https://t.me/Narayan_Amit_AIR70
Amit sir has shared everything- notes , copies that you can refer to in your Anthropology preparation....best best hai sab Sir ka.
Amit sir has shared everything- notes , copies that you can refer to in your Anthropology preparation....best best hai sab Sir ka.
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Narayan Amit_AIR 70_CSE 2021
All my insights about UPSC CSE with special emphasis on Prelims and Anthropology. I will share my personal experiences too which certainly many will relate to. 🙏🙏🙏
Jai Hind!!
Jai Hind!!
UPSC Rank 78 Abhishek singh Anthropology optional.
My Notes - Physcial Anthropology.pdf
These are my short notes for last minute revision for physical anthropology.
UPSC Rank 78 Abhishek singh Anthropology optional.
Anthro Class Notes.pdf
I used to use this template for revision purpose...
Hey Anthro Folks !!
I’ve been getting tons of messages lately about the Anthropology Optional with questions like
How to tackle Anthro as an Optional ?
Tips for Paper 1 & Paper 2 ?
How to improve your answer writing ?
Best ways to make notes, and more! ?
So, I thought why not address all this in one go. I’m taking part in a free workshop session with Shiva Teja Sir to go over everything you need to know!
I’ve been getting tons of messages lately about the Anthropology Optional with questions like
How to tackle Anthro as an Optional ?
Tips for Paper 1 & Paper 2 ?
How to improve your answer writing ?
Best ways to make notes, and more! ?
So, I thought why not address all this in one go. I’m taking part in a free workshop session with Shiva Teja Sir to go over everything you need to know!
GS3 strategy:
1. Mostly Current Oriented paper. Also a little difficult to score based on the trend.
2. Make notes on each topic in the syllabus.
3. PYQ and answer writing.
4. Economy - UPSC checks core economic concepts. Have conceptual clarity. I did from mrunal sir's and prahaar also.
5. Environment and science and technology - Current significant developments. Do from any yearly compilations. Also Dr. Shivin content is good. Few Questions may look like bouncers.
6. Disaster management: any coachings compilations will work. Try to cover new types of disasters that are happening like urban flooding. Have notes on general Strategy for disaster management and also specific strategies for individual disasters.
6. Internal security - Ashok Kumar sir's book is good. Make notes. Also add notes on new types of internal security challenges like grey zone warfare.
1. Mostly Current Oriented paper. Also a little difficult to score based on the trend.
2. Make notes on each topic in the syllabus.
3. PYQ and answer writing.
4. Economy - UPSC checks core economic concepts. Have conceptual clarity. I did from mrunal sir's and prahaar also.
5. Environment and science and technology - Current significant developments. Do from any yearly compilations. Also Dr. Shivin content is good. Few Questions may look like bouncers.
6. Disaster management: any coachings compilations will work. Try to cover new types of disasters that are happening like urban flooding. Have notes on general Strategy for disaster management and also specific strategies for individual disasters.
6. Internal security - Ashok Kumar sir's book is good. Make notes. Also add notes on new types of internal security challenges like grey zone warfare.
GS 4 strategy
1. Conceptual clarity is of utmost importance.
2. Piyush sir's classes are good to follow.
3. Tackling quotes based questions - break down the question into multiple subparts- open a debate style writing quoting both sides of scholars.
Also give one heading of "current relevance of the above quote" and in that write from GS perspective integrating it with values.
4. Prepare quotes and diagrams on keywords mentioned in the syllabus. In answering use definition in introduction, diagram in body and quote in conclusion.
5. Quoting real life examples is rewarded.
6. Case studies- can learn the approach of case study from vishakha mams copies. Give multiple subparts while answering. Example- instead of writing ethical dilemmas, values , solutions etc in a general way, we should write ethical dilemmas, values , solutions with respect to each stakeholders. Try to give many subheadings. This gives more marks. Always good to end case study with a impactful quote.
7. Paper completion is a major problem - practice a lot. Use bigger fonts. Also speed increases when you have done multiple revisions.
