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UPSC Mains 2017 Anthropology Paper I

Explore the complete UPSC Mains Anthropology Paper I question paper from 2017, with every question clearly presented alongside its marks and word limit. Read online or download either PDF edition free.

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Civil Services (Main) Examination, 2017Time Allowed: Three HoursMaximum Marks: 250

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Set aside three hours, start the clock and write your answers on paper, just as you would in the examination. Nothing needs to be uploaded.

Question Paper Specific Instructions

There are EIGHT questions divided in TWO SECTIONS.
Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory and out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Word limit in questions, wherever specified, should be adhered to.

Section A

1
Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
50marks
1. 1(a)
  Bilineal and bilateral descents
  10marks
2. 1(b)
  Difference between religion and magic
  10marks
3. 1(c)
  Basic tenets of structural-functionalism
  10marks
4. 1(d)
  Non-verbal communication
  10marks
5. 1(e)
  Questionnaire
  10marks
2
Question 2
50marks
1. 2(a)
  Discuss the development of the concept of culture in Anthropology.
  20marks
2. 2(b)
  Elucidate the determinants of Kinship terminology.
  15marks
3. 2(c)
  Discuss the different forms of preferential marriage with suitable examples from tribal societies in India.
  15marks
3
Question 3
50marks
1. 3(a)
  Discuss the different traditional forms of religion in tribal societies.
  20marks
2. 3(b)
  Mention the characteristic features of band with suitable examples.
  15marks
3. 3(c)
  With the help of appropriate examples, explain the various forms of exchange system.
  15marks
4
Question 4
50marks
1. 4(a)
  Explain Ruth Benedict's patterns of culture.
  20marks
2. 4(b)
  Elucidate the basic characteristics of anthropological fieldwork methods.
  15marks
3. 4(c)
  Critically examine the Stewardian view of neo-evolutionism.
  15marks

Section B

5
Write notes on the following in about 150 words each:
50marks
1. 5(a)
  Hardy-Weinberg law
  10marks
2. 5(b)
  Salient features of Mesolithic culture
  10marks
3. 5(c)
  Concept of race
  10marks
4. 5(d)
  Age at menarche
  10marks
5. 5(e)
  Anthropology and designing of equipments
  10marks
6
Question 6
50marks
1. 6(a)
  Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any one branch.
  20marks
2. 6(b)
  Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their evolutionary significance.
  15marks
3. 6(c)
  What are dating methods? Discuss one absolute method and one relative method in detail.
  15marks
7
Question 7
50marks
1. 7(a)
  Briefly describe the various methods used in the genetic study of man.
  20marks
2. 7(b)
  Discuss the responses and acclimatization to high altitude stresses.
  15marks
3. 7(c)
  Describe the biological and socio-ecological factors affecting fertility and mortality.
  15marks
8
Question 8
50marks
1. 8(a)
  What are the methods of personal identification? Critically examine how personal identification helps in criminal investigations.
  20marks
2. 8(b)
  Describe the various methods of studying growth highlighting their merits and demerits.
  15marks
3. 8(c)
  Discuss Sheldon's method of somatotyping.
  15marks

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