VAID'S ICS – Best UPSC Anthropology Coaching in Delhi Since 1985

Comprehensive Classroom Course · Admissions openRegister now
+91 93113 37737
  • +91-93113 37737, +91-99999 46748
  • 73(FF), Old Rajender Nagar Market, Delhi - 110060
  • MON to SUN 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Facebook Youtube Instagram
Menu
Enquire Now
Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2014/Paper II/Indian Society, Caste & Civilization
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2014 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Sacred Complex with an Ethnographic Example — 2014 Paper II

Question · 2014 · Paper II · 15 Marks

Describe the concept of 'Sacred Complex' with an ethnographic example.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Explain the anthropological concept of Sacred Complex and illustrate its components through a suitable ethnographic example.
  • Structuring the Response: Define L.P. Vidyarthi’s concept, explain its three components, and apply them to his study of Gaya.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: L.P. Vidyarthi, sacred geography, sacred performances, sacred specialists, Gaya, Vishnupad, Gayawal priests and pilgrimage.

Model Answer

Introduction: The concept of Sacred Complex was developed by Indian anthropologist L.P. Vidyarthi through his study of the Hindu pilgrimage centre of Gaya in Bihar. It explains how a sacred centre functions through the interaction of sacred places, rituals and religious specialists.

Vidyarthi identified three interrelated components:

Sacred Geography + Sacred Performances + Sacred Specialists = Sacred Complex

  1. Sacred Geography

It refers to places regarded as religiously sacred.

In Gaya these include:

  • Vishnupad Temple;
  • Phalgu River;
  • Akshayavat;
  • various sacred tanks and ritual sites.

These places acquire significance through myths and religious traditions.

  1. Sacred Performances

These are ritual activities carried out at sacred locations.

Gaya is particularly associated with:

  • pinda-dana;
  • shraddha;
  • ritual bathing;
  • offerings to ancestors.

Pilgrims visit Gaya especially for rituals intended to ensure the spiritual welfare of deceased ancestors.

  1. Sacred Specialists

These are persons possessing recognized ritual knowledge and authority.

At Gaya, an important category is the Gayawal priests, who:

  • guide pilgrims;
  • conduct rituals;
  • preserve genealogical and ritual traditions;
  • connect pilgrims with the sacred geography.

Thus:

Pilgrim → Sacred specialist → Ritual performance → Sacred place

Wider significance

The Sacred Complex provides a framework for understanding how pilgrimage centres integrate:

  • religion;
  • economy;
  • social relationships;
  • regional traditions;
  • wider civilizational traditions.

It also demonstrates interaction between Great and Little Traditions, as pan-Indian religious ideas acquire distinctive local expression.

Conclusion

Vidyarthi’s concept of Sacred Complex shows that a pilgrimage centre is not merely a sacred location but an integrated system of sacred geography, sacred performances and sacred specialists. His study of Gaya remains a major contribution of Indian anthropology to the understanding of civilization and pilgrimage.

2026 What are the major debates related to the concept of jajmani system? 2026 Does caste as a social category exist among the non-Hindu communities in India? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 2025 Varnashrama and its contemporary relevance 2025 Trace the history and describe the methods of formulating the lists of OBCs, both at the State and National levels.

Want feedback on your answer?

Join the Anthropology workshop or get structured answer-writing guidance from VAID ICS.

Join Workshop Contact VAID ICS

UPSC Anthropology Optional 2014 — Paper II

28 questions

5(c) Forest policy and tribes

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.3 Development of forest policy and tribals
2014Paper IITribal Problems & DisplacementModel answer available

1(c) Great tradition and Little tradition

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Interplay of little and great traditions
2014Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(e) Impact of Christianity on tribes

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Christianity
2014Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(d) Major linguistic divisions of India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements and their distribution
2014Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(a) Neolithic cultures of N-E India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic > North-East India
2014Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(d) The concept of PTG

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 The concept of PTGs (Primitive Tribal Groups) > Distribution and special programmes
2014Paper IITribal Development, Policy & SafeguardsModel answer available

1(b) Tribe-Caste continuum

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Tribe-caste continuum
2014Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available