1. Conceptual clarity is of utmost importance.
2. Piyush sir's classes are good to follow.
3. Tackling quotes based questions - break down the question into multiple subparts- open a debate style writing quoting both sides of scholars.
Also give one heading of "current relevance of the above quote" and in that write from GS perspective integrating it with values.
4. Prepare quotes and diagrams on keywords mentioned in the syllabus. In answering use definition in introduction, diagram in body and quote in conclusion.
5. Quoting real life examples is rewarded.
6. Case studies- can learn the approach of case study from vishakha mams copies. Give multiple subparts while answering. Example- instead of writing ethical dilemmas, values , solutions etc in a general way, we should write ethical dilemmas, values , solutions with respect to each stakeholders. Try to give many subheadings. This gives more marks. Always good to end case study with a impactful quote.
7. Paper completion is a major problem - practice a lot. Use bigger fonts. Also speed increases when you have done multiple revisions.
Anthropology Preparation Strategy (Paper I - UPSC CSE)
Disclaimer: This I have created after taking help from content of other top scorers (eg- Anudeep sir) of Anthropology and previous toppers to make it more comprehensive.
Units 1.1 to 1.3 – Basics of Anthropology
Topics Covered: Meaning, scope, relationship with other disciplines, and branches.
Primary Focus: Class notes or foundation material.
Additional Reading: Use standard reference books (like Ember & Ember) for global perspectives.
Strategy: Understand inter-disciplinary linkages clearly and categorize sub-fields effectively.
Unit 1.4 – Human Evolution
Foundational Sources: Class notes.
Advanced Learning: Refer to Ember & Ember and P. Nath for detailed understanding.
Concepts to Master: Directional selection, adaptive radiation, genetic recombination, Darwinism, neo-Darwinism, etc.
Tip: Use flowcharts and diagrams to visually represent concepts. For example, depict recombination through charts and adaptive radiation through examples from finches or lemurs.
Unit 1.5 – Study of Primates
Main Resources: Base notes and selective standard texts (P. Nath, Ember & Ember).
Important Skills: Drawing
comparative anatomy – especially skulls, pelvis, and foot structure of humans vs apes.
Practice Area: Try to include well-labeled diagrams in your answers. PYQs (previous year questions) help identify recurring themes.
Unit 1.6 – Fossils and Hominid Evidence
Materials Required: Foundation content, along with additional sources for illustrations.
Essential Fossils to Cover: Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon, etc.
Preparation Tips:
Learn fossil location, discoverers, and evolutionary placement.
Use maps to indicate archaeological sites.
Describe both anatomical and cultural traits.
Unit 1.7 – Biological Basis of Life
Resources: Foundation material plus trusted online learning platforms (e.g., Khan Academy).
Important Topics: DNA structure, replication, protein synthesis, gene expression.
Scoring Tip: Use clear biological illustrations and diagrams wherever needed.
Unit 1.8 – Dating Methods & Cultural Evolution
Approach: Use classroom notes for dating techniques. Understand carbon dating, dendrochronology, etc.
Cultural Evolution: Grasp the stages and types of cultural development using structured notes.
Units 2.1 to 2.2 – Culture and Society
Key Focus: Nature and features of culture and society.
Sources: class notes.
Value Addition: Add examples and case studies from global anthropology (e.g., from Ember & Ember).
Units 2.3 to 5 – Marriage, Family, Kinship, Economy, Polity, Religion
Primary Reading: Foundation notes.
Advanced Additions:
Memorize definitions from scholars.
Quote key anthropologists (e.g., Malinowski, Durkheim) with their fieldwork.
Use comparative tribal examples.
Diagrams like kinship charts, Kula ring exchange, and descent diagrams are crucial.
For economic systems, learn case studies like potlatch among Kwakiutl or pastoralism among Masai.
Unit 6 – Anthropological Theories
Base Material: Foundation notes.
Additional Source: University-level open content (e.g., University of Alabama’s anthropology site).
Approach:
Understand emergence context.
