- Official syllabus 2025 - 1.1 Meaning, Scope and development of Anthropology - 1.2 Relationships with other disciplines - Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth Sciences and Humanities - 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance - Social-Cultural Anthropology - Biological Anthropology - Archaeological Anthropology - Linguistic Anthropology - 1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man - Biological and Cultural factors in human evolution - Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre-Darwinian, Darwinian and Post-Darwinian) - Synthetic theory of evolution; Brief outline of terms and concepts of evolutionary biology (Dollo’s rule, Cope’s rule, Gause’s rule, parallelism, convergence, adaptive radiation, and mosaic evolution) - 1.5 Characteristics of Primates - Evolutionary Trend and Primate Taxonomy - Primate Adaptations (Arboreal and Terrestrial) - Primate Behaviour - Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates - Living Major Primates - Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes - Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications - 1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following - Plio-Pleistocene hominids in South and East Africa – Australopithecines - Homo erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis) - Neanderthal Man – La Chapelle-aux-Saints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type) - Rhodesian man - Homo sapiens – Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelade - 1.7 The biological basis of Life - The Cell, DNA structure and replication, Protein Synthesis, Gene, Mutation, Chromosomes, and Cell Division - 1.8 Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating methods - Cultural Evolution – Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures - Paleolithic - Mesolithic - Neolithic - Chalcolithic - Copper-Bronze Age - Iron Age - 2.1 The Nature of Culture - Concept and characteristics of culture and civilization - Ethnocentrism vis-à-vis Cultural Relativism - 2.2 The Nature of Society - Concept of Society; Society and Culture; Social Institutions; Social groups; Social stratification - 2.3 Marriage - Definition and universality - Laws of marriage (endogamy, exogamy, hypergamy, hypogamy, incest taboo) - Types of marriage (monogamy, polygamy, polyandry, group marriage) - Functions of marriage - Marriage regulations (preferential, prescriptive and proscriptive) - Marriage payments (bride wealth and dowry) - 2.4 Family - Definition and universality - Family, household and domestic groups - Functions of family - Types of family (from perspectives of structure, blood relation, marriage, residence, succession) - Impact of urbanization, industrialization and feminist movements on family - 2.5 Kinship - Consanguinity and Affinity - Principles and types of descent (Unilineal, Double, Bilateral, Ambilineal) - Forms of descent groups (lineage, clan, phratry, moiety, kindred) - Kinship terminology (descriptive and classificatory) - Descent, Filiation and Complementary Filiation - Descent and Alliance - 3 Economic Organization - Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology - Formalist and Substantivist debate - Principles governing production, distribution and exchange (reciprocity, redistribution, market) in communities subsisting on hunting-gathering, fishing, swiddening, pastoralism, horticulture and agriculture - Globalization and indigenous economic systems - 4 Political Organization and Social Control - Band, tribe, chiefdom, kingdom and state - Concepts of power, authority and legitimacy - Social control, law and justice in simple societies - 5 Religion - Anthropological approaches to the study of religion (evolutionary, psychological, functional) - Monotheism and polytheism; Sacred and profane; Myths and rituals - Forms of religion in tribal and peasant societies (animism, animatism, fetishism, naturism, totemism) - Religion, magic and science distinguished - Magico-religious functionaries (priest, shaman, medicine man) - 6 Anthropological theories - (a) Classical evolutionism (Tylor, Morgan, Frazer) - (b) Historical particularism (Boas); Diffusionism (British, German, American) - (c) Functionalism (Malinowski); Structural-Functionalism (Radcliffe-Brown) - (d) Structuralism (Lévi-Strauss and E. Leach) - (e) Culture and personality (Benedict, Mead, Linton, Kardiner, Cora-du Bois) - (f) Neo-evolutionism (Childe, White, Steward, Sahlins, Service) - (g) Cultural materialism (Harris) - (h) Symbolic and interpretive theories (Turner, Schneider, Geertz) - (i) Cognitive theories (Tyler, Conklin) - (j) Post-modernism in anthropology - 7 Culture, Language and Communication - Nature, origin and characteristics of language - Verbal and non-verbal communication - Social context of language use - 8 Research methods in Anthropology - (a) Fieldwork tradition in anthropology - (b) Distinction between technique, method and