UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper II 2025 Analysis

20 Sep 2025

Table of Contents

The UPSC has concluded its Civil Services Mains Examination for Optional Papers. The optional subject holds particular significance for success in UPSC Mains, as it is accounting for a notable 500 marks. The UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper II is a test of an aspirant's knowledge on Indian Pre/Proto history and Archeology, Indian Anthropology and Tribal Anthropology.

Nature of UPSC Anthropology Paper 2

The Anthropology 2025 Paper 2 followed the trends of past years. It leans on an easier side compared to Paper 1. Paper 2 of Anthropology has a mix of direct and analytical questions, requiring both factual knowledge and the ability to apply anthropological concepts and citation of relevant examples.

The paper has a variety of questions:

Direct Questions from Syllabus: Few questions such as the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribes and the effect of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities are direct from syllabus topics.
Conceptually Integrated Questions:
- Multiple questions require the integration of different concepts. For example, questions on ‘caste domination, factionalism and political power’ ‘regionalism and autonomy’ and ‘tribalism and pseudotribalism’ test the ability to link topics and provide an analytical answer.
- Certain questions demand the application of concepts from Paper-I for value addition. For example, to write on the ‘environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals’, an aspirant can effectively use concepts from epidemiological anthropology for enrichment.
Unique mentions in Scholar Based Questions: The inclusion of figures not commonly prioritized in standard readings, such as S.R.K. Chopra, can make a question difficult for aspirants. However, the other two names, B.S. Guha and Irawati Karve, are common and known.

Focus Areas in UPSC Anthropology Paper II 2025

The Anthropology Paper II 2025 had a mix of both previously asked themes and new questions. The broad focus areas from the syllabus of Paper 2 in UPSC Anthropology Paper are:

Indian Archaeology & Paleoanthropology: This section has questions on 'Soanian cultural' tradition, the palaeoanthropological significance of the Siwaliks, and fossil hominoids like Ramapithecus and Sivapithecus. They are straightforward, drawing directly from the syllabus.
Social Structure & Village Studies: Questions on caste and the village include ‘types of caste mobility’, the village as a symbol of ‘Indian civilization's basic values,’ and the Varnashrama system's contemporary relevance.
Indian Anthropology: It included questions on characteristics and the interaction of Little and Great Traditions, the role of NGOs, and the patterns of linguistic and religious minorities etc.
Tribal Anthropology: It included questions like ‘administrative criteria for identifying Scheduled Tribes (STs)’, impact of Christianity, urbanization, and industrialization on tribal groups, criteria for identifying PVTGs, Tribalism and Pseudo-tribalism etc.
Ethnicity and Identity: The questions were focused on political issues such as regionalism, autonomy, ethnic conflicts etc.

Success in Mains 2025 with UPSC Styled Optional Questions

The Vision IAS Anthropology Optional Test Series and AnthroEdge VAM have been trusted by toppers for its relevance to the UPSC Anthropology paper. Like previous year, this year too, Vision IAS Anthropology Optional Test Series helped in tackling most of the questions asked in UPSC 2025 Anthropology Paper-II.

Vision IAS Anthropology Optional test series is meticulously researched to keep pace with the evolving demands of the anthropology paper. It's designed to sharpen the aspirant's analytical skills and test the depth of their conceptual understanding, ensuring adequate preparation for Anthropology Optional.

Reflections from Vision IAS Anthropology Optional Test Series

UPSC Anthropology Paper-II 2025 QUESTION

1e) Characteristics and communication between Little and Great Traditions (10 marks)

VISION IAS ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL TEST SERIES QUESTION

The ‘great’ and the ‘little’ traditions are not polar opposites, but are ‘constantly negotiating and interacting with each other." Illustrate with suitable examples. (15 marks) (Test Code 4522, 2025)

The Vision IAS Anthropology model answer provides the major components required for a comprehensive and concise answer for the UPSC Mains exam.

