5(c) Anthropological understanding of communalism.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.3 Contributions of anthropology to the understanding of regionalism, communalism and ethnic and political movements
Anthropological Understanding of Communalism — 2019 Paper II
Question · 2019 · Paper II · 10 Marks
Anthropological understanding of communalism.
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Explain communalism anthropologically as a process of constructing and politically mobilizing religious group boundaries.
- Structuring the Response: Distinguish religion from communalism, analyse identity, boundaries and competition, and indicate anthropological ways of understanding conflict.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Group identity, Fredrik Barth, boundary formation, stereotypes, political mobilization, competition, syncretism and pluralism.
Model Answer
Introduction: Anthropologically, communalism is not simply religious difference; it is the political and social construction of religious communities as mutually opposed interest groups. It emerges when religious identity becomes a primary basis for boundary formation and political mobilization.
Identity and boundaries: Drawing on Fredrik Barth, communal identities can be understood through the active maintenance of boundaries between “us” and “them”.
These boundaries are reinforced through:
- symbols;
- myths of common origin;
- selective historical memories;
- stereotypes;
- ritual distinctions.
Thus:
Religious difference → Boundary construction → Political mobilization → Communalism
Material dimension: Competition over:
- political representation;
- employment;
- land;
- economic resources
may be expressed in religious language, transforming socio-economic tensions into communal conflict.
Anthropological significance: Ethnography also demonstrates that communities often share:
- shrines;
- festivals;
- occupational networks;
- neighbourhood relations;
- syncretic traditions.
Hence communal boundaries are neither natural nor permanently fixed.
Rumours, political entrepreneurs and media can intensify polarization during periods of insecurity.
Conclusion: Anthropology understands communalism as a historically produced and politically mobilized identity process, rather than an inevitable consequence of religious diversity. Everyday interaction and shared cultural practices can simultaneously weaken communal boundaries.
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2019 — Paper II
28 questions7(b) Write about the role of colonial administration in the development of Anthropology in India.
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper II > 4. Emergence, growth and development of anthropology in India > Scholar-administrators
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Constitutional safeguards for Scheduled Tribes
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.3 Developmental projects and their impact on tribal displacement
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Neolithic
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements > Tibeto-Burman family
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity > Regionalism and demand for autonomy
1(b) Ethno-archaeological analysis of hunting activities of contemporary tribal communities.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.3 Ethno-archaeology in India > Survivals among hunting and foraging communities
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 Tribal policies, plans and programmes of tribal development
Syllabus: Paper II > 8.1 Impact of Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam and other religions on tribal societies > Buddhism
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Media and social change
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Impact of industrialization and globalization
Syllabus: Paper II > 4. Emergence, growth and development of anthropology in India > Contributions of Indian anthropologists
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.2 Problems of the tribal communities > Low literacy and poor educational facilities
1(e) The Jajmani system and contemporary market economy.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Jajmani system
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.1 Structure and nature of traditional Indian social system > Karma, Rina and Rebirth
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Interplay of little and great traditions
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.1 Problems of exploitation and deprivation of Scheduled Castes
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Palaeolithic > Soanian
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Panchayati Raj and social change
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.2 Palaeo-anthropological evidences from India > Siwaliks > Ramapithecus
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Indus (Harappan) Civilization
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 Role of N.G.O.s in tribal development
Syllabus: Paper II > 6.1 Tribal situation in India > Socio-economic characteristics > Pastoral communities
4(c) Identify some special programmes for particularly vulnerable Tribal Groups (erstwhile PTGs).
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper II > 9.1 The concept of PTGs / PVTGs > Special programmes for their development
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Significance of village study in India
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-Independent India
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 Unrest among tribal communities > Tribe and nation state