' or 'local wisdom'
    • Note the lack of formal codification in tribal systems
    • Mention the intergenerational nature of tribal learning

    Extra mark

    • Cite a specific tribal practice (e.g., Jhum cultivation, traditional medicine)
    • Reference a specific policy or act (e.g., PESA Act, 5th/6th Schedule)

Practice this exact question

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