Know contributors, theories, tribes studied.
Learn critiques and modern relevance.
Deep dives into thinkers like Clifford Geertz (e.g., Balinese cockfight analysis) are rewarding.
Unit 7 – Language and Culture
Sources: class Notes, Ember & Ember, and simplified anthropology book by Akshat Jain sir.
Focus: Understand linguistic anthropology's role in social structure.
Unit 8 – Research Methods
Strategy:
Class notes.
Note down methods and who developed them.
Examples: Participant observation (Malinowski), Genealogical method (W.H. Rivers).
look for recent trends in this area.
Units 9.1 to 9.4 – Human Genetics and Variation
Preparation Strategy:
Class notes.
Clarify complex concepts like genetic drift, gene pool, mutation.
Mention recent discoveries such as epigenetic mechanisms and their social relevance.
Use diagrams and solve PYQs
Disclaimer: This I have created after taking help from content of other top scorers (eg- Anudeep sir) of Anthropology and previous toppers to make it more comprehensive.
Units 1.1 to 1.3 – Basics of Anthropology
Topics Covered: Meaning, scope, relationship with other disciplines, and branches.
Primary Focus: Class notes or foundation material.
Additional Reading: Use standard reference books (like Ember & Ember) for global perspectives.
Strategy: Understand inter-disciplinary linkages clearly and categorize sub-fields effectively.
Unit 1.4 – Human Evolution
Foundational Sources: Class notes.
Advanced Learning: Refer to Ember & Ember and P. Nath for detailed understanding.
Concepts to Master: Directional selection, adaptive radiation, genetic recombination, Darwinism, neo-Darwinism, etc.
Tip: Use flowcharts and diagrams to visually represent concepts. For example, depict recombination through charts and adaptive radiation through examples from finches or lemurs.
Unit 1.5 – Study of Primates
Main Resources: Base notes and selective standard texts (P. Nath, Ember & Ember).
Important Skills: Drawing
comparative anatomy – especially skulls, pelvis, and foot structure of humans vs apes.
Practice Area: Try to include well-labeled diagrams in your answers. PYQs (previous year questions) help identify recurring themes.
Unit 1.6 – Fossils and Hominid Evidence
Materials Required: Foundation content, along with additional sources for illustrations.
Essential Fossils to Cover: Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, Cro-Magnon, etc.
Preparation Tips:
Learn fossil location, discoverers, and evolutionary placement.
Use maps to indicate archaeological sites.
Describe both anatomical and cultural traits.
Unit 1.7 – Biological Basis of Life
Resources: Foundation material plus trusted online learning platforms (e.g., Khan Academy).
Important Topics: DNA structure, replication, protein synthesis, gene expression.
Scoring Tip: Use clear biological illustrations and diagrams wherever needed.
Unit 1.8 – Dating Methods & Cultural Evolution
Approach: Use classroom notes for dating techniques. Understand carbon dating, dendrochronology, etc.
Cultural Evolution: Grasp the stages and types of cultural development using structured notes.
Units 2.1 to 2.2 – Culture and Society
Key Focus: Nature and features of culture and society.
Sources: class notes.
Value Addition: Add examples and case studies from global anthropology (e.g., from Ember & Ember).
Units 2.3 to 5 – Marriage, Family, Kinship, Economy, Polity, Religion
Primary Reading: Foundation notes.
Advanced Additions:
Memorize definitions from scholars.
Quote key anthropologists (e.g., Malinowski, Durkheim) with their fieldwork.
Use comparative tribal examples.
Diagrams like kinship charts, Kula ring exchange, and descent diagrams are crucial.
For economic systems, learn case studies like potlatch among Kwakiutl or pastoralism among Masai.
Unit 6 – Anthropological Theories
Base Material: Foundation notes.
Additional Source: University-level open content (e.g., University of Alabama’s anthropology site).
Approach:
Understand emergence context.
Know contributors, theories, tribes studied.
Learn critiques and modern relevance.
