[Optional] IAS Mains 2014 Anthropology Paper 1 Question Paper

Section A (Part 1)

Q1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 x5=50

1. Double Descent
2. Genealogical Method
3. Major sub-divisions of Anthropology
4. Ecological Anthropology
5. Field work tradition in Anthropology

Q2. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. 15
2. Is culture unique to human beings? Critically examine. 15
3. 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? 20

Q3. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. Discuss the nature of Law and Justice in simple societies citing suitable examples. 20
2. Define marriage and describe the various types of marriages in human societies. 15
3. Define Status and Role. Distinguish between Ascribed and Achieved Status. 15

Q4. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. What is functionalism? Discuss the functional approach to the understanding of Religion. 20
2. What is understood by ‘Rites of Passage’? Describe the various phases of the ‘Rites of Passage and their significance. 20
3. Differentiate between State and Stateless Societies. 10

Section B (Part 2)

Q5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: 10 x5=50

1. Cross-sectional methods of studying human growth
2. Genetic Counselling
3. Epidemiological Anthropology
4. Asian Homo erectus
5. Fertility and Fecundity

Q6. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. What are the different stages of Growth? Describe any one of them in detail. 20
2. Describe Turner and Klinefelter Syndromes in 15
3. What are the stresses at high altitudes? How do better cardio-respiratory functions help the native highlanders in combating low environmental pressure? 15

Q7. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. Discuss the factors affecting gene frequencies among human populations. 20
2. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. 15
3. Discuss the relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility. 15

Q8. Answer following (20 + 15 + 15 marks)

1. Discuss Ageing and Senescence. Describe either the biological or social theories of Ageing. 20
2. Describe the absolute dating methods in Archaeology, highlighting the importance of each method. 15
3. Describe the Neolithic culture of India. 15

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