Anthropology Optional · Paper II · Indian Anthropology

Indian Social System and Caste Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Indian Social System and Caste (Anthropology Optional Paper II, Unit 03), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Varnashrama, purushartha, karma, rina and rebirth; caste structure and theories of origin; dominant caste, mobility, jajmani; sacred complex; impact of other religions.

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126

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62

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

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Official UPSC syllabus

Indian Social System and Caste: 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.

3.1 The structure and nature of traditional Indian social system: Varnashram, Purushartha, Karma, Rina and Rebirth.

3.2 Caste system in India: Structure and characteristics Varna and caste, Theories of origin of caste system, Dominant caste, Caste mobility, Future of caste system, Jajmani system. Tribe-case continuum.

3.3 Sacred Complex and Nature: Man-Spirit Complex.

3.4 Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity of Indian society.

Paper II · Unit 03

Indian Social System and Caste 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: Indian Social System and Caste

All 126 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
3.1 Traditional Indian social system2792025
3.2 Caste system in India66322026
3.3 Sacred complex and nature-man-spirit complex1572026
3.4 Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity18142025

3.1 Traditional Indian social system

27 questions · 9 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Traditional Indian Social System

Asked since 2013 · 9

  • 2025Write notes on: Varnashrama and its contemporary relevance.
  • 2023Write notes on: Interface between Purushartha and Ashrama.
  • 2023Write notes on: Karma and Rebirth.
  • 2022Write notes on: Varna and Buddhism.
  • 2022Write notes on: Dharma versus Religion.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Purushartha and righteous living today” in about 150 words.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Use of doctrine of Karma and rebirth in justifying the Varna system.
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Philosophy behind Purusharthas.
  • 2017Write notes on: Varnashram and the concept of Rina.
Show 18 earlier questions (before 2013)

1982–2012 · 18 questions

  • 2011Write a note in 150 words on Philosophy behind Purushartha.
  • 2007Write a note on Purushartha.
  • 2006Write a note on Karma.
  • 2005Write a note on Varnashram.
  • 2004Trace the broad unifying features of the traditional Hindu society in the anthropological perspective.
  • 2003Write a note on Significance of Purushartha.
  • 2002Write a note on Concept of Rina Rebirth.
  • 2000Write a note on Concept of Karma in relation to caste.
  • 1998Discuss the basic of Indian Social System. Do you find any change today ?
  • 1997Write a note on Concept of rebirth in Hindu Social System.
  • 1997Write a note on Significance of Varna and Caste.
  • 1996Write a note on Importance of Karma in Hindu social system.
  • 1995Explain the concept of “Rina” according to the Hindu Scriptures. What were the mechanisms suggested by the scholars to reply the “Rinas” ?
  • 1994Write a note on Social Significance of Grihastha-ashram.
  • 1994Describe the major purusharthas according to Hindu scriptures and discuss the social significance of Harmonious management of ‘Trivarga’
  • 1987Write a note on Purushartha chatushtam.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : Significance of Varna and Ashram as regulators of social life.
  • 1982Write a note on Varnashram dharma in 200 words.

3.2 Caste system in India

66 questions · 32 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Caste System in India · Caste Dynamics

Asked since 2013 · 32

  • 2026What are the major debates related to the concept of jajmani system?
  • 2026Does caste as a social category exist among the non-Hindu communities in India? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
  • 2026Make a critical appraisal of Surajit Sinha’s line of argument that tribes and castes may not be isolated social categories, but are a part of the great Indian civilization.
  • 2025Write notes on: Caste domination, factionalism and political power.
  • 2025What are the different types of caste mobility in India? Highlight the various factors responsible for it.
  • 2024Discuss the theories on origin of caste system and its criticism in India. Differentiate between caste, class and race.
  • 2023Write notes on: Jajmani system: continuity and change.
  • 2023“Tribes are backward Hindus.” Critically comment with reference to the contributions of G. S. Ghurye.
  • 2023Is caste mobility a recent phenomenon? Discuss in the light of Indological and Empirical context.
  • 2023Is annihilation of caste possible? Discuss the future of caste system in the light of various proactive measures taken by the Indian State.
  • 2022Critically describe Dr. B. R. Ambedkar’s argument on the origin of Indian caste system.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Relevance of tribe – caste continuum” in about 150 words.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Caste and social capital” in about 150 words.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Factionalism and politics in rural India” in about 150 words.
  • 2020Discuss the characteristics of caste system in India.
  • 2020Write short note on the Concept of ‘Dominant’ caste in about 150 words.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on The Jajmani system and contemporary market economy.
  • 2018Based on historical and contemporary  evidences, discuss the future of caste system in India.
  • 2018Discuss the view that caste is not social stratification, but a system of hierarchy.
  • 2018Explain the significance of tribe-caste continuum in the present context.
  • 2017Discuss the impact of market economy  on the Jajmani system.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Relevance| of caste in contemporary Indian politics.
  • 2016Examine the structural and cultural theories of caste system in India.
  • 2016How is process of tribe-caste continuum different from Sanskritization? Comment.
  • 2015Critically examine the concept of tribe caste continuum and its relevance in contemporary India.
  • 2015What do you understand by dynamics of caste mobility ? How did the concept of Sanskritization contribute to its functionality ?
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on TribeCaste continuum.
  • 2014Do you think caste persists in contemporary India ? Critically discuss.
  • 2014Define the concept ‘Dominant Caste and examine its relevance in the contemporary Indian village with suitable examples.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on : Discuss how Louis Dumont explained caste system.
  • 2013What is Jajmani system ? Examine the views on Jajmani system as an egalitarian as well as exploitative system. Give reasons for its decline (375 words).
  • 2013Examine the criticisms on the concept of dominant caste. (250 words).
Show 34 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 34 questions

