Meaning, Scope and development of Anthropology

1.1 Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology

A. Meaning & Scope

1. Anthropology provides a multidimensional understanding of human beings by bridging the gap between science and humanities. (2025)
2. Scope and relevance of Social and Cultural Anthropology. (2023)
3. “Anthropology is the systematic, objective and holistic study of humankind in all times and places.” Elaborate. (2022)
4. Write a note in 150 words on the Relevance of Anthropology. (2018)
5. Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any one branch. (2017)
6. Anthropology is a source of values. Substantiate. (1982)
7. Anthropology studies at the “micro” level, but aims at “macro” level theory. Elaborate. (1982)

B. Comparative & Humanistic Tradition

1. Critically examine the contribution of Anthropologists in the interpretation of symbols. (2011)
2. Write a note on Holistic and atomistic approach. (1998)
3. Write a note on Background of Anthropological Comparison. (1989)
4. Examine the influence of the humanistic tradition on the growth and development of anthropology. (1985)
5. Discuss how Anthropology is concerned with common humanity and universal values. (1983)
6. Analyse the comparative method of the nineteenth century anthropology and its limitations as to the nature and purpose of social-cultural anthropology. (1983)

C. Application & Relevance

1. Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (2014)
2. Discuss the relevance of anthropological approach to national character studies. (1991)
3. Discuss the relevance of anthropological approach in national character studies. (1987)
4. Write a note on Anthropology in the service of humanity. (1987)

D. Methodological Debates

1. Do you think it is possible to bring uniformity of method in the natural and social sciences? Will it lead to advancement of anthropological research? (1993)

1.2 Relationship with Other Disciplines

(History, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Life Science, Medical Science, Earth Science, Humanities)

A. Broad Scope & Uniqueness

1. Elaborate the scope of anthropology and elucidate the uniqueness in the field of other social sciences. (2021)
2. Write a note in 150 words on How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (2013)
3. Assess the relative strength of anthropological techniques for scientific study in social sciences. (1983)

B. Anthropology and Sociology

1. Write a note in 150 words on differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. (2016)
2. Write a note in 200 words on the relation of Anthropology to the social sciences. (1985)

C. Anthropology and Economics

1. Differentiate between Economics and Economic Anthropology. (150 words) (2013)

D. Anthropology and History

1. Write a note on Relationship between Social Anthropology and History. (1989)
2. Write a note on Relationship between Social Anthropology and History. (1986)
3. Identify the controversies around the relation between History and Social Anthropology. (200 words) (1981)

E. Anthropology and Psychology / Medicine

1. Discuss the relationship of anthropology with psychology and medicine. (1999)
2. Write a note on Psychological anthropology. (1988)

F. Other Sciences & Humanities

1. Do you regard Social Anthropology as a Social Science or a humanistic discipline? Give reasons for your answer. (1986)
2. Write a note on Prehistoric anthropology and its relation to other science. (1987)
3. In Anthropology, science and humanity converge. Exemplify. (1982)

1.3 Main Branches of Anthropology, their Scope and Relevance

(Social-Cultural Anthropology, Biological Anthropology, Archaeological Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology)

A. General Scope & Relevance of Branches

1. Describe briefly the theoretical perspectives in linguistic anthropology to explain the relationship of culture, language and thought. (2025)
2. Mention the major branches of linguistic anthropology and discuss language use in social and cultural settings. (2021)
3. How can synergising the core branches of Anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit of the discipline? (2020)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Major sub-divisions of Anthropology. (2014)
5. Write an essay on the aims and scope of applied anthropology with special reference to India. (1992)

B. Social-Cultural Anthropology

1. What is cognitive approach? Critically examine its implications in Sociocultural Anthropology. (1996)
2. Write a note on Action anthropology. (1999)
3. Write a note on Action anthropology. (1995)
4. Write a note on Social and cultural anthropology. (1994)
5. Discuss the merits and demerits of different methods of comparison used in social-cultural anthropology. (1991)
6. Bring out the merits and demerits of different contributions on the methods of comparison in social-cultural anthropology. (1988)
7. Write a note on Empiricism in social anthropology. (1985)
8. Discuss the types of comparison in social anthropology. (1985)
9. Discuss the comparative method of cultural evolutionists, diffusionists and modern social anthropologists. (1982)

