IGNOU| ANTHROPOLOGY AND RESEARCH METHODS (BANC - 131)| SOLVED PAPER – (JUNE - 2024)| BAG| ENGLISH MEDIUM
BACHELOR OF ARTS
(GENERAL)
(BAG)
Term-End Examination
[June - 2024]
BANC - 131
ANTHROPOLOGY AND RESEARCH METHODS
Time: 3 Hours
Maximum Marks: 100
Note: (i) There are two Sections A and B.
(ii) Attempt
five questions in all, selecting at least two questions from each Section.
(iii) Word limit
for 20 marks question is 400 words and for 10 marks question it is 200 words.
(iv) All
questions carry equal marks.
Section-A
1. Define Anthropology. Discuss its aim and scope. 20
Ans:- Definition of Anthropology:-
Anthropology
is the scientific study of humanity, focusing on human beings in all their
biological, cultural, social and linguistic dimensions, both in the past and
present. The term originates from the Greek words anthropos (human) and logos
(study), thus literally meaning "the study of humans". As a holistic
discipline, anthropology attempts to understand what it means to be human by
examining human behavior, biology, society, cultures and languages across
time and space.
Objective of
Anthropology:-
The primary
objective of anthropology is to achieve a comprehensive understanding of human
diversity and similarities. Anthropologists attempt to:-
(i) Trace the
evolutionary origins and biological diversity of humans.
(ii)
Understand cultural, social and linguistic variations among human societies.
(iii)
Investigate the processes of cultural variation, adaptation and social change.
(iv) Promote
empathy and challenge ethnocentric assumptions by engaging with diverse ways of
life.
(v) Provide
insights that can address contemporary issues and promote cross-cultural
understanding.
Therefore,
anthropology attempts not only to describe and analyse human life in its many
forms but also to explain the underlying patterns and meanings that shape human
existence.
Scope of
Anthropology:-
Anthropology
is a multidisciplinary discipline with a broad scope, comprising several
interrelated sub-fields:-
(i)
Cultural (or social) anthropology:
(a) Studies the
beliefs, practices, institutions and social structures of contemporary societies.
(b) Employs
ethnographic methods such as participant observation and interviews to
understand cultural norms, values and worldviews.
(ii)
Biological (or physical) anthropology:
(a) Investigates
the biological evolution, genetic variation and physical adaptations of humans
and their primate relatives.
(b) Includes
sub-disciplines such as paleoanthropology, primatology and forensic
anthropology.
(iii)
Archaeology:
(a) Examines
material remains (artifacts, structures, fossils) to reconstruct past human
societies and cultural developments.
(b) Helps
understand technological, social, and political organization in historical
contexts.
(iv)
Linguistic Anthropology:
(a) Studies the
role of language in social life, communication, and cultural identity.
(b) Analyzes how
language shapes thought, behavior, and social relationships.
Some programs
also include psychological anthropology, which explores the interplay between
culture, social structure, and individual psychology.
Holistic and
Comparative Approach:-
Anthropology
is unique in its holistic approach, which integrates biological, cultural,
social, and linguistic perspectives to provide a complete picture of humanity.
It is inherently comparative, seeking to understand both the diversity and
universality of human experiences by studying different societies across time
and space.
Methods:-
Anthropologists
use a variety of research methods, including:-
(i) Fieldwork and participant
observation
(ii) Interviews and surveys
(iii) Analysis of artifacts and
biological remains
(iv) Comparative and
cross-cultural studies
Conclusion:-
In short,
anthropology is the scientific and holistic study of humans, aimed at
understanding the full spectrum of human life—biological, cultural, social, and
linguistic—in all periods and places. Its broad scope and interdisciplinary
methods make it an important field for understanding both the diversity and
unity of humankind.
