The Anthropology optional syllabus for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination covers various aspects of human society, culture, and evolution. Below is a general outline of the syllabus:
Paper-I:
- Introduction to Anthropology:
- Meaning and scope of Anthropology.
- Relationships with other disciplines.
- Main branches of Anthropology.
- Physical Anthropology:
- Evolution of man and theories.
- Comparative anatomy of primates.
- Primate behavior and ecology.
- Archaeological Anthropology:
- Principles and methods of archaeology.
- Indian prehistory.
- Cultural evolution and cultural ecology.
- Social-Cultural Anthropology:
- Nature of culture and civilization.
- Ethnography of India and neighboring countries.
- Social organization.
- Marriage, kinship, and family.
- Ethnicity, Political Systems, and Governance:
- Ethnicity and identity.
- Political systems and governance.
- Tribal movements in India.
Paper-II:
- Indian Anthropology:
- Tribal situation in India.
- Demographic profile.
- Issues of displacement and resettlement.
- Development projects and their impact on tribes.
- Economic and Political Anthropology:
- Economic Anthropology.
- Globalization and its impact on indigenous societies.
- Gender and society.
- Cultural Ecology, Environmental Anthropology, and Anthropological theories:
- Concepts of cultural ecology.
- Environmental Anthropology.
- Major anthropological theories.
- Human Genetics:
- Chromosomes and genes.
- Concepts of genetic variations and mutations.
- Genetic disorders and their socio-cultural implications.
- Applied Anthropology:
- Application of Anthropology in development.
- Health and disease.
- Anthropological research and development planning.
- Fieldwork and Research Methods:
- Techniques of data collection.
- Tools and methods of analysis.
- Ethical issues in Anthropological research.
This syllabus provides an overview of the topics covered under the Anthropology optional subject for the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination. Candidates should refer to the latest syllabus and recommended study materials provided by the UPSC and other reliable sources for detailed preparation. Additionally, candidates may benefit from exploring case studies and contemporary research in Anthropology to understand its practical applications and relevance in today’s world.