methodology - (c) Tools of data collection: observation, interview, schedules, questionnaire, case study, genealogy, life-history, oral history, secondary sources, participatory methods - (d) Analysis, interpretation and presentation of data - 9.1 Human Genetics – Methods and Application - Methods for study of genetic principles in man-family study (pedigree analysis, twin study, foster child, co-twin method, cytogenetic methods, chromosomal and karyotype analysis), biochemical methods, immunological methods, DNA technology and recombinant technologies - Mendelian genetics in man: single factor, multifactor, lethal, sub-lethal and polygenic inheritance - 9.2 Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection - Mendelian population, Hardy-Weinberg law - Causes and changes: mutation, isolation, migration, selection, inbreeding, genetic drift - Consanguineous and non-consanguineous mating, genetic load, genetic effect of cousin marriages - 9.3 Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man - Numerical and structural aberrations (disorders) - Sex chromosomal aberrations – Klinefelter (XXY), Turner (XO), Super female (XXX), intersex, etc. - Autosomal aberrations – Down syndrome, Patau, Edward, Cri-du-chat syndromes - Genetic imprints, genetic screening, counseling, human DNA profiling, gene mapping, genome study - 9.4 Race and racism - Biological basis of morphological variation (metric and non-metric characters) - Racial criteria, racial traits in relation to heredity and environment - Biological basis of racial classification, racial differentiation and race crossing in man - 9.5 Age, sex and population variation as genetic markers - ABO, Rh blood groups, HLA, Hp, transferrin, Gm, blood enzymes - Physiological characteristics – Hb level, body fat, pulse rate, respiratory functions and sensory perceptions in different cultural and socio-economic groups - 9.6 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology - Bio-cultural adaptations – Genetic and Non-genetic factors - Man’s physiological responses to environmental stresses: hot desert, cold, high-altitude climate - 9.7 Epidemiological Anthropology - Health and disease - Infectious and non-infectious diseases - Nutritional deficiency related diseases - 10 Concept of human growth and development - Stages: pre-natal, natal, infant, childhood, adolescence, maturity, senescence - Factors affecting growth: genetic, environmental, biochemical, nutritional, cultural, socio-economic - Ageing and senescence – theories and observations - Biological and chronological longevity - Human physique and somatotypes - Methodologies for growth studies - 11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility - Fertility patterns and differentials - 11.2 Demographic theories - Biological, social and cultural - 11.3 Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality - 12 Applications of Anthropology - Anthropology of sports - Nutritional anthropology - Anthropology in designing of defence and other equipment - Forensic Anthropology - Methods and principles of personal identification and reconstruction - Applied human genetics – Paternity diagnosis, genetic counseling, eugenics - DNA technology in diseases and medicine - Serogenetics and cytogenetics in reproductive biology

- Table of all anthropological theories with their different aspects - - Table of all anthropological thinkers with their books, case studies, and other works -

- To be sorted - Human sacrifice tribe How Meriah (Khond Human Sacrifice) Was Performed The Khonds believed human sacrifice was essential to appease the Earth Goddess (Tari Pen) for fertility, rain, and community protection. 1. Who Was Sacrificed? Called Meriah victims. Sources: Prisoners of war Bought children from slave traders Children gifted by other tribes Rarely, volunteers Victims were treated with great honour, well-fed, and respected before sacrifice — they were considered sacred. 2. Ritual Procedure (Step‑by‑Step) A. Long Preparatory Ritual Rituals could last several days. The victim was bathed, decorated with new clothes, turmeric, flowers. Songs and dances were performed around the Meriah. B. Procession to the Sacred Grove The community took the Meriah to a sacred grove (the Darni Penu grove). Drums, chanting, dancing accompanied the procession. The victim was given liquor or opium-like herbs to calm them. C. The Actual Sacrifice Multiple variations existed, but the classic method recorded consistently by British officers was: Method 1 (Most Recorded): Strangulation A ritual rope made of sāl bark fibres was wound around the victim's neck. Several men pulled at once so no single person was solely responsible. This was seen as transferring the life-force (puruṣa) to the Earth Goddess. Method 2: Breaking the Bones (Less Common, Earlier Tradition) Victim sometimes laid on a wooden frame. Limbs were gradually broken in a ceremonial manner. The idea was to release life force slowly into the soil. Method 3: Cutting the Throat (Rare, Later Alternative) With influence from neighbouring tribes, some groups slit the throat. Important Point: Blood was considered sacred manure. The belief was: "Human life-force ensures fertility of fields and prosperity." 3. Post‑Sacrifice Ritual (Very Important for UPSC) A. Distribution of Flesh The body was cut into pieces after death. Small portions were distributed to all clans. Each clan buried a tiny piece in their agricultural fields. This was the core of the belief system: → The land absorbs the Meriah’s life-force = Fertile harvest. B. Bones and ashes Bones sometimes buried near sacred groves. Ash mixed with seeds for sowing.

