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

Q9

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

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)

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Directive word: Examine

This question asks you to examine. 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 'examine' requires a critical investigation of the distinctive features of tribal knowledge systems in relation to mainstream systems. Structure: brief introduction defining tribal knowledge → body analyzing 3-4 unique dimensions (holistic worldview, oral transmission, ecological embeddedness, community ownership) with comparative references → conclusion on contemporary relevance and integration challenges.

Key points expected

Holistic and non-dualistic worldview: integration of nature, spirituality and daily life versus Cartesian dualism of mainstream science
Oral and experiential transmission: knowledge encoded in rituals, songs, folklore rather than textual documentation
Ecological embeddedness: place-specific biodiversity knowledge like Dongria Kondh's Niyamgiri sacred groves or Irula snake venom expertise
Community ownership and collective custodianship versus individual intellectual property regimes
Sustainable resource management practices: shifting cultivation, sacred groves, water conservation systems like zabo of Nagas
Contemporary relevance: recognition in CBD's Nagoya Protocol, Forest Rights Act 2006, and challenges of biopiracy

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Demand-directive understanding	20%	2	Clearly interprets 'examine' as critical investigation with comparative analysis; addresses 'uniqueness' through systematic differentiation from mainstream systems rather than mere description	Partially understands 'examine' as description; some comparison present but lacks critical depth or treats both systems in isolation	Misreads directive as simple description of tribal culture; no comparative framework or analysis of distinctive features
Content depth & accuracy	20%	2	Covers 3+ dimensions of uniqueness with conceptual precision (holism, orality, ecological embeddedness, collective ownership); accurate references to epistemological differences	Mentions 2 dimensions superficially; some conceptual confusion between 'traditional' and 'tribal' knowledge; generic content without specificity	Vague generalizations about 'ancient wisdom'; factual errors or romanticized portrayal; conflates all indigenous knowledge as identical
Structure & flow	20%	2	Tight 150-word structure with clear comparative framework; each paragraph advances the examination; smooth transitions between epistemological, transmission and institutional dimensions	Basic intro-body-conclusion but uneven weightage; some repetition or disjointed points; word limit slightly exceeded or underutilized	Disorganized listing of tribal practices; no logical progression; abrupt shifts; significantly exceeds or falls short of word limit
Examples / case-law / data	20%	2	Specific Indian examples: Dongria Kondh (Niyamgiri), Irula cooperative venom extraction, Warli painting knowledge system, or FRA 2006 provisions; possibly Nagoya Protocol or TKDL reference	Generic mention of 'tribals in forests' or 'northeast tribes' without specificity; one concrete example with weak linkage to uniqueness	No Indian examples; irrelevant international cases; or examples that don't illustrate knowledge system uniqueness (e.g., only mentioning dance forms without epistemological context)
Conclusion & analytical edge	20%	2	Synthesizes into critical insight: challenges of recognition in modernity, biopiracy concerns, or complementary value to formal science; nuanced view avoiding both romanticization and dismissal	Summary restatement of points; simplistic 'both should coexist' conclusion without analytical depth or contemporary relevance	No conclusion; or abrupt ending; uncritical glorification of tribal knowledge or dismissive view of its contemporary utility

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