Deep dives into thinkers like Clifford Geertz (e.g., Balinese cockfight analysis) are rewarding.
Unit 7 – Language and Culture
Sources: class Notes, Ember & Ember, and simplified anthropology book by Akshat Jain sir.
Focus: Understand linguistic anthropology's role in social structure.
Unit 8 – Research Methods
Strategy:
Class notes.
Note down methods and who developed them.
Examples: Participant observation (Malinowski), Genealogical method (W.H. Rivers).
look for recent trends in this area.
Units 9.1 to 9.4 – Human Genetics and Variation
Preparation Strategy:
Class notes.
Clarify complex concepts like genetic drift, gene pool, mutation.
Mention recent discoveries such as epigenetic mechanisms and their social relevance.
Use diagrams and solve PYQs
Unit 9.5 – Race and Racism
Key Points:
Memorize physical characteristics of major races.
Approach with scientific neutrality and socio-political awareness.
Unit 9.6 – Genetic Markers & Physiology
Tip: Keep facts crisp and use tables to differentiate traits and adaptations.
Unit 9.7 – Ecological Anthropology
Add-On Learning: Study examples of cultural adaptations to extreme environments (e.g., Inuit, Andean highlanders).
Unit 9.8 – Epidemiological Anthropology
Resources: Class notes and summary from Akshat Jain sir Book.
Concepts: Disease distribution, cultural perception of health, public health relevance.
Unit 10 – Growth and Development
Approach: Create short topic-wise notes. Include examples from various ecological regions.
Must Include: Graphs on height, weight, nutrition, etc.
Units 11.1 to 11.3 – Demography and Population Studies
Tools: Practice diagrams like population pyramids, DTT (Demographic Transition Theory), etc.
Content Enrichment: Use online sources for recent trends in human population biology.
Unit 12 – Applied Anthropology
Resources: Use a combination of notes, current affairs, and recent case studies.
Examples: Forensic Anthropology, public health interventions, disaster management.
Tip: Stay updated with how anthropology is being applied in policymaking, genetic forensics, and technology.
General Tips:
Use diagrams liberally in answers – skulls, tools, kinship, genetic flow, evolutionary trees, etc.
Quote anthropologists and their fieldwork. Always include names, tribes studied, and relevance to the question.
PYQs are gold. They give clarity on pattern and expectations.
Be multidisciplinary. Use biology, sociology, history, and geography where needed.
Customize notes. Keep examples and facts ready on A4 sheets for quick recall.
Key Points:
Memorize physical characteristics of major races.
Approach with scientific neutrality and socio-political awareness.
Unit 9.6 – Genetic Markers & Physiology
Tip: Keep facts crisp and use tables to differentiate traits and adaptations.
Unit 9.7 – Ecological Anthropology
Add-On Learning: Study examples of cultural adaptations to extreme environments (e.g., Inuit, Andean highlanders).
Unit 9.8 – Epidemiological Anthropology
Resources: Class notes and summary from Akshat Jain sir Book.
Concepts: Disease distribution, cultural perception of health, public health relevance.
Unit 10 – Growth and Development
Approach: Create short topic-wise notes. Include examples from various ecological regions.
Must Include: Graphs on height, weight, nutrition, etc.
Units 11.1 to 11.3 – Demography and Population Studies
Tools: Practice diagrams like population pyramids, DTT (Demographic Transition Theory), etc.
Content Enrichment: Use online sources for recent trends in human population biology.
Unit 12 – Applied Anthropology
Resources: Use a combination of notes, current affairs, and recent case studies.
Examples: Forensic Anthropology, public health interventions, disaster management.
Tip: Stay updated with how anthropology is being applied in policymaking, genetic forensics, and technology.
General Tips:
Use diagrams liberally in answers – skulls, tools, kinship, genetic flow, evolutionary trees, etc.
Quote anthropologists and their fieldwork. Always include names, tribes studied, and relevance to the question.
PYQs are gold. They give clarity on pattern and expectations.
Be multidisciplinary. Use biology, sociology, history, and geography where needed.