C. Biological Anthropology

1. Write a note on Biological Anthropology. (2008)
2. Write a note on Biological Anthropology. (2002)
3. Write a note on ‘Classical’ Physical Anthropology. (1991)
4. Write a note on ‘New Physical Anthropology’. (1989)
5. Write a note on New Physical Anthropology. (1985)

D. Archaeological Anthropology

1. Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. (2018)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Archaeological Anthropology. (2015)
3. Write a note on Archaeological Anthropology. (1992)

E. Linguistic Anthropology

1. Glottochronology. (2023)
2. Write a note in 150 words on the relationship between Linguistics and Social-Cultural Anthropology. (2019)
3. Write a note in 150 words on Linguistic Anthropology. (2013)
4. Write a note on Linguistic Anthropology. (1990)
5. Write a note on Theme of Linguistic Anthropology. (1989)
6. What are the common aspects of structural anthropology and linguistics? (1985)
7. Does structuralism in social anthropology coincide with that in linguistics? Critically assess their analogy. (1983)

F. Psychological & Medical Anthropology

1. Write a note on Recent trends in psychological anthropology. (1990)
2. Write a note on Medical Anthropology. (1996)

1.4 Human Evolution and Emergence of Man

(Biological and Cultural factors in human evolution; Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre-Darwinian, Darwinian and Post-Darwinian); Synthetic theory of evolution; Brief outline of terms and concepts of evolutionary biology (Doll’s rule, Cope’s rule, Gause’s rule, parallelism, convergence, adaptive radiation, and mosaic evolution))

A. Biological and Cultural Factors in Human Evolution

1. Smell as a signal among non-human primates. (2025)
2. Discuss the Miocene hominoid remains and their significance in evolution. (2025)
3. Critically discuss the centrality of the African continent in the narrative of human evolution. (2025)
4. Mitochondrial DNA and human evolution. (2025)
5. Discuss the geographical distribution of Homo erectus. Taking into account its physical features, where does it fit in human evolutionary line? (2024)
6. Critically discuss the synergistic effect of biological and cultural factors in human evolution. (2024)
7. Discuss major species of Australopithecus discovered from South and East Africa. Describe the discovery, physical features and significance of Taung baby. (2023)
8. What is hominization process? Discuss the major trends in human evolution with the help of suitable examples and illustrations. (2023)
9. “The bio-cultural approach is the hallmark of Biological Anthropology.” Explain. (150 words). (2021)
10. Elucidate the biological and cultural factors in Human Evolution. (2016)
11. Elucidate the biological and cultural factors in Human Evolution. (2015)
12. Human evolution has cultural dimensions. Elaborate. (1982)
13. Man has made himself. Justify. (1982)

B. Theories of Organic Evolution

1. Elucidate how Darwin and Post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the development of Synthetic theory of evolution. (2020)
2. Critically examine Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding evolution. (2015)
3. Discuss how Neo-Darwinism integrated the fields of Genetics and Evolution. (2013)
4. Critically examine the synthetic theory of human evolution. (2010)
5. Discuss the modern theory of evolution with special reference to the concepts of gradualism and punctuationalism. (2008)
6. What is Organic Evolution? Explain the theories of evolution. (2002)
7. How Darwinism differs from the synthetic theory of organic evolution? (1994)
8. What is Synthetic Theory of Evolution? Discuss how this theory helps us in understanding the evolutionary mechanism. (1993)
9. Write a note on Synthetic theory of evolution. (1992)
10. What is organic evolution? Give evidences for human evolution. (1992)
11. What is organic evolution? Describe the theories of organic evolution. (1991)
12. Elucidate the Theory of Evolution as put forward by Lamarck. (1989)
13. How is Darwinism different from Lamarckism? Critically evaluate their contribution to synthetic theory of evolution. (1987)
14. Write a note on Lamarckism and Darwinism. (1986)
15. Write a note on Theory of organic evolution. (1985)
16. Distinguish between: Lamarckism and Darwinism. (1984)
17. Darwinism is not adequate to explain … (1983)
18. Discuss the synthetic theory of human evolution. How does it differ from Darwinism? (1981)

