Paper: IAS Mains Previous Year Paper Anthropology (1997)

Paper-I- Anthropology-1997 (Mains)

Time Allowed : Three Hours Maximum Marks : 300

Candidates should attempt questions from Section I and EITHER from Section II (a) OR Section II (b) according to instructions given under each Section. Answer six questions in all.

SECTION I

Note: Answer any three questions including question 1, which is compulsory

1. Write notes on any two of the following in about 200 words each :
(a) Ecological Anthropology
(b) Biological evolution of early man
(c) Problems of dating in Prehistoric Archaeology

2. Elucidate the salient differences between tribal social system and caste system giving suitable examples in support of your answer .

3. Discuss the distinguishing features of unilineal, bilineal and bilateral kin groups with suitable examples.

4. Delineate the meaning and scope of economic anthropology and discuss the principles that govern production, distribution and consumption in hunting and gathering communities.

5. Critically examine the anthropological approaches to planning and socioeconomic development among the weaker sections of the Indian society, highlighting the issues of macro- planning in anthropology

SECTION - II(a)

Note: Answer any three questions including question 6, which is compulsory

6. Write notes on any two of the following in about 200 words each :
(a) Anthropology of Sports
(b) Homo habits
(c) Longitudinal growth

7. Discuss the gradualist view of evolutionary change vis-a-vis the punctualitionalist view giving an example from primate evolution that supports one view or the other.

8. Discuss the concept of ‘Mendelian population’ and its application in the study of anthropo-genetic variations in India.

9. How are body size and shape related to climatic adaptation ? Discuss the ecological rules with examples from human situations.

10. Discuss the recent developments in genetic techniques and comment upon their potential social significance.

SECTION - II (b)

Note : Answer any three questions including question 11, which is compulsory.

11. Write notes on any two of the following in about 200 words each :
(a) Neo-evolutionism
(b) Acculturation and contra-acculturation
(c) Transactionalism.

12. Elucidate the various concepts of social and cultural change indicating the specific problems involved in the change process.

13. Critically examine the Historical Particularistic approach of Franz Boas to the study of culture.

14. What do you understand by cultural relativistic approach and ethcentric approach in the study of culture ? Discuss the logical premises of cultural relativistic approach.

15. Critically assess the role of ethnography in the development of anthropological theories.


Paper-II- Anthropology-1997 (Mains)

Candidates should attempt Questions 1 and 5 which are compulsory, and any three of the remaining questions selecting at least one question from each section.

SECTION A

1. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words on each :
(a) Concept of rebirth in Hindu Social System
(b) Dating methods in Prehistory
(c) Significance of Verna and Caste
(d) Universalization and Porochialization

2. Describe the distinguishing characteristic features of South Indian Megaliths and compare these with either Central Indian or North-eastern India Megaliths.

3. Assess the growth and development of Anthropology in India. Illustrate the contributions of early twentieth century Anthropologists in Tribal and Caste studies.

4. Critically evaluate the Indian Population Policies. Suggest appropriate measures for its improvement.

SECTION B

5. Write notes on any three of the following in about 200 words each :
(a) Components of cultures and its link with civilization
(b) Shifting cultivation, its merits and demerits
(c) Role of Anthropologist as an Administrator
(d) Plans and Programs of Tribal development

6. Examine the role of joint family in Hindu social system and its impact on caste system.

7. Estimate the role of democratic institutions/organizations for the development of weaker sections and the welfare measures adopted by them.

8. Discuss the significance of the regionalism and communalism in Indian context and its role in ethno-political movements in the present political system.