- Add the marks for each main's PYQ in the bracket alongside before practicing - Remove this line after adding - Anthropology paper 1 mains PYQs - 1.1. Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology - "Anthropology is the systematic, objective, and holistic study of humankind in all times and places." Elaborate the argument. (20M/2022) - Relevance of Anthropology. (10M/2018) - Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any one branch. (20M/2017) - Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (15M/2014) - 1.2. Relationships with other disciplines - Elaborate the scope of anthropology and elucidate the uniqueness in the field of other social sciences. (20M/2021) - Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. (10M/2016) - Differentiate between Economics and Economic Anthropology. (10M/2013) - How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (10M/2013) - 1.3. Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance - Scope and relevance of Social and Cultural Anthropology. (10M/2023) - Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings. (15M/2021) - How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit of the discipline? (20M/2020) - Relationship between Linguistics and Social-Cultural Anthropology. (10M/2019) - Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. (15M/2018) - Archaeological Anthropology. (10M/2015) - Major subdivisions of Anthropology. (10M/2014) - Linguistic Anthropology. (10M/2013) - 1.4. Human Evolution and emergence of Man - Critically discuss the synergistic effect of biological and cultural factors in human evolution. (15M/2024) - What is the hominization process? Discuss the major trends in human evolution with the help of suitable examples and illustrations. (20M/2023) - Discuss the role of evolutionary forces in creating human diversity. (20M/2022) - Explain the genetic mechanisms of micro and macro evolution. (15M/2021) - Elucidate how Darwin and post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the development of the Synthetic theory of evolution. (15M/2020) - Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making cultures. (20M/2018) - Elucidate the biological and cultural factors in human evolution. (2016, 2015) - Critically examine Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding evolution. (15M/2015) - Discuss how Neo-Darwinism integrated the fields of Genetics and Evolution? (2013) - 1.5. Characteristics of Primates - Discuss different forms of primate social organisation. (15M/2022) - The losses and gains of erect posture. (10M/2021) - Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour. (10M/2020) - Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion pattern among non-human primates. (15M/2020) - Adaptive primate radiation. (10M/2019) - Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. (20M/2019) - Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their evolutionary significance. (15M/2017) - Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (15M/2016) - Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (15M/2014) - Role of Primatology in Anthropological studies. (10M/2013) - 1.6. Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution - Discuss the geographical distribution of Homo erectus. Taking into account its physical features, where does it fit in the human evolutionary line? (20M/2024) - Discuss major species of Australopithecus discovered from South and East Africa. Describe the discovery, physical features, and significance of Taung baby. (20M/2023) - Should we still distinguish between ‘classic’ and ‘progressive’ Neanderthals? Discuss the controversy surrounding Neanderthal’s position in human evolution. (15M/2022) - What are the physical and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus? Discuss its phylogenetic status. (20M/2021) - Critically evaluate the contesting theories of the emergence and dispersal of modern Homo sapiens. (20M/2020) - "Europeans are closer to Neanderthals." Critically discuss in view of the African origin of humankind. (15M/2019) - Describe the culture related to Homo erectus. (15M/2018) - Write short notes on Rhodesian Man. (10M/2016) - Describe the salient characteristics & geographical distribution of Homo erectus. (15M/2015) - Asian Homo erectus. (10M/2014) - 1.7. The biological basis of life - Gene expression. (10M/2023) - 1.8. (a) Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology & Chronology - ...