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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2020/Paper II/Foundations of Anthropology
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper II 2020 10 Marks Model Answer Available

K. S. Singh and Indian Anthropology — 2020 Paper II

Question · 2020 · Paper II · 10 Marks

Contribution of K. S. Singh to Indian Anthropology

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Highlight K.S. Singh’s major contributions to tribal studies, ethnography and documentation of India’s cultural diversity.
  • Structuring the Response: Cover his tribal research, Anthropological Survey leadership, People of India project and contribution to applied anthropology.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: K.S. Singh, Anthropological Survey of India, People of India Project, tribal movements, Birsa Munda, communities and cultural diversity.

Model Answer

Introduction

Kumar Suresh Singh (K.S. Singh, 1935–2006) was an important Indian anthropologist and administrator whose work significantly expanded the documentation and interpretation of India’s tribal, ethnic and cultural diversity.

Major contributions

  1. Tribal studies: Singh conducted extensive research on tribal communities of eastern and central India, combining historical and anthropological approaches.
  2. Study of tribal movements: His work on Birsa Munda and the Munda movement analysed tribal resistance in relation to land alienation, colonialism, religious change and ethnic identity.
  3. People of India Project: As Director-General of the Anthropological Survey of India, Singh led the ambitious People of India project.

It documented thousands of Indian communities in terms of:

  • language;
  • ecology;
  • occupation;
  • social organization;
  • food practices;
  • religion;
  • cultural traits.
  1. Understanding cultural diversity: The project demonstrated extensive inter-community linkages and shared cultural traits, challenging rigid assumptions of completely isolated cultural groups.
  2. Historical anthropology: Singh linked ethnography with historical processes such as colonial administration, peasantization, migration and political mobilization.
  3. Applied relevance: His work contributed to understanding Scheduled Tribes, social change and public policy.

Conclusion

K.S. Singh’s lasting contribution lies in combining tribal ethnography, historical analysis and large-scale documentation, particularly through the People of India project, to portray India as a civilization of both diversity and interconnectedness.

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2020 — Paper II

28 questions

1(e) 'Khap' Panchayat

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.1 Indian Village > Traditional village institutions
2020Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(b) 'Narmada' Man

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.2 Palaeo-anthropological evidences from India > Narmada Man
2020Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

5(c) Concept of 'Dominant' caste

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 3.2 Caste system in India > Dominant caste
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationAnswer coming soon

5(e) Concept of Ethnicity

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 7.3 The concept of ethnicity
2020Paper IIEthnicity, Tribal Movements & Social ChangeModel answer available

5(a) Concept of Sanskritisation

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.3 Indigenous and exogenous processes of socio-cultural change > Sanskritization
2020Paper IIVillage India, Urbanisation & Social ChangeModel answer available

1(b) Debates on 'Aryan' invasion

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 1.1 Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization > Post-Harappan cultures > Aryan debate
2020Paper IIPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available

1(d) Dravidian languages

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 2. Demographic profile of India > Linguistic elements > Dravidian family
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available

5(d) Linguistic minorities in India

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper II > 5.2 Linguistic and religious minorities and their social, political and economic status
2020Paper IIIndian Society, Caste & CivilizationModel answer available