Customize notes. Keep examples and facts ready on A4 sheets for quick recall.
Anthropology Optional (2025): Strategic Guide for Paper II
Disclaimer- This is a comprehensive strategy made after discussion with many selected people. I also used website content of Anudeep sir for making this.
1.1 – Prehistoric India, Harappan Culture & Tribal Contributions
Core Material: Start with classroom notes and Indian Anthropology by Nadeem Hasnain.
Additional Reading: Selective topics from D.K. Bhattacharya’s works (only for Prehistory).
Visual Aids: Refer to Anthropology Simplified and Vivek Bhasme’s diagrams.
Sub-topic Structure for Notes:
Environmental context
Tool typologies, materials, manufacturing techniques
Chronology and cultural phases
Key archaeological sites (mention excavator, findings, uniqueness)
Practice site-marking on India maps
Tribal Cultural Contributions: Refer specifically to Anthropology Simplified.
1.2 – Fossil Discoveries in India
Focus on writing full-length 15-marker answers on:
Ramapithecus
Sivapithecus
Narmada Man
Mention: Discoverer, excavation year, site location, and its relevance.
Include a phylogenetic diagram to contextualize each fossil.
1.3 – Ethno-archaeology in Indian Context
classroom resources. Supplement with examples of current ethno-archaeological studies in India.
2 – India’s Demographic and Linguistic Landscape
Sources: Nadeem Hasnain and classroom notes.
Maps: Prepare ethnic and language distribution maps.
Key Theorists: Memorize classifications by Risley and Guha; understand criticism of their racial models.
3.1 – Traditional Social Concepts
Base Material: Class notes and Hasnain’s text.
Use diagrams from Anthropology Simplified for value addition.
3.2 – Caste in India
Approach: Use a blend of class notes, Hasnain’s text, and sociological theories from internet sources.
Emphasize:
Works of M.N. Srinivas, Ghurye, Dumont
Concepts like dominant caste, caste mobility, Varna-Caste debate
Quotes from field studies (e.g., Wiser on Jajmani, Bailey on tribe-caste)
Always provide contemporary implications and criticisms.
3.3 – Sacred Complex & Nature-Man-Spirit Concept
Materials: Class notes + Hasnain + B.N. Saraswati’s work
Discuss ecological balance in tribal belief systems, impact of displacement.
Use flowcharts or schematics for better visualization.
3.4 – Religious Influence on Indian Society
Coverage of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity
Base content: Class notes + Hasnain + Anthropology Simplified
Prepare static content with examples for 15-marker style questions.
4 – Development of Anthropology in India
Primary Sources: Class notes and Anthropology Simplified
Know key contributors and their research focus.
5.1 – Village Studies
Sources: Foundation notes + Studies by Redfield and others
Link with concepts like Universalization, Parochialization
Add critiques and relevance to current rural changes.
5.2 – Minorities in India (Religious, Linguistic)
Study from class notes and Anthropology Simplified
Quote constitutional protections and relevant schemes
Use real-life examples and schemes like PMJVK, Nai Manzil, etc.
5.3 – Cultural Change Processes (Sanskritization, Westernization, etc.)
Core Sources: Class notes, Hasnain, Anthropology Simplified
Use visual aids (e.g., schema showing GT and LT interplay)
Supplement with online case studies on media, PRIs, education, etc.
6.1 – Tribal India: Biogenetic Diversity
Material: Class notes + Tribal India by Hasnain
6.2 & 6.3 – Tribal Issues
Focus Areas:
Poverty, displacement, malnutrition, indebtedness
Quote tribe-specific problems and schemes (e.g., Baigas & PVTG welfare)
Use Xaxa Committee insights + relevant statistics + case studies
7.1 – Constitutional Protection for Marginalized Groups (SC/ST/OBC)
Materials: Class notes, Tribal India, and Anthropology Simplified
Memorize all Articles and safeguards
Xaxa report is essential for value addition.