& (b) Cultural Evolution—Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures - Chronometric dating (10M/2024) - Identify the major Mesolithic sites and describe the typo-technological features with special reference to India. (15M/2023) - Discuss the Paleolithic environment, in light of available evidence with special reference to India. (15M/2023) - Prehistoric significance of Rakhigarhi. (10M/2023) - Cultural impact of Iron Age. (10M/2023) - Mesolithic rock art in Indian subcontinent. (10M/2022) - Enumerate the evidence of animal domestication in Indian microlithic industry. (15M/2022) - Thermoluminescence (TL) dating (10M/2021) - Describe the features of early farming cultures and Neolithic of the Near East. (15M/2021) - Discuss the salient features of different traditions of European Mesolithic. (15M/2021) - Natufian culture. (10M/2020) - Differentiate between Lower Palaeolithic and Middle Palaeolithic culture with suitable examples. (15M/2020) - Olduvai Gorge. (10M/2019) - Elucidate Mesolithic culture and associated rock art with examples from India. (15M/2019) - Relative dating methods. (10M/2019) - Discuss briefly the major traditions in the Upper Paleolithic cultures of Europe. (15M/2019) - Give an account of the consequences of food production of Neolithic culture. (15M/2018) - Describe the principles of radiocarbon dating. Mention its limitations. (15M/2018) - What are dating methods? Discuss one absolute method and one relative method in detail. (15M/2017) - Salient features of Mesolithic culture. (10M/2017) - Delineate the salient features of Chalcolithic cultures. (15M/2016) - Paleolithic Culture. (10M/2015) - Describe the absolute dating methods in Archaeology, highlighting the importance of each method. (15M/2014) - Give the broad outline of Palaeolithic culture emphasizing upon its tool technology. (20M/2013) - Carbon-14 method of dating. (10M/2013) - Relative dating methods. (10 M/2019) - 2.1. The Nature of Culture - Critically examine Arjun Appadurai's conceptualization of the global cultural economy. (20M/2024) - Write notes in about 150 words: William Ogburn and Cultural lag. (10M/2024) - Attributes of culture. (10M/2024) - Discuss the historical and cultural contexts that led to superseding ethnocentrism with cultural relativism in anthropology. (15M/2023) - Human rights and Cultural relativism (10M/2022) - Cultural Relativism. (10M/2020) - Discuss the development of the concept of culture in Anthropology. (2019) - Cultural Relativism. (10M/2017) - Why has the concept of Cultural Relativism been so dear to anthropologists? (15M/2014) - Bring out the distinguishing features of culture and civilization. (15M/2013) - 2.2. The Nature of Society - Examine critically the concept of social stratification as a basis for sustaining social inequality. (20M/2024) - Radcliffe-Brown’s ideas on status, role, and institution. (10M/2023) - Write a note in about 150 words: Radcliffe-Brown's ideas on status, role, and institution. (10M/2022) - Critically evaluate different types of social stratifications with suitable examples. (20M/2021) - Discuss Erving Goffman's concept of total institutions and its relevance in contemporary society. (15M/2020) - Discuss social stratification according to any three major approaches. (20M/2019) - Society and Culture. (10M/2015) - Define Status and Role. Distinguish between Ascribed and Achieved Status. (15M/2014) - 2.3. Marriage - Discuss the role of marriage regulations in traditional societies in India for strengthening social solidarity. (20M/2024) - Marriage Regulations and Alliance Theory. (10M/2021) - Ways of Acquiring Mate in Tribal Society. (10M/2018) - Discuss the different forms of preferential marriage with suitable examples from tribal societies in India. (15M/2017) - Incest Taboos. (10M/2015) - Define marriage and describe the various types of marriages in human societies. (15M/2014) - Where do you situate 'live-in relationship' within the institution of marriage? (15M/2013) - 2.4. Family - Define urbanization and discuss its impact on family in India with examples. (15M/2024) - Write a note in about 150 words: Household and domestic group. (10M/2022) - Explain the impact of the feminist movement on the universality of marriage and family structure. (20M/2020) - Discuss the impact of urbanization and feminist movements on families in India. (20M/2016) - Define family and critically examine the universality of family. (15M/2015) - Discuss the impact of urbanization and the feminist movement on family. (15M/2013) - Is family a social institution? (10M/2012) - 2.5. Kinship - Critical perspective on avoidance and joking relationship. (10M/2024) - Critically discuss A.L. Kroeber's contribution to kinship studies. (15M/2023) - Discuss