## UPSC Anthropology Optional Strategy (Paper I & II)
### 🎯 Overview
* Scoring, diagram-rich, concise optional
* High overlap with GS (Society, Ethics), Essay
* 2 Papers (250 marks each)
* Ideal for science background/non-sociology candidates
---
### 📚 Core Sources (Paper I + II)
| Paper | Topic | Source
|
| ----- | ----------------------------- |
------------------------------------------------- |
| I | Meaning, Scope, Branches | Ember & Ember (selective), IGNOU BA/MA
notes |
| I | Evolution & Genetics | P Nath + Ember + Bio NCERT Class 12
(Genetics) |
| I | Primates & Fossils | P Nath + Ember + handwritten notes
|
| I | Marriage, Family, Kinship | Ember + BrainTree + IGNOU + Indian case
studies |
| I | Economic, Political, Religion | Ember + IGNOU + Examples from tribal
India |
| I | Fieldwork, Methods, Ethics | BrainTree + IGNOU + PYQ-based structuring
|
| II | Indian Anthropology | Nadeem Hasnain (Tribal India) + IGNOU
|
| II | Tribal Problems, Admin | Xaxa Report, Ministry Tribal Affairs +
NITI docs |
| II | Caste, Village, Social Change | Nadeem Hasnain + IGNOU + Census/NFHS Data
|
| II | Development, Constitution | 5th/6th Schedule, PESA, FRA + ARC + SC
judgements |
| Both | PYQs | Topic-wise practice + structure
refinement |
---
### 🧪 Paper I Detailed Plan
| Unit | Topics | Strategy
|
| ---- | ---------------------------------------- |
------------------------------------ |
| 1 | Meaning, Scope, Relation with other soc. | Define clearly + diagrams
|
| 2 | Evolution, Genetics | NCERT + Diagrams + Mechanism
clarity |
| 3 | Primates, Fossils | Tree charts + fossil maps
|
| 4 | Socio-Cultural Anthropology | Use Indian tribal examples
|
| 5 | Marriage, Kinship | Charts + regional variations
|
| 6 | Religion, Politics, Economy | Use tribe-specific examples
|
| 7 | Research Methods | Case study format + ethical
concerns |
| 8 | Theories | Thinkers + Critique +
Application |
---
### Paper II Detailed Plan
| Unit | Topics | Strategy
|
| ---- | ------------------------------------ |
-------------------------------------------- |
| 1 | Indian Anthropology | Tribe locations (maps), diversity
of culture |
| 2 | Racial/Ethnic elements | Diagrams + Current classifications
|
| 3 | Linguistic, Religious composition | Census-based + Current debates
|
| 4 | Tribe-Caste Continuum, Acculturation | Use PYQs + real-life transitions
|
| 5 | Tribal Movements | Timeline-based notes
|
| 6 | Constitutional safeguards | Link with polity + PESA/FRA
articles |
| 7 | Development Programs | Critical analysis (Success +
failure) |
| 8 | Role of Anthropology in Development | Case studies: Health, Education,
Governance |
---
### ✍️ Answer Writing Strategy
* Intro: Definition + Context
* Body: Subheadings + Examples + Diagrams + Case studies
* Conclusion: Way Forward + Quote (optional)
### 🔁 PYQ Strategy
* Solve PYQs from 2009–2023 (topic-wise)
* Practice structuring with timer
* Link Paper I & II where possible
### 📊 Value Additions
* Tribe maps (location, culture)
* Diagram bank (tools, skulls, kinship charts)
* Constitutional/legal references
* Real-life fieldwork examples (from ARC/Xaxa/NITI)
### 📅 Weekly Plan (May–Sept Phase)
* 3 Days: Paper I (Theory + Practice)
* 3 Days: Paper II (Indian + Case-based)
* Sunday: PYQ practice + diagram revision
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