C. Concepts of Evolutionary Biology & Mechanisms

1. Explain the genetic mechanisms of micro and macro evolution. (2021)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Adaptive tradition in context of evolution. (2012)
3. Write a note in 150 words on Synthetic theory. (2011)
4. Distinguish between ‘chronological age’ and ‘biological age’. (2009)
5. Write a note on Molecular evolution. (1999)
6. Write a note on Micro evolution. (1990)
7. Evolution is biological and sociocultural. Discuss. (1990)
8. Write a note on Synthetic theory of evolution. (1990)
9. Write a note on Meaning of Biological and Socio-cultural Evolution. (1989)
10. Microevolution has not ceased. Comment. (1983)

D. Biological & Cultural Interrelations

1. Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making culture. (2018)
2. Evolution is biological and cultural. Discuss. (1987)
3. Write a note on Relationship between cultural evolution and biological evolution. (1986)
4. Discuss the inter-relation of biological and cultural dimensions in Human Evolution. (1984)
5. Sociocultural evolution is not parallel to biological evolution in man. Substantiate. (1983)

E. Contemporary Trends & Advances

1. Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques. (2018)
2. Discuss the contemporary trends in evolutionary studies. (1992)
3. Give a critical account of the processes of organic evolution, and explain how they contribute to speciation. (1988)
4. Has biological evolution ceased in man? Briefly substantiate your answer. (200 words). (1981)

F. Fossil & Early Human Evolution Focus

1. Discuss major species of Australopithecus discovered from South and East Africa. Describe the discovery, physical features and significance of Taung baby. (2023)
2. What are the major craniofacial changes that occurred during Hominid evolution? Discuss. (2010)
3. Write a note on Biological evolution of early man. (1997)
4. Discuss the geographic distribution and taxonomic issues concerning early hominids. Elucidate evidence in support of alternative positions. (1996)

1.5 Characteristics of Primates

(Evolutionary Trend and Primate Taxonomy; Primate Adaptations; (Arboreal and Terrestrial) Primate Taxonomy; Primate Behaviour; Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates; Living Major Primates; Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes; Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications.)

A. Primate Behaviour & Primatology

1. Discuss different forms of primate social organisation. (2022)
2. Discuss different forms of primate social organisation. (2022)
3. Write notes on Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour in about 150 words. (2020)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Role of primatology in Anthropological studies. (2013)
5. Describe the various ways of getting mate in primitive society. Give examples from Indian context. (1994)

B. Skeletal Changes, Locomotion & Bipedalism

1. Write notes on: The losses and gains of erect posture. (150 words). (2022)
2. Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. (2019)
3. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (2016)
4. List the major skeletal modifications in humans due to assumption of erect posture. (2009)
5. ‘Man can stand erect while anthropoid apes cannot.’ Discuss the anatomical changes that occurred in Man due to erect posture. (1998)
6. Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptations to arboreal life. (1996)
7. Describe the range of locomotive behavior of contemporary non-human primates and state how it helps in understanding the structural-functional correlations of their limb structure. (2000)

C. Comparative Anatomy: Man vs Apes

1. Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their evolutionary significance. (2017)
2. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (2014)
3. Compare and contrast the skull of Gorilla and Man. (2012)
4. Discuss similarities and differences between Chimpanzee and Man in salient physical and anatomical characteristics. (1993)

D. Fossil Primates & Early Evidence

1. Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion patterns among the non-human primates. (2020)
2. Write a note on Fossil men. (1999)
3. Discuss the gradualist view of evolutionary change vis-a-vis the punctuationalist view, giving an example from primate evolution. (1997)
4. Discuss critically the contribution of Palaeocene and Eocene primates to human origin. (1986)
5. What are different fossil primates of the Palaeocene and Eocene times? (1986)
6. Discuss the claim of India to be the cradleland of mankind with references to fossil evidences. (1983)

E. Primate Taxonomy & General Features

1. Write a note on Adaptive primate radiation. (2019)
2. Write a note on Adaptive tradition in primates. (1995)
3. Narrate with reasons man’s place in Primate order. (1994)
4. Write a note on Primate. (1994)
5. What are the characteristic physical features of the Primate? Show the position of Man among the other Primates in a tabular form. (1992)
6. Write a note on Anthropoid apes. (1992)
7. Why is Man a primate? Describe the place of Man in the animal kingdom. (1991)
8. Write a note on Characters of primates. (1988)
9. Write a note on Anthropoid apes. (1987)
10. Give a brief account of the distribution and physical features of the Asiatic Anthropoid apes. (1985)