how the rules of descent contradict the principles of residence in matrilineal society, mentioning suitable examples. (20M/2022) - Write notes on: Descent Groups. (10M/2021) - Kinship Terminology. (10M/2018) - Elucidate the determinants of Kinship terminology. (15M/2017) - Bilineal and Bilateral descent. (10M/2017) - Describe the cardinal points of descent and alliance theories. (20M/2016) - Lineage and Clan. (10M/2016) - Double Descent. (10M/2014) - Various types of descent. (10M/2013) - 3. Economic Organization - Cultural relevance of the Kula. (10M/2024) - Discuss the impact of globalization on the economic systems of indigenous communities. (15M/2023) - Critically examine various anthropological interpretations about the Kula Ring. (15M/2022) - Write a note in about 150 words: Debate between formalist and substantivist approaches. (10M/2022) - Write notes on Modes of Subsistence. (10M/2021) - Discuss how indigenous people encounter globalization. (20M/2019) - Pastoralism in India. (10M/2019) - Write the characteristics of the hunting and gathering economy. (15M/2018) - With the help of appropriate examples, explain the various forms of the exchange system. (15M/2017) - Discuss the principles governing production, distribution, and exchange in simple societies. (20M/2016) - Critically examine the Formalists and Substantivists' views on the applicability of economic laws in the study of primitive societies. (20M/2015) - Horticulture. (10M/2015) - Discuss the impact of globalization on tribal economy. (20M/2013) - 4. Political Organization and Social Control - Authority and forms of political organization. (10M/2024) - Discuss the mechanism of social control in different kinds of political systems. (20M/2022) - Discuss different forms of primate social organization. (15M/2022) - How do political organizations of simple societies establish power, authority, and legitimacy? (20M/2021) - How is the construct of power linked to the notion of conspicuous consumption and its impact on distributive justice? (15M/2020) - How does customary law function in tribal society? Discuss its different sources. (15M/2018) - Mention the characteristic features of a band with suitable examples. (15M/2017) - Discuss different social control mechanisms in simple societies. (15M/2016) - Differentiate between State and Stateless Societies. (10M/2014) - Discuss the nature of Law and Justice in simple societies citing suitable examples. (20M/2014) - 5. Religion - How does Lévi-Strauss look at the Tsimshian myth of Asdiwal? Critically discuss Lévi-Strauss’ theory of structuralism in the light of his study of mythologies. (15M/2024) - How did Clifford Geertz look at religion? Differentiate between anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of religion. (15M/2023) - Write a note in about 150 words: Shaman, sorcerer, and medicine man. (10M/2022) - Write notes on Animism and Deep Ecology in about 150 words. (10M/2021) - Critically explain the anthropological approaches to religion. (15M/2019) - Difference between Science and Magic. (10M/2018) - Discuss the different traditional forms of religion in tribal societies. (2017) - Difference between religion and magic. (10M/2017) - Critically examine different Anthropological approaches to religion. (2016) - Totemism. (10M/2016) - How do you relate the concepts of 'Sacred' and 'Profane' in Durkheim's theory of religion with a focus on the role of the totem? (15M/2015) - What is understood by 'Rites of Passage'? Describe the various phases of the 'Rites of Passage' and their significance. (20M/2014) - How does taboo serve as a means of social control? (15M/2013) - Totemism. (10M/2013) - 6. Anthropological Theories - (a) Classical evolutionism - Critically evaluate Lewis Morgan's classification of family. (15M/2021) - How did Morgan explain the evolution of marriage, family and Socio-Political organization and how did other evolutionists disagree with his explanation? (20M/2015) - (b) Historical particularism; Diffusionism - Discuss historical particularism as a critical development to classical evolutionism. (20M/2024) - Historical Particularism and Franz Boas. (10M/2021) - How do diffusionism and evolutionism differ as explanations of Cultural Change? (15M/2015) - Historical Particularism. (10M/2015) - (c) Functionalism; Structural functionalism - How did Radcliffe-Brown and Levi-Strauss study kinship in terms of social structure? (15M/2019) - Basic tenets of structural-functionalism. (10M/2017) - Functionalism. (10M/2016) - What is functionalism? Discuss the functional approach to the understanding of Religion. (20M/2014) - In what ways is Functionalism different from Structural Functionalism? (20M/2013) - (d) Structuralism - Explain the structural analysis of kinship as proposed by Lévi-Strauss. (15M/2021) - How do the concepts of binary opposite and exchange figure in Levi-Strauss' structural analysis of Kinship? (15M/2016) - (e) Culture