  • 2011Discuss the relevance of the concept Dominant Caste in the context of Contemporary Indian Society.
  • 2011Critically examine the theories of Origin of Castes.
  • 2010Examine the role of the caste system in the present political context.
  • 2010Is the present political system strengthening the caste system ? Discuss.
  • 2009Discuss the salient features of the prevalent hypotheses on the future of the caste system in India.
  • 2009Bring out the various features and the importance of the ‘dominant caste’
  • 2008Is Tribe-Caste Continuum a reality or myth ? Discuss.
  • 2007Write a note on Jajmani System.
  • 2004Write a note on Tribe-Caste Continuum.
  • 2003Write a note on Caste as a pattern of social stratification.
  • 2000Write a note on Tribe-caste continuum.
  • 2000Define the Jajmani system. Analyse the changes in the relationship between caste and occupation in contemporary rural society.
  • 1999Write a note on Dominant Caste.
  • 1998Write a note on Folk-Urban Continuum.
  • 1998Write a note on Jajmani System.
  • 1997Examine the role of joint family in Hindu social system and its impacts caste system.
  • 1995Write a note on; Distinguish between  varna and caste.
  • 1994Describe the tribe-caste continuum in India. Is this continuum relevant in Modern Indian society ?
  • 1992Write a note on Tribe caste continuum.
  • 1991Write a note on Concept of caste as a hierarchical system based on the opposition between ‘pure’ and ‘impure’
  • 1991What is the notion of ‘folk-urban continuum’ in the study of peasant society? Is it applicable to Indian conditions ?
  • 1990Write a note on Role of Dominant caste in the political institutions of a peasant village.
  • 1990Discuss the essential features of the caste system in India. Critically examine its role in the changing social context in contemporary times.
  • 1989Discuss the concept of social signification and comment on caste as a stratified system of interaction.
  • 1988Write a note on Concept of purity and the caste system.
  • 1988Discuss relationship between “dominant caste” and economic development” in  rural India.
  • 1987Write a note on Tribe-caste continuum.
  • 1986Write a note on Varna model of caste.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : Distinction between tribe and caste.
  • 1984Examine the changes that have come about in caste system and joint family in modern India.
  • 1983Write a note in 200 words : Inter-caste hierarchy in any region of India.
  • 1982Write a note on (200 words) : Concept of dominant caste and its relevance in the study of political processes.
  • 1981Discuss the inter-related concepts of Varna and Jati Caste. Do you agree with the view that in the context of existing realities in village India, it is the Caste that is important and not the Varna ?
  • Explain criteria for dominant caste. How far is this concept still crucial to our understanding of India’s villages after implementation of reservations in democratic institutions ? Discuss.

3.3 Sacred complex and nature-man-spirit complex

15 questions · 7 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Sacred Complex and Nature-Man-Spirit Complex

Asked since 2013 · 7

  • 2026Write notes on: Nature-Man-Spirit-Complex.
  • 2021Explain the impact of the concept of nature-man-spirit complex on sustainable use of natural resources with suitable examples.
  • 2018Critically examine the contributions of Makhan Jha and B.N. Saraswati to the study of sacred complexes in India.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Nature-man-spirit complex.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Sacred complex as a dimension of Indian civilization.
  • 2014Describe the concept of ‘Sacred Complex’ with an ethnographic example.
  • 2013Examine Nature – man – spirit complex as an ecological concept. (250 words).
Show 8 earlier questions (before 2013)

1983–2012 · 8 questions

  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Sacred Geography.
  • 2009Write a note on Nature-Man-Spirit complex.
  • 2005Write a note on Sacred complex.
  • 2001Write a note on Nature-Man-Spirit complex.
  • 1999Write a note on Sacred Complex.
  • 1993Write a note on Basic principles concerned with nature-man-spirit complex.
  • 1990Write a note on Concept of sacred complex in the Indian Society.
  • 1983Write a note in 200 words: Nature- man Spirit Complex.

3.4 Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity

18 questions · 14 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity

Asked since 2013 · 14

  • 2025Evaluate the impact of Christianity on Scheduled Tribe societies of North-East India.
  • 2024Write notes on: Syro-Malabar Christians.
  • 2024Elucidate the difference between secularism, religiosity, religious fundamentalism, and spiritualism from an anthropological perspective.
  • 2023Discuss the basic tenets of Jainism and its impact on Indian society.
  • 2023Write notes on: Religious pluralism and social solidarity.
  • 2022Critically examine ‘Indigenisation of Christianity’ in India.
  • 2020Discuss the impact of Islam on Indian Society.
  • 2019What has been the impact of non-Hindu religions on the emancipation of Schedule Castes in India ?
  • 2018Explain the impact of Buddhism and Jainism on Indian society.
  • 2017Explain how Buddhism influenced the economic and cultural transformations of Indian society.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Impact of Jainism on Indian society.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Islam and  Matriliny.
  • 2014Discuss the contribution of Islam to the composite culture of India.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Sufi tradition of Islam.
Show 4 earlier questions (before 2013)

1998–2012 · 4 questions

  • 2005Write a note on Impact of Islam on Indian society.
  • 2004Write a note on Buddhism, Christianity and Scheduled Castes.
  • 2003Evaluate the impact of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam and Christianity on Indian society and culture in anthropological terms.
  • 1998Account for the emergence of new religions in India in the 6th century B.C.

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Previous · Paper II · Unit 02

Demographic Profile of India

Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution; factors influencing the structure and growth of India’s population.

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Next · Paper II · Unit 04

Emergence and Growth of Anthropology in India

Contributions of 18th, 19th and early 20th century scholar-administrators; contributions of Indian anthropologists to tribal and caste studies.

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Anthropology Optional

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