F. General Evolutionary Position of Man

1. ‘Man is a primate.’ Discuss. (2011)
2. Living anthropoid apes are our distant cousins. Discuss. (1983)
3. Man has not descended from monkeys. Justify. (1982)
4. Discuss how man is a unique primate. (1981)

1.6. Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following

(Plio-preleistocene hominids in South and East Africa — Australopithecines; Homo erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis); Neanderthal man: La-chapelle-aux-saints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type); Rhodesian man; Homo sapiens: Cromagnon, Grimaldi, Chancelede)

A. Homo erectus (Java, Peking & general features)

1. Should we still distinguish between ‘classic’ and ‘progressive’ Neanderthals? Discuss the controversy about Neanderthal’s position in human evolution. (2022)
2. What are the physical and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus? Discuss its phylogenetic status. (2021)
3. Describe the culture related to Homo erectus. (2018)
4. Describe the salient characteristics and geographical distribution of Homo erectus. (2015)
5. Write a note in 150 words on Asian Homo erectus. (2014)
6. Write a note in 150 words on Culture of Homo erectus. (2010)
7. Write a note on Homo erectus. (2007)
8. Write a note on Homo erectus. (2003)
9. Write a note on Pithecanthropus erectus. (1998)
10. Write a note on Morphological Character of Homo erectus. (1989)
11. Homo erectus was not the earliest erect man of prehistoric times. Justify. (1983)
12. Determine the phylogenetic position of Homo erectus. (1984)
13. “Homo erectus was too specialized to have been the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.” Discuss. (1981)

B. Australopithecus & Paranthropus

1. Comment briefly on the phylogenetic position of Australopithecines. (2012)
2. Distinguish between major categories of Australopithecines. How are they different from apes? (2009)
3. Write a note on Australopithecus. (2005)
4. Write a note on Australopithecus. (1999)
5. Discuss the origin of Australopithecines: spatial distribution, growth & development. (1990)
6. Discuss the spatial distribution, physical features, cultural status or origin of Australopithecines. (1987)

C. Neanderthal Man

1. “Europeans are closer to Neanderthals.” Critically discuss in view of the African origin of humankind. (2019)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Neanderthal Man. (2011)
3. Why are Neanderthals called premodern humans? Discuss with reference to Upper Palaeolithic coexistence. (2010)
4. Write a note on Neanderthal Man. (2004)
5. Write a note on Homo sapiens–Neanderthalensis. (1994)
6. Compare the fossil remains of ‘Progressive’ and ‘Classic’ Neanderthals; examine their phylogenetic position. (1993)
7. Write a note on La Chapelle-aux-Saints. (1991)
8. Write a note on Homo sapiens sapiens & Homo sapiens Neanderthalensis. (1986)
9. Distinguish between Homo sapiens and Homo Neanderthalensis. (1984)
10. Homo sapiens Neanderthalensis was less capable than Homo sapiens to survive. Critically examine. (1982)

D. Homo sapiens (Cro-Magnon, Grimaldi, Chancelade)

1. Critically evaluate the contesting theories of the emergence and dispersal of modern Homo sapiens. (2020)
2. Write a note on Homo sapiens sapiens. (1996)
3. What do you understand by the term ‘Homo sapiens’? Give distribution & physical features of earliest fossils. (1985)

E. Rhodesian Man & Homo heidelbergensis

1. Write a note in 150 words on Rhodesian Man. (2016)
2. Write a note on Rhodesian Man. (2006)

F. Other Fossil Evidence

1. Write a note in 150 words on Olduvai Gorge. (2019)
2. Write a note on Homo habilis. (2009)
3. Write a note on Homo habilis. (1997)
4. Write a note on Ramapithecus. (1991)
5. Dryopithecus holds the clue for human origin. Discuss. (1982)

G. General Comparative/Phylogenetic Questions

1. Describe major skeletal similarities and differences between Homo erectus and Homo sapiens. (2011)
2. Discuss the different types of evidence of the Pithecanthropines and critically appraise their place in human evolution. (1988)
3. Write what you know about Homo sapiens and Neanderthalensis. (1989)
4. Erect posture – write a note. (2001)