and personality - Critically discuss the characteristics of the psychological types in the cultures of the American South-West as observed by Ruth Benedict. (20M/2024) - Critically discuss the controversies related to fieldwork of Bronislaw Malinowski and Margaret Mead. (20M/2023) - Discuss political and methodological aspects of national character studies. Elucidate the contemporary relevance of such studies. (15M/2023) - Discuss various anthropological approaches to the study of personality and culture. (20M/2020) - What do you understand by the National Character Study? Illustrate the concept. (15M/2018) - Explain Ruth Benedict's patterns of culture. (20M/2017) - (f) Neo evolutionism - Discuss the approaches of Leslie White, Julian Steward, and Marshall Sahlins in the light of cultural evolution. (15M/2022) - Gordon Childe's Theory of Cultural Evolution. (10M/2018) - Critically examine the Stewardian view of neo-evolutionism. (15M/2017) - (g) Cultural materialism - Cultural Materialism. (10M/2019) - (h) Symbolic and interpretive theories - Elucidate the concept of "thick description" of Clifford Geertz with a suitable example. (15M/2021) - Victor Turner and Liminality. (10M/2020) - Examine critically the contributions of Victor Turner and Clifford Geertz in anthropology. (20M/2019) - According to Geertz, how does the cockfight reveal aspects of Balinese culture? (15M/2016) - What made Geertz's Interpretive Anthropology distinct from Turner's symbolic anthropology? What does each of them mean by the terms 'Symbol' and 'Symbolic'? (25M/2015) - Bring out the contribution of Turner and Geertz in symbolic and interpretive theories in Anthropology. (15M/2013) - (i) Cognitive theories - (No questions in the compilation for this sub-section) - (j) Post-modernism in anthropology - Critically explain the notion of ‘deconstruction’ in the light of the postmodern works of Jacques Derrida. (20M/2024) - Explain the basic features of 'Postmodernism' in Anthropology. (20M/2015) - 7. Culture, language and communication - Write notes in about 150 words: Glottochronology. (10M/2023) - Explain how variations in language usage are related to social inequality. (20M/2020) - Sapir-Whorf hypothesis. (10M/2020) - Critically examine that the structure and content of language are influenced by culture. (15M/2018) - Non-verbal communication. (10M/2017) - 8.1. Research methods in Anthropology- Fieldwork tradition - Discuss the contemporary challenges in fieldwork method in anthropological research. (15M/2024) - Write the historical development of fieldwork tradition in anthropology till recent times. (15M/2022) - Experiential Ethnography. (10M/2020) - Elucidate the basic characteristics of anthropological fieldwork methods. (15M/2017) - Describe the evolution of fieldwork tradition in Anthropology. (15M/2016) - Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology. (10M/2014) - 8.2. Research methods in Anthropology - Discuss the applicability of various sampling techniques in selecting the study group. (15M/2024) - 8.3. Research methods in Anthropology - Discuss various tools of data collection in conducting anthropological research. (20M/2021) - Evaluate participant observation in producing anthropological knowledge. (15M/2019) - Discuss phenomenology as a research method in anthropological studies. (15M/2019) - How is case study method helpful in understanding social phenomena ? Explain with suitable examples. (20M/2018) - Questionnaire. (10M/2017) - Genealogical Method. (10M/2014) - Discuss the relevance of Case Study method of data collection. (15M/2013) - 8.4. Research methods in Anthropology - How have interpretation and presentation of data changed from classical to contemporary writings in anthropological texts? (15M/2020) - Describe various methods of qualitative data analysis. Highlight some popular computer softwares used in qualitative analysis. (20M/2023) - 9.1. Human Genetics- Methods and Application - Heritability and its estimation (10M/2024) - What is meant by karyotype? How does its analysis help in the diagnosis of chromosomal aberrations in man? (20M/2024) - Pedigree analysis in genetic counselling. (10M/2022) - Briefly describe the various methods used in the genetic study of man. (20M/2017) - What do you understand by Immunogenetics? Explain with suitable examples. (15M/2015) - Twin method in human genetics (10M/2013) - 9.2. Mendelian genetics in man-family study - Lethal and sublethal genes (10M/2024) - What is a multifactorial trait? Illustrate your answer with suitable human examples. (15M/2024) - Polygenic Inheritance. (10M/2023) - Categorize Genes that influence Human Survival. (10M/2018) - Critically discuss the Mendelian principles and their application to human populations. (15M/2016) - 9.3. Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection - What assumptions must be met for a population to be in genetic equilibrium? Explain the importance of genetic equilibrium. (15M/2023) - Balanced and transient genetic polymorphism. (10M/2022) - Discuss the role of evolutionary forces in creating human diversity. (20M/2022) - Genetic drift. (10M/2020) - How do marriage rules impact the gene pool of populations? (15M/2020) - Differentiate between transient and balanced genetic polymorphisms. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from human populations. (15M/2019) - Implications of mutation in evolution. (10M/2019) - Hardy-Weinberg Law. (10M/2017) - Define Genetic polymorphism. Give details of its types with suitable examples. (15M/2015) - Discuss the factors affecting gene frequencies among human populations. (20M/2014) - What do you understand by 'Genetic Load' in a population? How is it measured and what are the important factors that can influence it? (15M/2013) - 9.4. Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man - Single-gene mutation disorders in man (10M/2024) - What is genetic counselling? Briefly discuss various steps involved in it. (15M/2024) - Describe the causes of structural abnormalities of chromosomes with suitable examples. (15M/2023) - Genetic imprinting in human diseases. (10M/2022) - “Chromosomal aberrations can play havoc with the human body and mind.” Explain with suitable examples. (15M/2021) - How do numerical aberrations in sex chromosomes lead to genetic disorders? (15M/2020) - What are the applications of human genomic research in human welfare? (15M/2020) - Describe the mechanism for structural anomalies of autosomes with diagrams. (20M/2018) - Explain the significance of screening and counselling for genetic disorders. (15M/2016) - Down’s syndrome (10M/2015) - Discuss chromosomal aberrations in man illustrating with examples. (15M/2015) - Describe Turner and Klinefelter Syndromes. (15M/2014) - Genetic Counselling. (10M/2014) - 9.5. Race and racism - Race and Ethnicity (10M/2023) - Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept? (10M/2021) - Racism and Eugenics (10M/2020) - With reference to the somatoscopic and morphometric characteristics commonly used for racial classification, make critical comments as to whether ‘Race’ is a valid concept. (20M/2019) - Race is a Myth. Justify its Present-day Relevance. (10M/2018) - Concept of Race (10M/2017) - Explain the role of heredity and environment in the formation of races. (15M/2016) - Differentiate between Race and Racism. What are three major races of the world? Give important biological criteria used frequently for such a classification. (15M/2013) - 9.6. Age, sex and population variation as genetic marker - Hemoglobin in health and disease (10M/2024) - Describe the genetics and inheritance patterns of the ABO and Rh blood groups in man. (15M/2024) - What do you understand by blood group systems? How is HLA system different from those based on red cell antigens? (15M/2022) - RH-blood group (10M/2016) - What are genetic markers and what is their usefulness? Why are blood groups considered as good genetic markers? Illustrate with examples. (15M/2013) - 9.7. Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology - Customary laws and Environmental conservation. (10M/2023) - What is acclimatization? Discuss adaptive responses to high altitude and cold climate. (20M/2021) - Describe the biocultural responses to extreme climatic events. (15M/2020) - ‘Human adaptations are always bio-cultural in nature’. Discuss with reference to human adaptation to high-altitude climate. (20M/2019) - Distinguish between adaptation, adaptability, and acclimatization with examples. (20M/2018) - Do Allen’s Rule and Bergmann’s Rule hold for human populations? Explain with examples. (15M/2018) - Discuss the responses and acclimatization to high altitude stresses. (15M/2017) - Discuss the genetic and non-genetic factors in the bio-cultural adaptations of human beings to different environments. (20M/2016) - Critically examine the physiological responses and acclimatization to cold climate in man. (15/2015) - What are the stresses at high altitudes? How do better cardiorespiratory functions help the native highlanders in combating low environmental pressure? (15M/2014) - Ecological Anthropology. (10M/2014) - Elaborate upon major human adaptations to heat and cold. (15M/2013) - “Though human growth is under tight genetic control but it is influenced by various environmental factors”. Justify. (15M/2013) - 9.8. Epidemiological Anthropology - Critically comment on the lifestyle diseases and their impact on human health. (15M/2024) - Elucidate the different forms of malnutrition. Describe protein-calorie malnutrition with suitable examples. (15M/2023) - What is meant by health? Is the burden of lifestyle diseases on the rise? Justify your answer with suitable examples. (15M/2022) - Describe the impact of infectious diseases on indigenous populations. (15M/2020) - Critically examine the demographic and epidemiological consequences with the rise in food