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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2017/Paper II/Applied & Forensic Anthropology
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2017 15 Marks Model Answer Available

Anthropology and Tribal Loss of Livelihood — 2017 Paper II

Question · 2017 · Paper II · 15 Marks

Discuss the contribution of anthropology in understanding the loss of livelihood of tribal communities due to economic and ecological factors.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question:Explain what anthropology uniquely contributes to diagnosing tribal livelihood loss, integrating ecology, economy, culture, rights and local knowledge; do not merely list causes.
  • Structuring the Response:Anthropological lens -> economic drivers -> ecological drivers -> methods/ethnography -> policy contribution -> rights-based conclusion.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover:cultural ecology (Steward), political ecology, Nature-Man-Spirit (Vidyarthi), household/seasonal livelihood mapping, common property, forest/mining/dams, market intermediaries, climate and biodiversity loss, traditional ecological knowledge, PESA/FRA and participatory rehabilitation.

Model Answer

Introduction Tribal livelihoods are not merely economic mechanisms for generating household income; they are integrated socio-ecological systems. Anthropology's unique contribution lies in defining livelihood as an intersection of ecology, economy, kinship, and ritual. When economic and ecological shocks occur, anthropology demonstrates that the loss is not just financial, but represents profound cultural disarticulation.

Body (Draw a Systems Diagram: Tribal Livelihood = Ecology + Economy + Kinship + Ritual Territory. External Shocks (Mining/Market/Deforestation) ➔ Resource Alienation ➔ Debt/Migration/Nutritional & Cultural Collapse. Anthropology intervenes via Participatory Mapping & Rights (FRA/PESA).)

  1. The Ecological DiagnosisUtilizing Julian Steward’stheory of Cultural Ecology, anthropology shows how tribal social organization is adapted to specific environments. Furthermore, L.P. Vidyarthi’s Nature-Man-Spirit Complex (studied among the Maler) reveals that the forest is simultaneously a food source, a workspace, and a sacred landscape. Ecological factors like deforestation, wildlife conservation enclosures, and climate-induced biodiversity loss don't just reduce caloric intake—they destroy the spiritual and social fabric of the community.
  2. The Economic Diagnosis (Political Ecology)Anthropologists study the asymmetrical political economy impacting tribes. Ethnographic studies document how integration into modern markets often leads to exploitation by middlemen and moneylenders. Mega-development projects (dams, mining) alienate tribes from common property resources (CPRs). Since tribal economies rely heavily on non-monetized reciprocal labor and women's foraging, state compensation (usually cash for titled land) completely fails to replace the lost livelihood system.
  3. Distinctive Anthropological MethodsStandard economic surveys often miss invisible tribal assets. Anthropologists use participant observation, seasonal subsistence calendars, and resource mapping to make visible the immense economic value of Minor Forest Produce (MFP), traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and kinship-based labor sharing.

Conclusion By diagnosing livelihood loss as a multidimensional crisis of economic dispossession, ecological disruption, and cultural trauma, applied anthropology redefines rehabilitation. The Xaxa Committee and anthropological advocacy assert that sustainable tribal development cannot simply substitute wages for lost landscapes. It requires restoring community control over resources through the rigorous implementation of PESA (1996) and the Forest Rights Act (2006), ensuring culturally appropriate, rights-based ecological survival.

2026 Health as a cultural construct. 2026 What is meant by a somatotype? Discuss the Heath-Carter anthropometric method, giving its advantages over that of Sheldon's method. How can somatotyping be applied in sports sciences? 2026 Anthropometry in ergonomics. 2025 Examine the utility of human remains in forensic analysis. Discuss the facial reconstruction technique.

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2017 — Paper II

28 questions

5(b) Ethnicity and regionalism.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity > Regionalism and demand for autonomy
2017Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(d) Ethno-archaeology.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.3 Ethno-archaeology in India > The concept of ethno-archaeology
2017Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(e) Impact of Christianity on Indian tribes.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Christianity
2017Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(e) Nature-man-spirit complex.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.3 Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(a) Neolithic cultures of South India.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic > South India
2017Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(c) Other Backward Class.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and Other Backward Classes
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

1(c) Varnashram and the concept of Rina.

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.1 Structure and nature of traditional Indian social system > Varnashram, Purushartha, Karma, Rina and Rebirth
2017Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available