1.7 The Biological Basis of Life

(The Cell, DNA structure and replication, Protein synthesis, Gene, Mutation, Chromosomes, Cell division)

A. Mutation

1. Write a note in 150 words on Implications of mutation in evolution. (2019)

B. Genes & Genetics

1. Write a note on Thrifty genotype. (2009)
2. Write a note on Genes. (1992)
3. Give an outline of the anthropological perspective of genetics and critically evaluate the genetic significance of meiotic cell division. (1988)

C. DNA, Protein Synthesis & Molecular Basis

1. Write a note on Protein Synthesis. (2008)

1.8 Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology

(Archaeology, Chronology, Relative and Absolute Datings Methods; Cultural Evolution – Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures: Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Copper-Bronze Age and Iron Age)

1. Dating Methods (Relative & Absolute)
2. Osteodontokeratik culture and its makers. (2025)
3. Write a note on Mousterian tool tradition, Mousterian culture and its makers. (2025)
4. Fission-track dating method and its applications. (2025)
5. What are the major theories proposed in support of the origin of food production? How did the change in subsistence economy bring revolution during this period? (2025)
6. Chronometric dating. (2024)
7. Write notes on Thermoluminescence (TL) dating in about 150 words. (2021)
8. Write a note in 150 words on Relative Dating Methods. (2019)
9. Describe the principles of radiocarbon dating. Mention its limitations. (2018)
10. What are dating methods? Discuss one absolute method and one relative method in detail. (2017)
11. Write a note in 150 words on Relative dating methods. (2012)
12. Write a note in 150 words on Carbon-14 method of dating. (2013)
13. Describe the absolute dating methods in Archaeology, highlighting the importance of each method. (2014)
14. Write a note in 150 words on Importance of chronology in prehistory. (2010)
15. Write a note on Carbon dating method. (1999)
16. Write a note on Problems of dating in Prehistoric Archaeology. (1997)
17. Write a note on Radiometric methods of dating fossils. (1996)
18. Write a note on Chronometric dating methods. (1995)
19. Paleolithic Cultures
20. Discuss the Acheulian and Oldowan traditions of Indian Palaeolithic cultures with suitable illustrations
21. Differentiate between Lower Palaeolithic culture and Middle Palaeolithic culture with suitable examples. (2020)
22. Discuss briefly the major traditions in the Upper Paleolithic culture of Europe. (2019)
23. Give a broad outline of Paleolithic culture emphasizing upon its tool technology. (2013)
24. Write a note in 150 words on Paleolithic culture. (2015)
25. Write a note on Lower Paleolithic Culture. (2006)

C. Mesolithic Cultures

1. Discuss the salient features of different traditions of European Mesolithic. (2021)
2. Elucidate Mesolithic culture and associated rock art with examples from India. (2019)
3. Write a note in 150 words on salient features of Mesolithic culture. (2017)
4. Write a note on Mesolithic culture in India. (2001)

D. Neolithic Cultures

1. Describe the features of early farming cultures and Neolithic of the Near East. (2021)
2. Give an account of the consequences of food production of Neolithic culture. (2018)
3. Describe the Neolithic culture of India. (2014)
4. Write a note in 150 words on Neolithic Cultures of India. (2016)
5. Neolithic is a ‘self-sufficient food producing economy.’ Critically examine. (1998)
6. What is the Neolithic phase of culture in Europe called revolution? Describe its distinctive features. (1995)
7. Write a note on Neolithic. (2007)
8. Write a note on Neolithic Culture. (2002)

E. Chalcolithic & Bronze Age Cultures

1. Harappan maritime trade. (2024)
2. Describe the evidences of food production and domestication of animals with special reference to Mehrgarh. Throw light on its significance. (2024)
3. Discuss with examples the Megalithic culture of India in the archaeological context. (2019)
4. Write a note on Town Planning of Harappan Culture (150 words). (2018)
5. Delineate the salient features of Chalcolithic cultures. (2016)
6. Write a note on Chalcolithic Culture. (2004)
7. Describe any chalcolithic site in India with reference to industry and town planning. (1999)
8. Write a note on Copper-Bronze Age. (2000)

F. Miscellaneous / General Cultural Evolution

1. Write notes on Natufian culture in about 150 words. (2020)
2. Write a note on Microlith. (2005)
3. Write a note on Universal Cultural Evolution. (2002)