UPSC Mains 2016 Anthropology Optional Paper I questions

23 questions from the Civil Services (Main) Examination 2016. Official UPSC paper (PDF) · All Anthropology Optional PYQs

1. Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology

   10 marks

2. Lineage and Clan

   10 marks

3. Delineate the salient features of Chalcolithic cultures.

   15 marks

4. Discuss the impact of urbanization and feminist movements on family in India.

   20 marks

5. According to Geertz, how does the cock-fight reveal aspects of Balinese culture?

   15 marks

6. Describe the cardinal points of descent and alliance theories.

   20 marks

7. Discuss different social control mechanisms in simple societies.

   15 marks

8. Critically examine different Anthropological-approaches to Religion.

   15 marks

9. Discuss the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies.

   20 marks

10. How do the concepts of binary opposites and exchange figure in Levi-Strauss' structural analysis of kinship?

11. Describe the evolution of fieldwork tradition in Anthropology.

    15 marks

12. Neolithic Cultures of India

    10 marks

13. Fertility and Fecundity

    10 marks

14. Forensic Anthropology

    10 marks

15. Elucidate the biological and cultural factors in human evolution.

    15 marks

16. Explain the role of heredity and environment in the formation ofraces.

    15 marks

17. Discuss different factors affecting growth and development in human beings.

    20 marks

18. Critically discuss the Mendelian principles and their application to human populations.

    15 marks

19. Explain the significance of screening and counselling for genetic disorders.

    15 marks

20. Describe the scope of Epidemiological Anthropology in the study of

21. Describe the role of Anthropology in designing defence and other equipments.

22. Discuss the genetic and non-genetic factors in the bio-cultural adaptations of human beings to different environments.

    20 marks

23. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications.

    15 marks