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/2017/Paper II/Indian Society, Caste & Civilization
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2017 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Other Backward Class — 2017 Paper II

Question · 2017 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Other Backward Class.

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question:Explain OBC as a constitutional-administrative category of social and educational backwardness, distinguish it from SC/ST and mention major commissions, reservation and present constitutional institutions.
  • Structuring the Response:Define -> historical commissions/Mandal -> reservation and creamy layer -> constitutional developments -> anthropological caution about internal heterogeneity.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover:Article 340; Kaka Kalelkar and Mandal Commissions; Indra Sawhney (1992); 27% Central reservation; creamy layer; Article 338B/NCBC and 342A after 102nd Amendment; 105th Amendment and State lists.

Model Answer

Introduction The "Other Backward Classes" (OBCs) is a constitutional and administrative category encompassing socially and educationally backward communities, distinct from SCs and STs. Anthropologically, it is an extremely heterogeneous group comprising peasant castes, artisans, pastoralists, and service communities.

Body (Draw a Flowchart: Article 340 ➔ Kaka Kalelkar (1953) ➔ Mandal Commission (1979) ➔ Indra Sawhney Judgment (1992: 27% Quota + Creamy Layer) ➔ 102nd Amendment (NCBC as Constitutional Body))

Constitutional & Policy Evolution: Article 340 provides for the identification of backward classes. The Mandal Commission (1979) recognized 52% of India's population as OBCs, recommending a 27% reservation in central services, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case (1992) with the introduction of the "Creamy Layer" to exclude the economically advanced. Recent milestones include the 102nd Amendment (granting constitutional status to the NCBC under Art 338B) and the 105th Amendment (restoring States' power to maintain their own SEBC lists).

Anthropological Reality & Internal Heterogeneity: OBCs are not a monolithic bloc. Sociologist M.N. Srinivas introduced the concept of the "Dominant Caste" (e.g., Yadavs in UP, Vokkaligas in Karnataka), demonstrating that intermediate ritual status often coexists with vast numerical strength, landholding, and political power.

Conclusion Because of this stark internal inequality, affirmative action benefits have been disproportionately cornered by dominant OBCs. Consequently, the push for equitable sub-categorization (as evaluated by the Justice Rohini Commission) represents the necessary evolution of OBC policy to ensure substantive justice reaches the most marginalized artisan and service castes.

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 Trace the history and describe the methods of formulating the lists of OBCs, both at the State and National levels. 2025 Caste domination, factionalism and political power

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 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