Time Allowed: Three Hours
Maximum Marks: 250
Instructions:
There are EIGHT questions divided into two Sections (A and B).
Candidate has to attempt FIVE questions in all.
Question Nos. 1 and 5 are compulsory. Out of the remaining, THREE are to be attempted choosing at least ONE question from each Section.
The number of marks carried by a question/part is indicated against it.
Answers must be written in the medium authorized in the Admission Certificate, clearly stated on the cover of the Question-cum-Answer (QCA) Booklet.
Word limits in questions (10 marks: 150–170 words; 15 marks: 200–250 words; 20 marks: 300–350 words) must be adhered to.
Attempts of questions shall be counted in sequential order. Unless struck off, an attempt will be counted even if partly answered. Blank pages in the QCA Booklet must be clearly struck off.
Q1. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50)
(a) Anthropological approaches to studying urbanization in tribal societies
(b) Cultural significance of the Harappan civilization (PYQ: Prehistoric significance of Rakhigarhi)
(c) Epigenetics and human adaptation
(d) Role of folklore in cultural identity formation
(e) Bioarchaeological methods in reconstructing past lifestyles
Q2.
(a) Discuss the major hominid species discovered in East Africa, focusing on their skeletal adaptations and evolutionary significance. Describe the discovery and importance of the “Lucy” fossil. (20 marks)
(b) Examine the impact of climate change on Paleolithic societies in India, with reference to archaeological evidence. (15 marks)
(c) Elucidate the concept of nutritional anthropology and its relevance in addressing modern health challenges. Provide examples from 2024–2025. (15 marks)
Q3.
(a) What is the process of cultural evolution? Discuss the stages of cultural evolution with suitable examples and illustrations. Suggest a diagram to illustrate the stages. (20 marks)
(b) Differentiate between structural-functional and conflict approaches to studying social institutions. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss various methods of personal identification based on skeletal remains. (PYQ) (15 marks)
Q4.
(a) Critically evaluate the role of customary laws in promoting sustainable resource management in indigenous communities, with examples from 2024–2025. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the mixed-longitudinal method of studying human growth, highlighting its merits and demerits. (PYQ) (15 marks)
(c) Describe the typo-technological features of Neolithic tools in India, with reference to major sites. (15 marks)
Q5. Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (10 × 5 = 50)
(a) Genetic drift and its implications for small populations
(b) Anthropological perspectives on digital cultures
(c) Menopause and its socio-cultural implications (PYQ: Menopausal symptoms)
(d) Role of ethnographic museums in cultural preservation
(e) Concept of cultural relativism in anthropological research
Q6.
(a) Critically examine the impact of globalization on the social structures of indigenous communities in India, with examples from 2024–2025. (20 marks)
(b) Discuss the applications of forensic anthropology in modern criminal investigations. (15 marks)
(c) Describe the role of qualitative data analysis in anthropological research, highlighting popular software tools. (15 marks)
Q7.
(a) Discuss the contributions of Ruth Benedict to the study of culture and personality, with a critical assessment of her methodology. (20 marks)
(b) Explain the concept of genetic equilibrium and its significance in population genetics. (15 marks)
(c) Examine the typo-technological features of Mesolithic tools in India, with reference to major sites. (15 marks)
Q8.
(a) Critically discuss the relevance of kinship studies in understanding modern family structures, with examples from 2024–2025. (20 marks)
(b) Describe the causes of chromosomal abnormalities, with suitable examples. (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the impact of tourism on the cultural heritage of indigenous communities, with examples from 2024–2025. (15 marks)**
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