Setting the Context in the Introduction: The model answer mentions the theoretical origin by crediting Robert Redfield and his book "Peasant Society and Culture."
Conceptual Clarity and Analytical Depth: It provides various dimensions such as characteristics of both traditions and many points to show communication and interaction such as universalization and parochialization (Mackim Marriot), showing how elements are absorbed and modified between the two. It also highlights the interdependence and reinterpretation of ideas.
Answer Enrichment and Value Addition: Model answer provides specific examples and scholarly observations that can add depth and credibility to the answer. Example, how tribal traditions are absorbed into the caste system.

UPSC Anthropology Paper-II 2025 QUESTION

3b) Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India. (15 marks)

VISION IAS ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL TEST SERIES QUESTION

Discuss the issue of 'quadruple burden of disease' among tribes of India. (20 marks) (Test Code 4522, 2025)

Tribal malnutrition is a direct outcome of replacing nutrient-dense forest diets which is exacerbated by ecological displacement. Discuss. (15 marks) (Test Code 3315, 2025)

Vision IAS Anthropology model answer provides the major components required for a comprehensive and concise answer for this question.

Conceptual Clarity and Analytical Depth: The model answer covers various aspects of health of tribals of India. It covers communicable diseases (e.g., malaria, TB) and non-communicable diseases (e.g., diabetes, cancer) as biocultural factors linked to poor sanitation and lifestyle changes.
- It also addresses malnutrition, citing statistics like 42% of children being underweight. Environmentally, it details how reliance on nutrient-rich forest diets and subsequent ecological displacement exacerbates health problems.
Answer Enrichment and Value Addition: It provides many specific examples and data to substantiate points. It cites the prevalence of TB (three times the national average), and mentions specific tribes like the Kondh and Gonds.

UPSC Anthropology Paper-II 2025 QUESTION

7b) Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures. (15 marks)

VISION IAS ANTHROPOLOGY OPTIONAL TEST SERIES QUESTION

How do concepts of 'cultural revival' and 'social boundaries' explain the persistence of India's identity based movements? In this context, discuss how can Anthropology help in providing solution to secessionist threats." (Test Code 4522, 2025)

Discuss how anthropology contribute to deciphering the complexities of communalism and ethnic movements in India. (Test Code 3317, 2025)

Vision IAS Anthropology model answer provided precise, quality content in its model answer to address this question well.

Setting the Context in the Introduction: Model answer helps to frame the introduction by defining ethnic conflicts as identity-based movements emerging in response to threats to cultural identity, resource control, or political autonomy.
Conceptual Clarity and Analytical Depth: It breaks down the causes and remedies of ethnic conflicts using key anthropological concepts, which is crucial for an enriched answer. It provides multi-pronged anthropological approaches.
Answer Enrichment and Value Addition: Model answer contains many specific examples such as Ol Chiki script movement for the Santalis and value-adding concepts such as cultural revival and social boundaries. It cites work of scholars such as N.K. Bose and Tarak Chandra Das.

Other UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper II Mains 2025 Questions reflected in our Anthropology Optional Test Series include