7.2 – Changing Tribal Societies
Source: Hasnain + class notes
Bring specificity in examples and explain how development affects different tribes differently.
Add solution-oriented content (Xaxa Committee recommendations)
Disclaimer- This is a comprehensive strategy made after discussion with many selected people. I also used website content of Anudeep sir for making this.
1.1 – Prehistoric India, Harappan Culture & Tribal Contributions
Core Material: Start with classroom notes and Indian Anthropology by Nadeem Hasnain.
Additional Reading: Selective topics from D.K. Bhattacharya’s works (only for Prehistory).
Visual Aids: Refer to Anthropology Simplified and Vivek Bhasme’s diagrams.
Sub-topic Structure for Notes:
Environmental context
Tool typologies, materials, manufacturing techniques
Chronology and cultural phases
Key archaeological sites (mention excavator, findings, uniqueness)
Practice site-marking on India maps
Tribal Cultural Contributions: Refer specifically to Anthropology Simplified.
1.2 – Fossil Discoveries in India
Focus on writing full-length 15-marker answers on:
Ramapithecus
Sivapithecus
Narmada Man
Mention: Discoverer, excavation year, site location, and its relevance.
Include a phylogenetic diagram to contextualize each fossil.
1.3 – Ethno-archaeology in Indian Context
classroom resources. Supplement with examples of current ethno-archaeological studies in India.
2 – India’s Demographic and Linguistic Landscape
Sources: Nadeem Hasnain and classroom notes.
Maps: Prepare ethnic and language distribution maps.
Key Theorists: Memorize classifications by Risley and Guha; understand criticism of their racial models.
3.1 – Traditional Social Concepts
Base Material: Class notes and Hasnain’s text.
Use diagrams from Anthropology Simplified for value addition.
3.2 – Caste in India
Approach: Use a blend of class notes, Hasnain’s text, and sociological theories from internet sources.
Emphasize:
Works of M.N. Srinivas, Ghurye, Dumont
Concepts like dominant caste, caste mobility, Varna-Caste debate
Quotes from field studies (e.g., Wiser on Jajmani, Bailey on tribe-caste)
Always provide contemporary implications and criticisms.
3.3 – Sacred Complex & Nature-Man-Spirit Concept
Materials: Class notes + Hasnain + B.N. Saraswati’s work
Discuss ecological balance in tribal belief systems, impact of displacement.
Use flowcharts or schematics for better visualization.
3.4 – Religious Influence on Indian Society
Coverage of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Christianity
Base content: Class notes + Hasnain + Anthropology Simplified
Prepare static content with examples for 15-marker style questions.
4 – Development of Anthropology in India
Primary Sources: Class notes and Anthropology Simplified
Know key contributors and their research focus.
5.1 – Village Studies
Sources: Foundation notes + Studies by Redfield and others
Link with concepts like Universalization, Parochialization
Add critiques and relevance to current rural changes.
5.2 – Minorities in India (Religious, Linguistic)
Study from class notes and Anthropology Simplified
Quote constitutional protections and relevant schemes
Use real-life examples and schemes like PMJVK, Nai Manzil, etc.
5.3 – Cultural Change Processes (Sanskritization, Westernization, etc.)
Core Sources: Class notes, Hasnain, Anthropology Simplified
Use visual aids (e.g., schema showing GT and LT interplay)
Supplement with online case studies on media, PRIs, education, etc.
6.1 – Tribal India: Biogenetic Diversity
Material: Class notes + Tribal India by Hasnain
6.2 & 6.3 – Tribal Issues
Focus Areas:
Poverty, displacement, malnutrition, indebtedness
Quote tribe-specific problems and schemes (e.g., Baigas & PVTG welfare)
Use Xaxa Committee insights + relevant statistics + case studies
7.1 – Constitutional Protection for Marginalized Groups (SC/ST/OBC)
Materials: Class notes, Tribal India, and Anthropology Simplified
Memorize all Articles and safeguards
Xaxa report is essential for value addition.
