Anthropology Optional · Paper II · Indian Anthropology

Demographic Profile of India Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Demographic Profile of India (Anthropology Optional Paper II, Unit 02), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution; factors influencing the structure and growth of India’s population.

2

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65

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22

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

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Official UPSC syllabus

Demographic Profile of India: syllabus

The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper II of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.

2 Demographic profile of India: Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution. Indian population—factors influencing its structure and growth.

Paper II · Unit 02

Demographic Profile of India notes

Topic-wise notes for this unit in syllabus order, written for UPSC Mains with diagrams, key terms and the previous year questions of each topic. Read a topic, then practise its questions below.

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Previous year questions: Demographic Profile of India

All 65 questions UPSC has set from this unit between 1981 and 2026, grouped by syllabus sub-topic, newest first. Questions from 2013 onwards (the current pattern) are shown in full; earlier ones open on a tap.

How often UPSC asks each sub-topic

Sub-topicQuestionsSince 2013Last asked
Demographic profile of India65222026

Demographic profile of India

65 questions · 22 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Ethnic and Linguistic Elements of India · Indian Population Structure and Growth

Asked since 2013 · 22

  • 2026Write notes on: Dravidian language family and its tribal speakers.
  • 2026Why the classifications of Indian populations, based on somatometric and somatoscopic characteristics failed to develop a common understanding of the population diversity?
  • 2025Delineate the major features of S. S. Sarkar’s classification of Indian populations. Was his classification better than Risley? Explain.
  • 2025Elucidate the role of demographic and social factors for population growth in India.
  • 2024What are the demographic challenges of India’s changing population dynamics in the next 50 years?
  • 2023Critically compare Risley’s and Sarkar’s approaches to the classification of peoples of India.
  • 2023Write notes on: Dravidian languages and their subgroups.
  • 2023Discuss the distribution of tribes in different geographical regions of India. Identify the distinct institutional features of tribal societies of these regions.
  • 2022Describe the methods adopted by Sir Herbert Hope Risley in classifying Indian populations. What are the criticisms against Risley’s classification?
  • 2022Write notes on: Safeguards for linguistic minorities in India.
  • 2022Write notes on: Austroasiatic languages.
  • 2021Delineate the factors influencing fertility in Indian population.
  • 2020Write short note on the Dravidian languages in about 150 words.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Distribution of Tibeto-Burman group of languages in India.
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Endangered languages.
  • 2018What are the various factors influencing population growth in India? Discuss.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Austro-asiatic linguistic groups in India.
  • 2017Give your assessment of the reasons for the imbalance in the sex-ratio in India.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Linguistic elements in Indian population.
  • 2015Briefly describe the classical models of ethnic and linguistic classification ofIndian population. Discuss its relevance today.
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on Major linguistic divisions of India.
  • 2014Outline the distribution of Dravidian languages in India and describe their cultural significance.
Show 43 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 43 questions

  • 2012Briefly comment on the linkage between: (i) Gender and Customary Law (ii) Gender and Caste ….
  • 2011Describe the linguistic elements in Indian population.
  • 2010Discuss the relevance of Guha’s racial classification in the context of India’s ethnic groups.
  • 2010Critically examine the factors responsible for the high population growth in India and suggest suitable measures for population control.
  • 2008Write a note on The distribution of Indo:-Aryan Languages.
  • 2008Write a note on Mediterranean Element in Indian Population.
  • 2008Is Risley’s Racial Classification of Indian Population valid ?
  • 2007Describe ethnic elements in the Indian population focussing either on Risley’s or Guha’s classification.
  • 2006Write in brief ‘Population Growth in India indicating causes and measures of its control’
  • 2006Write a note on Linguistic distribution of Indian Population.
  • 2004Write a note on Demographic transition in India.
  • 2004Bring out the interrelationship between population growth and development in the Indian context.
  • 2002Write a note on Age specific and sex specific mortality rates and dependent factor.
  • 2000Write a note on Negrito elements in India.
  • 1999Point out the salient features of traditional joint family system in India. Trace causes for its disintegration in recent decades.
  • 1997Critically evaluate the Indian Population Policies. Suggest appropriate measures for its improvement.
  • 1996Write a note on Child mortality in rural India.
  • 1996Discuss the major linguistic divisions in the Indian population. Also point out the role of language in ethno-political movements.
  • 1995Write a note on Social implication of sex-ratio in Indian population.
  • 1993Write a note on Caste bound occupations vis-a-vis urban populations.
  • 1993What are the major linguistic families in India ? Identify such families, showing the geographical distribution and the population groups under different families.
  • 1992Write a note on Joint family system ‘in india.
  • 1992Write a note on Controversy over the existence on Negrito racial strain in Indian population.
  • 1991Write a note on Critical approach of Guha’s classification of ethnic elements in Indian population.
  • 1990Write a note on Distribution of Dravidian family of languages in India.
  • 1989Write a note on : Guha’s classification on the ethnic composition of the people of India is not adequate. Comment.
  • 1989Write a note on Distribution of Austric family of languages in India.
  • 1989Write a note on Structure and function of Joint family.
  • 1988Write a note on racial elements among the Scheduled Tribes of India.
  • 1987Write a note on Nayar Tharavad and universality of the family.
  • 1987Write a note on Social elements in indian population.
  • 1987Write a note on Social elements in Indian population.
  • 1986Write a note on Joint family in modern India.
  • 1985Write a note on Monogoloid racial element in Indian population.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : Linguistic diversity in india.
  • 1983Give an account of the distribution of blood group among Indian population. Is there a correlation between the distribution of blood groups and physical types ?
  • 1983Write a note in 200 words : Economic aspects of joint family.
  • 1983Write a note in 200 words: Polyandrous family.
  • 1982Write a note on (200 words) : Matrilineal cultures in India.
  • 1982Discuss some of the  important_attempts to classify the racial elements in Indian population.
  • 1981Write a note on Distribution of Dravidian linguistic elements among Indian people. (200 words).
  • 1981Write a note on Controversy over the existence of Negrito racial strain in Indian population. (200 words).
  • 1981Distribution of polyandry in India. (200 words).

Year-wise question papers

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Previous · Paper II · Unit 01

Evolution of Indian Culture and Civilization

Prehistoric and protohistoric India; Indus civilization; tribal contributions; Siwalik and Narmada evidence; ethno-archaeology in India.

Notes · PYQs

Next · Paper II · Unit 03

Indian Social System and Caste

Varnashrama, purushartha, karma, rina and rebirth; caste structure and theories of origin; dominant caste, mobility, jajmani; sacred complex; impact of other religions.

Notes · PYQs

Anthropology Optional

All 21 units and resources

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