Religion

(Anthropological approaches to the study of religion (evolutionary, psychological and functional); monotheism and polytheism; sacred and profane; myths and rituals; forms of religion in tribal and peasant societies (animism, animatism, fetishism, naturism and totemism); religion, magic and science distinguished; magico-religious functionaries (priest, shaman, medicine man, sorcerer and witch))

Anthropological Approaches to Religion

1. Write notes on Animism and Deep Ecology. (2021)
2. Critically explain the anthropological approaches to religion. (2019)
3. Critically different Anthropological approaches to religion. (2016)
4. Explain various anthropological approaches to study religion. (2011)
5. Discuss Anthropological approaches to the study of Religion. (2006)
6. Distinguish between religion and magic. Critically examine the different theories of religion and comment on their relevance today. (1987)
7. How do you explain the origin and evolution of religion? How does religion continue to function in human society? (1985)
8. Discuss the theories of origins of religion. Which one appears to be most adequate? (1982)

Sacred, Profane, Rituals & Myths

1. What is understood by ‘Rites of Passage’? Describe the various phases and their significance. (2014)
2. How do you relate the concepts of ‘Sacred’ and ‘Profane’ in Durkheim’s theory of religion with focus on totem? (2015)
3. Highlight the significance of religious practices in Tribal Communities of India. (1993)
4. “Nature Totemism continues as a religion.” Substantiate. (1981)

Forms of Religion (Animism, Animatism, Totemism, Fetishism, etc.)

1. Write a note in 150 words on Totemism. (2016)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Totemism. (2013)
3. Discuss the different traditional forms of religion in tribal societies. (2017)
4. How anthropologists define Religion? Describe various forms of religion with suitable examples. (2007)
5. Describe the role of totemism in primitive religion, according to Durkheim. (1994)
6. What do you mean by Totemism? Discuss its role in tribal life of India. (1989)
7. Distinguish between Animism and Animatism. (1984)

Religion, Magic & Science

1. Write a note in 150 words on Difference between Science and Magic. (2018)
2. Write a note in 150 words on Difference between religion and magic. (2017)
3. Distinguish between Religion, Magic and Science. (2012)
4. Distinguish between magic and religion. Give suitable examples. (2004)
5. Describe the origin of religion. Distinguish between religion and magic. (1990)
6. Write a note on Religion and Magic. (1992)

Magico-Religious Functionaries (Priest, Shaman, Witch, Sorcerer, etc.)

1. How does taboo serve as a means of social control? (2013)
2. What is Taboo? Discuss its significance in primitive societies. (1992)
3. Write a note on Shamanism. (2007)
4. Write a note on Witchcraft and sorcery. (1998)
5. “Witchcraft accusation is the result of strained interpersonal relations.” Explain. (2005)
6. Why have religion and magic become stable features of a society? What role do religious functionaries play in simple and non-literate societies? (1996)
7. Write a note on differences between primitive religion and world religion. (1986)
8. What is religion? Discuss Tylor’s theory of origin of religion. (1991)