7.2 – Changing Tribal Societies
Source: Hasnain + class notes
Bring specificity in examples and explain how development affects different tribes differently.
Add solution-oriented content (Xaxa Committee recommendations)
7.3 – Ethnicity, Regionalism, and Tribal Movements
Sources: Class notes + Hasnain + Anthropology Simplified
Study tribal unrest in a contextual framework
8.1 – Religious Impact on Tribal Life
Study from LP Vidyarthi’s Tribal Culture of India
Supplement from Hasnain’s Tribal India
Cram religious conversion case studies and their socio-cultural impacts.
8.2 – Tribe and Nation-State
Source: Classroom content
Focus on integration, autonomy debates, tribal identity vs. national identity
9.1 – Tribal Administration, NGOs, PVTGs
Prepare from Hasnain’s Tribal India and Xaxa report
Must-know:
List of PVTGs, locations, definitions, issues
Key government schemes
Recent developments from PRS & PIB
Role of NGOs (use internet for examples)
Draw maps where possible
9.2 – Anthropology in Development Practice
Read from Hasnain, Anthropology Simplified, and Yojana (2014 Tribals edition)
Link with Paper I concepts like Action Anthropology
Quote Indian examples for rural/tribal upliftment
9.3 – Role in Understanding Regionalism, Ethnic Movements
Prepare a GS-style base and enhance with tribal movement examples.
Highlight underlying socio-economic and political causes
End with practical solutions (from Xaxa or policy sources)
Final Tips to Enrich Paper II Answers
Mention names of anthropologists, their field sites, tribes, and publications.
Maintain a personal compilation of case studies (especially from Xaxa).
Always cross-link theories from Paper I when relevant.
Show real-time relevance by linking to recent events or legislation.
Use maps, diagrams, and flowcharts to elevate presentation.
Sources: Class notes + Hasnain + Anthropology Simplified
Study tribal unrest in a contextual framework
8.1 – Religious Impact on Tribal Life
Study from LP Vidyarthi’s Tribal Culture of India
Supplement from Hasnain’s Tribal India
Cram religious conversion case studies and their socio-cultural impacts.
8.2 – Tribe and Nation-State
Source: Classroom content
Focus on integration, autonomy debates, tribal identity vs. national identity
9.1 – Tribal Administration, NGOs, PVTGs
Prepare from Hasnain’s Tribal India and Xaxa report
Must-know:
List of PVTGs, locations, definitions, issues
Key government schemes
Recent developments from PRS & PIB
Role of NGOs (use internet for examples)
Draw maps where possible
9.2 – Anthropology in Development Practice
Read from Hasnain, Anthropology Simplified, and Yojana (2014 Tribals edition)
Link with Paper I concepts like Action Anthropology
Quote Indian examples for rural/tribal upliftment
9.3 – Role in Understanding Regionalism, Ethnic Movements
Prepare a GS-style base and enhance with tribal movement examples.
Highlight underlying socio-economic and political causes
End with practical solutions (from Xaxa or policy sources)
Final Tips to Enrich Paper II Answers
Mention names of anthropologists, their field sites, tribes, and publications.
Maintain a personal compilation of case studies (especially from Xaxa).
Always cross-link theories from Paper I when relevant.
Show real-time relevance by linking to recent events or legislation.
Use maps, diagrams, and flowcharts to elevate presentation.
UPSC Rank 78 Abhishek singh Anthropology optional. pinned «Anthropology Preparation Strategy (Paper I - UPSC CSE) Disclaimer: This I have created after taking help from content of other top scorers (eg- Anudeep sir) of Anthropology and previous toppers to make it more comprehensive. Units 1.1 to 1.3 – Basics of…»
UPSC Rank 78 Abhishek singh Anthropology optional. pinned «Anthropology Optional (2025): Strategic Guide for Paper II Disclaimer- This is a comprehensive strategy made after discussion with many selected people. I also used website content of Anudeep sir for making this. 1.1 – Prehistoric India, Harappan Culture…»
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Last minute revision notes for socio-cultural.