UPSC Mains 2025 Anthropology Question	Reflections from Vision IAS Anthropology Optional test series
Q1a. Soanian cultural tradition	PT 2 (Q.4d)Soanian Cultural tradition
Q1b. Caste domination, factionalism and political power	FLT 4, 2025 (Q.8c)Analyze the role of caste as social capital in contemporary India. Does its increasing political salience impede or accelerate the ideal of 'annihilation of caste'. Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.6a)There is a contemporary trend of rising caste identity with caste groups including marginalized ones, embracing their caste identity as a 'badge of honor'. Comment critically in context of 'future of caste system'.
Q1c. Regionalism and Autonomy	FLT 2, 2025 (Q.7c)Anthropology views regionalism not merely as a geographical or political phenomenon but as a dynamic and multidimensional concept. Discuss.
Q1d. Verrier Elwin's philosophy with respect to Arunachal Pradesh	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.8a)Critically analyze the historical debate on tribal development policy in independent India. Comment on the necessity and key challenges of adopting a rights-based approach in addressing current tribal development issues. FLT 2, 2025 (Q.8a)Discuss different approaches to tribal development in india during colonial and post colonial period.
Q1e. Characteristics and communication between Little and Great Traditions	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.4b)"The ‘great’ and the ‘little’ traditions are not polar opposites, but are ‘constantly negotiating and interacting with each other." Illustrate with suitable examples.
Q2a. Discuss the palaeoanthropological significance of Siwaliks of India giving its subdivisions, fossil primate fauna and major primate fossil localities.	PT3, 2025 (Q.3b)The Siwaliks and Narmada basin provide critical evidence for tracing the evolutionary history of hominids in South Asia. Elaborate.
Q2b. Delineate the major features of S. S. Sarkar's classification of Indian populations. Was his classification better than Risley? Explain.	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.7b) Discuss the Bio-genetic variability of Indian tribes.
Q2c. Evaluate the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribe societies of North-East India.	PT4,2025 (Q4D) Role of Christian missionary activities in transforming tribal communities. FLT 4, 2025 (Q.5e) Indigenisation of Christianity
Q3a. Describe the distinctive features and distribution of Upper Palaeolithic of India.	FLT 4, 2025 (Q.4a)Discuss the archaeological evidences from the Belan Valley that demonstrate the transition from hunting-gathering to agriculture in ancient India.
Q3b. Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India.	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.7a) "Discuss the issue of 'quadruple burden of disease' among tribes of India." FLT 2, 2025 (Q.7b)Tribal malnutrition is a direct outcome of replacing nutrient-dense forest diets which is exacerbated by ecological displacement. Discuss. FLT 4, 2025 (Q.7a)Discuss the status and challenges related to Maternal and Child Health among tribal communities in India.
Q3c. Highlight the significant contributions of B. S. Guha, Irawati Karve and S. R. K. Chopra to Indian Anthropology.	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.2b) Critically discuss the contributions of Irawati Karve and B.S. Guha to the analysis of caste and race in India. FLT 4, 2025 (Q.6c)Critically discuss Irawati Karve's contributions to the socio-anthropological interpretation of Indian epics.
Q4a. What are the different types of caste mobility in India? Highlight the various factors responsible for it.	FLT 4, 2025 (Q.6a) "The principle of 'difference' and 'ritualization of multiple social practices' constitute the essence of the caste system." Critically comment in context of inter-caste relation in present times. FLT 2, 2024 (Q.2A)How do state-led caste surveys affect the discourse on caste-based discrimination and social mobility? Illustrate with contemporary examples.
Q4b. Elucidate the role of demographic and social factors for population growth in India.	PT3, 2025 (Q.2B)The unprecedented growth of population in India during the recent years has brought about a series of consequences. Discuss. Abhyaas,2025 (Q.7c)Discuss the concept of second demographic transition (SDT) in the light of biological and socio-cultural demographic theories. FLT 4 (Q.2B)Examine the regional disparities in fertility rates across Indian states. What historical, cultural, and economic factors contribute to these differences?
Q4c. Critically examine the concept of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and mention the limitations of administrator's criteria.	PT 4, 2025 (Q.4A)Definitions and criteria used to identify tribals in India.
Q5a. Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India	PT4, 2025 (Q.5C)Examine the impact of rapid urbanization and industrialization on the traditional socio-economic structure of tribal populations. PT4, 2025 (Q.4E)Impact of industrialization on tribal population.
Q5b. Taxonomic status of Ramapithecus in the light of Ramapithecus-Sivapithecus controversy	FLT 4, 2025 (Q.2c)Examine debates regarding the phylogenetic status of Ramapithecus.
Q5c. Tribalism and Pseudotribalism	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.8c)Critically discuss 'tribalisation' as a strategy by non-tribal communities that redefines the traditional tribe-caste continuum in India. PT4,2025 (Q4C)Impact of pseudo-tribal identities on genuine tribal development.
Q5e. Lothal dockyard and international trade relations	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.1e) Marine Archeology in India
Q6a. "The village was not merely a place where people lived; it had a design in which were reflected the basic values of Indian civilization." Who said this? Elaborate.	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.3b)Critically discuss the contribution of village studies towards the understanding of the Indian social system. FLT 2, 2025 (Q.6c)Social relations in the village are largely based on agrarian economy. Discuss. PT3 (Q.1C)Compare Louis Dumont’s and Andre Beteille’s views on Caste System.
Q6b. Discuss the role of NGOs in the socioeconomic and political development of weaker sections and the manner in which they facilitate other stakeholders.	FLT 2, 2025 (Q.4c)Discuss the role of NGOs in tribal upliftment and highlight challenges faced by them.
Q7a. Identify the contemporary limitations in the process of tribal development. How can anthropological knowledge contribute in this process?	PT4, 2025 (Q.2C)Discuss the significance of obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of indigenous communities before implementing development projects. Analyze the ways in which this principle has been violated. PT4, 2025 (Q.4B)Development vs. displacement debate in tribal regions FLT 4, 2025 (Q.6b)Critically analyze how India's 'fortress conservation' model undermine tribal rights and sustainable forest management, despite the intent of Forest Rights Act 2006.
Q7b. Discuss the rising ethnic conflicts in India and propose their possible remedial measures.	Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.3a) "How do concepts of 'cultural revival' and 'social boundaries' explain the persistence of India's identity based movements? In this context, discuss how can Anthropology help in providing solution to secessionist threats." FLT 4, 2025 (Q.2b)Discuss how anthropology contribute to deciphering the complexities of communalism and ethnic movements in India.
Q7c. Critically evaluate the concept of Nation-State and describe its impact on indigenous societies.	FLT 4 (Q.4C) There have been demands for autonomy or statehood in India, such as the demand for Gorkhaland or Bodoland. What are the underlying causes and political developments surrounding these movements? FLT 2 (Q.6B) Discuss the concept of nation state. Compare the present situation of tribes across modern nation states.
Q8c. What are the identifying criteria for PVTGs in India? Examine their current status, nomenclature and distribution.	PT4,2025 (Q5A) Discuss the factors that have contributed to the isolation and marginalization of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). How do these factors affect their development prospects? Abhyaas, 2025 (Q.4a)Evaluate the significance of the PM-JANMAN scheme in addressing the challenges faced by Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India. Discuss the hurdles to its implementation and propose strategies for ensuring its effective impact. PT4,2025 (Q5A) Discuss the factors that have contributed to the isolation and marginalization of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). How do these factors affect their development prospects? FLT 4, 2025 (Q.8b)Examine the core objectives and salient features of the 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan' for the inclusive development of tribal communities in India.