2. What is Biological Anthropology? Enlist and describe its
branches. 20
3. Explain the methods of data collection in archaeological
anthropology. 20
4. Write short notes on any two of the following: 10+10
(i) Linguistic
Anthropology
(ii)
Relationship of Archaeological Anthropology with Physical, Natural and
Biological Sciences
(iii) Physical
vs. Biological Anthropology: An Overview
Section-B
5. Discuss the growth of Social-Cultural Anthropology in
India. 20
Ans:- Development of Socio-cultural Anthropology in
India:-
Socio-cultural
anthropology in India has gone through distinct historical phases, influenced
by colonial encounters, indigenous scholarship and the changing needs of Indian
society. Its development reflects both global influences and unique local
trajectories, making it a vibrant field for understanding India's diversity and
social dynamics.
Stages of
Development:-
(i) Early
Phase (late 19th to early 20th century):-
(a) The roots of
the discipline go back to the late 19th century during British colonial rule.
The early studies were primarily ethnographic, carried out by colonial
administrators and missionaries who documented Indian tribes and castes for
administrative purposes.
(b) The
establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 by Sir William Jones
marked an important institutional beginning, with early works focusing on
cataloguing the diversity of Indian customs, religious practices and social
structures.
(c) This period
was characterised by a natural history approach, with emphasis on descriptive
accounts of tribes and castes, often from a colonial perspective.
(ii)
Formative Phase (1920 - 1947):-
(a) Anthropology
was institutionalised as a discipline in the early 20th century, with the
creation of university departments and the introduction of formal courses in
anthropology.
(b) Indian
scholars began to make significant contributions, moving beyond the colonial
perspective. This period saw the publication of detailed monographs on tribes
and castes and the emergence of journals such as "Man in India",
which provided a forum for scholarly exchange.
(c) Research
shifted towards kinship, social organisation and the complexities of Indian
society, laying the foundation for a distinctively Indian approach to
anthropology.
(iii)
Analytical Phase (Post-Independence, 1947 – 1990s):-
(a) After
Independence, the focus of anthropology shifted from descriptive ethnography to
analytical studies of complex societies, villages and urban environments.
(b) Indian
anthropologists such as M.N. Srinivas, Iravati Karve and A.K. Sen incorporated
sociological theories and methods, leading to the development of the Indian
School of Anthropology.
(c) The
discipline began to address social issues including caste, development and
social change and contributed to nation-building efforts.
(iv)
Evaluative and Contemporary Phase (1990s – present):-
(a) Since the
1990s, Indian anthropology has diversified into new subfields such as medical
anthropology, development studies, digital anthropology and public policy.
(b) There is a
growing emphasis on applied anthropology with research addressing contemporary
challenges such as health, gender, environment and social justice.
(c) Indian
anthropology has become more interdisciplinary, engaging with global
theoretical paradigms and methods, while continuing to focus its attention on
Indian realities.
(d) The
discipline now plays an advisory role in policy-making and development
programmes, although its influence in government circles is limited.
Key features
and contributions:-
(i)
Interdisciplinary approach: Indian anthropology has maintained close ties
with sociology, often blurring disciplinary boundaries, especially in the study
of tribes, castes and rural communities.
(ii) Focus
on diversity: The field has documented and analysed India's vast cultural,
linguistic and social diversity, challenging stereotypes and colonial
narratives.
(iii)
Applied relevance: Anthropological research has informed public policy,
development initiatives and efforts to address social problems, such as health,
education and gender equality.
(iv) Rise
of Indigenous Approaches: Indian scholars have increasingly resisted
colonial frameworks, developing indigenous theories and methodologies suited to
the Indian context.
Conclusion:-
The
development of socio-cultural anthropology in India reflects a dynamic
interplay between colonial legacies, indigenous scholarship and contemporary
societal needs. From its early descriptive studies to its current applied and
interdisciplinary focus, Indian anthropology has been constantly evolving,
playing a vital role in understanding and shaping the country's social fabric.
6. Discuss the development of prehistoric research in India.
20
7. Discuss on Marxism, Post-Structuralism and Emergence of a
Humanist Anthropology. 20
8. Write short notes on any two of the following: 10+10
(i) Anthropology
as a discipline
(ii) Emic and
Etic approach
(iii) Anthropometry
***
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