production and sedentism. (15M/2020) - Narrate the evolution of disease and major causes of ill health in human populations. (15M/2018) - Describe the scope of Epidemiological Anthropology in the study of infectious and non-infectious diseases. (20M/2016) - Epidemiological Anthropology. (10M/2014) - Discuss the role of anthropology in the understanding of health and disease. What specific understanding is available with respect to infectious and non-infectious diseases? (20M/2014) - What is meant by epidemiological transition? Elaborate upon its causes and consequences highlighting major health problems of our adult population today. (15M/2013) - 10. Concept of human growth and development - What is the mixed-longitudinal method of studying human growth? Discuss its merits and demerits. (15M/2023) - Why did Heath and Carter use anthropometric measurements instead of photographs to assess somatotype? Elaborate on their method. (20M/2022) - Stages of human pre-natal development. (10M/2022) - Human adolescent growth spurt. (10M/2021) - Discuss the physiological and evolutionary theories of aging. (15M/2021) - Secular trends in human growth can be positive, negative, or neutral. Illustrate with examples. (20M/2020) - Senescence. (10M/2020) - Genetico-environmental factors affecting human growth. (15M/2019) - Discuss the methods of studying human growth with their merits and demerits. (15M/2019) - Issues of elderly and senescence in developing and developed countries. (10M/2018) - Discuss Sheldon’s method of somatotyping. (15M/2017) - Describe the various methods of studying growth, highlighting their merits and demerits. (15M/2017) - Discuss different factors affecting growth and development in human beings. (20M/2016) - What is an Anthropometric Somatotype? Describe Heath & Carter’s method of somatotyping. (20M/2015) - What are the different stages of growth? Describe any one of them in detail. (20M/2014) - Discuss aging and senescence. Describe either the biological or social theories of aging. (20M/2014) - Longitudinal method of studying growth. (10M/2015) - Justify: "Though human growth is under tight genetic control, it is influenced by various environmental factors." (15M/2013) - Differentiation between child growth and development. (10M/2013) - Cross-sectional methods of studying human growth. (10M/2014) - Aging and senescence. (10M/2013) - 11.1. Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bioevents to fertility - Menopausal symptoms (10M/2023) - Critically evaluate the reasons for the reduction in age at menarche in human females over successive generations (15M/2022) - Age at menarche (10M/2017) - Menopause and its impact (10M/2015) - Discuss the relevance of menarche, menopause, and other bio-events to fertility (15M/2014) - 11.2. Demographic theories - Discuss the contemporary population problems in the light of various socio-cultural demographic theories. (20M/2022) - Demographic transition. (10M/2013) - 11.3. Biological and socio-ecological factors - Discuss the bio-social determinants of fertility and fecundity. (15M/2021) - Discuss the biological factors influencing fertility in light of the relationship between fecundity and fertility. (15M/2019) - Describe the biological and socio-ecological factors affecting fertility and mortality. (15M/2017) - Define fecundity and explain major factors affecting fecundity in Indian populations. (15M/2018) - Fertility and Fecundity. (10M/2016, 2014) - 12. Applications of Anthropology - Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology with suitable examples. (15M/2024) - Describe the practical applications of DNA technology in the current scenario. (15M/2023) - Discuss various methods of personal identification based on skeletal remains. (15M/2023) - Discuss how anthropological knowledge of the human body may be used in designing equipment and articles of human use. (15M/2022) - How are the cases of disputed paternity solved? Discuss the recent techniques. (15M/2021) - What is Anthropometry? Discuss its role in assessing the nutritional status and sports capability of a person. (15M/2021) - What are the applications of human genomic research in human welfare? (15M/2020) - Ethics and Genetic Engineering. (10M/2020) - Anthropological inputs in facial reconstruction. (10M/2019) - ‘Applied human genetics has come to touch every sphere of human life.’ Discuss in light of recent advances in molecular anthropology. (15M/2019) - What are the methods of personal identification? Critically examine how personal identification helps in criminal investigations. (20M/2017) - Describe the role of Anthropology in designing defense and other equipment. (15M/2016) - Write short notes on Forensic Anthropology. (10M/2016) - DNA Technology in Medicine. (10M/2015) - Elucidate the role of Anthropology in selecting and monitoring sports persons. (15M/2015) - Forensic Science can help in Criminal Investigations. Discuss. (20M/2015)