Reflections from Vision IAS Anthropology VAM: AnthroEdge

The Vision IAS UPSC VAM for Anthropology Optional (AnthroEdge) has been consistently trusted by toppers for UPSC Mains preparation. Designed in line with the evolving UPSC trends, this VAM provides aspirants with value-added content that helps them write good answers with the analytical depth expected in the UPSC Optional papers.

This year, Vision IAS AnthroEdge comprehensively covered most of the questions asked in UPSC 2025 Anthropology Paper-II.

UPSC Anthropology Paper-II 2025 QUESTION

3b. Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India.

(15 marks)

AnthoEdge Paper-II VAM provides the essential components required for a comprehensive answer for the Anthropology Optional Paper question of UPSC. AnthroEdge (VAM) is relevant to write all broad components of this question.

This question requires an examination of the interconnected factors determining health patterns among Indian tribal populations.

Environmental Factors: Discuss their dependence on forests and the impact of environmental degradation.
Biocultural Factors: Discuss nutrition, genetics, indigenous medical knowledge, and socio-economic factors like poverty and healthcare access.

UPSC Anthropology Paper-II 2025 QUESTION

8a. Describe the nature of traditional socioeconomic interdependence among the Toda, Kota, Kurumba and Irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills. Highlight the changes occurring in these interrelationships. (20 marks)

AnthoEdge Paper-II VAM provides the essential components required for a comprehensive answer for the Anthropology Optional Paper question of UPSC.

This question tests knowledge of a classic ethnographic case study of symbiosis and social change from South India. AnthroEdge provides essential content to write an answer by

Describing the Traditional Interdependence: The symbiotic relationship, where each group had a specialized economic and ritual role (Toda-pastoralists, Kota-artisans, etc.).
Highlighting the Changes: How colonialism, a cash economy, and modernization have disrupted this traditional system.

Other UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper-II 2025 Questions reflected from Vision IAS AnthroEdge Paper II VAM include:

UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper 2 Question

1b. Caste domination, factionalism and political power