Anthropology Optional · Paper I · General Anthropology
Religion Notes · PYQs
Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Religion (Anthropology Optional Paper I, Unit 05), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Evolutionary, psychological and functional approaches; sacred and profane; myth and ritual; animism to totemism; magic, religion and science; magico-religious functionaries.
2
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39
Questions listed
16
Asked since 2013
1981–2026
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Official UPSC syllabus
Religion: syllabus
The syllabus text as UPSC notifies it for Paper I of Anthropology Optional. Every note and question on this page maps to these lines. Full Paper I and Paper II syllabus.
5 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).
Paper I · Unit 05
Religion 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: Religion
All 39 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-topic | Questions | Since 2013 | Last asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| Religion | 39 | 16 | 2026 |
Religion
39 questions · 16 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Approaches to Religion · Forms of Religion, Magic and Functionaries
Asked since 2013 · 16
2026Write notes on: Myth as oral literature.2026How do religious beliefs help people to devise cultural mechanisms to adapt to their environment? Discuss in detail with appropriate examples.2025Critically examine James Frazer’s theory of evolutionism. Elucidate the place of religion in modernity.2023How did Clifford Geertz look at religion? Differentiate between anthropological and psychological approaches to the study of religion.2022Write notes on: Shaman, sorcerer and medicine man.2021Write notes on Animism and Deep Ecology in about 150 words.2019Critically explain the anthropological approaches to religion.2018Write a note in 150 words on Difference between Science and Magic.2017Write a note in 150 words on Difference between religion and magic.2017Discuss the different traditional forms of religion in tribal societies.2016Write a note in 150 words on Totemism.2016Critically examine different Anthropological approaches to Religion.2015How do you relate the concepts of ‘Sacred’ and ‘Profane’ in Durkheim’s theory of religion with a focus on the role of totem ?2014What is understood by ‘Rites of Passage’ ? Describe the various phases of the ‘Rites of Passage’ and their significance.2013Write a note in 150 words on Totemism.2013How does taboo serve as a means of social control ? (250 words).
Show 23 earlier questions (before 2013)
1981–2012 · 23 questions
2012Distinguish between Religion, Magic and Science.2011Explain various anthropological approaches to study religion.2007Write a note on Shamanism.2007How anthropologists define Religion? Describe various forms of religion with suitable examples?2006Discuss Anthropological approaches to the study of Religion.2005“Witchcraft accusation is the result of strained interpersonal relations.” Explain.2004Distinguish between magic and religion. Give suitable examples.1999Discuss some of the characteristic features of tribal religions in India and state how far have they changed in recent times.1998Write a note on Witchcraft and sorcery.1996Why have religion and magic become stable features of a society ? What role do the religious functionaries play in simple and non-literate societies ?1994Describe the role of totemism in primitive religion, according to Durkheim.1993Highlight the significance of religious practices in Tribal Communities of India.1992Write a note on Religion and Magic.1992What is Taboo. Discuss the Significance of Taboo in primitive societies.1991What is religion ? Discuss Taylor’s theory of origin of religion.1990Describe the origin of religion. Distinguish between religion and magic.1989What do you mean by totemism ? Discuss the role of totemism in the tribal life of India.1987Distinguish between religion and magic. Critically examine the different theories of religion and comment on their relevance today.1986Write a note on differences between primitive religion and world religion.1985How do you explain the origin and evolution of religion ? How does religion continue to function in human society ?1984Distinguish between : Animism and animatism.1982Discuss the theories of origins of religion. Which one appears to be most adequate?1981“Nature Totemism continuities is a religion .” Substantiate based on.man (200- words).
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Previous · Paper I · Unit 04
Political Organization and Social Control
Band, tribe, chiefdom, kingdom and state; power, authority and legitimacy; social control, law and justice in simple societies.
Next · Paper I · Unit 06
Anthropological Theories
Classical evolutionism, historical particularism, diffusionism, functionalism, structuralism, culture and personality, neo-evolutionism, cultural materialism, symbolic, cognitive and postmodern theories.
Anthropology Optional
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