Anthropology Optional · Paper II · Indian Anthropology

Tribal Situation in India Notes · PYQs

Free notes and every UPSC previous year question for Tribal Situation in India (Anthropology Optional Paper II, Unit 06), arranged by syllabus sub-topic so you can read a topic and immediately see how UPSC has asked it. Syllabus: Bio-genetic, linguistic and socio-economic variability of tribes; problems of tribal communities; development projects, displacement, forest policy, urbanisation and industrialisation.

4

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154

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55

Asked since 2013

1981–2026

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Official UPSC syllabus

Tribal Situation in 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.

6.1 Tribal situation in India: Bio-genetic variability, linguistic and socio-economic characteristics of the tribal populations and their distribution.

6.2 Problems of the tribal Communities: Land alienation, poverty, indebtedness, low literacy, poor educational facilities, unemployment, under- employment, health and nutrition.

6.3 Developmental projects and their impact on tribal displacement and problems of rehabilitation. Development of forest policy and tribals. Impact of urbanisation and industrialization on tribal populations.

Paper II · Unit 06

Tribal Situation in 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: Tribal Situation in India

All 154 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
6.1 Tribal situation in India43172025
6.2 Problems of tribal communities50192026
6.3 Development projects, displacement, forest policy, urbanisation and industrialisation57182026
6.4 Trade and markets in tribal societies412025

6.1 Tribal situation in India

43 questions · 17 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Tribal Situation in India

Asked since 2013 · 17

  • 2025Critically examine the concept of Scheduled Tribe (ST) and mention the limitations of administrator’s criteria.
  • 2025Write notes on: Tribalism and Pseudotribalism.
  • 2025Describe the nature of traditional socioeconomic interdependence among the Toda, Kota, Kurumba and Irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills. Highlight the changes occurring in these interrelationships.
  • 2024Write notes on: Artisan tribes of Jharkhand.
  • 2023Discuss the distribution of tribes in different geographical regions of India. Identify the distinct institutional features of tribal societies of these regions.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Cultural diversity and multiculturalism” in about 150 words.
  • 2021Write short notes on “Concept of tribe and Indian census” in about 150 words.
  • 2020Elucidate the linguistic classification of Indian tribes.
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Distinctive cultural features of tribes of Andaman islands.
  • 2018Write a note in 150 words on Youth Dormitory as an institution.
  • 2016Discuss how cultural diversity of Indian tribes has enriched its plural traditions.
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Biogenetic variability of Indian tribes.
  • 2015Write a note in 150 words on Socioeconomic characteristics of shifting cultivators.
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on Biogenetic variations of Indian tribes.
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on Social and economic marginalization of tribal people.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Threat to tribal languages in India.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Linguistic classification of Indian tribes.
Show 26 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 26 questions

  • 2012Write a note in 150 words on Youth Dormitory.
  • 2012Discuss the concept of ‘indigenous people’ as per the relevant UN convention. Are tribals of India indigenous people ? Comment.
  • 2012Using ethnographic examples, point out how gender relations have changed over time among Central Indian tribes.
  • 2012Discuss the linkages between language, territoriality and kinship among the  tribes of North-East India.
  • 2011Discuss the distinctive features of tribal in North-east India.
  • 2011“Tribes in India are not homogeneous group.” Discuss.
  • 2009Write a brief note on the linguistic diversity among Indian tribes.
  • 2008Write a note on Tribes as Indigenous Cultures.
  • 2007Do you think that Indian tribes have rich biogenetic variability ? Discuss.
  • 2006Write a note on Key characteristics of the Scheduled Tribes in India.
  • 2006Discuss bio-morphological variation among the tribals of Northeastern India.
  • 2005Write a note on Genetic diversity among Indian tribes.
  • 2003Write a note on Tribe and peasant similarities and differences.
  • 2003Write a note on Biogenetic variability in tribal population.
  • 2002Write a note on Linguistic diversity among the tribes of Chhota Nagpur.
  • 2001Write a note on Scheduled Area.
  • 1992Give in detail the ethnographic profile of polyandrous tribe in India.
  • 1989Write a note on Tribal Youth Dormitories.
  • 1988Write a note on Migration as a means of socio-economic mobility in tribal society.
  • 1987Briefly describe the linguistic and socioeconomic characteristics of the triba peoples either (a) of Central India including the Chota Nagpur plateau or (b) of North East India.
  • 1986Write a note on Languages spoken by the scheduled tribes.
  • 1985Describe the racial, linguistic and socioeconomic characteristics of a tribe either of Central India or of South India.
  • 1985Write a note on Role of dormitory in tribal life.
  • 1984Write a note in 200 words : Racial affinity of Indian tribes.
  • 1984Write an ethnographic profile in detail about any one Indian tribe you are aware of.
  • 1981Write a note on Youth dormitary in a Central Indian tribe. (200 words).

6.2 Problems of tribal communities

50 questions · 19 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Problems of Tribal Communities

Asked since 2013 · 19

  • 2026Write an account on the prevalence of sickle cell disease among the tribal populations of India. What are the initiatives undertaken by the affected states to tackle with this disease?
  • 2026What are the major challenges tribal communities are facing in contemporary India?
  • 2025Examine the environmental and biocultural factors influencing the health of tribals of India.
  • 2024Write notes on: Causes of stunting and wasting among tribal children.
  • 2024Custodians of natural resources are the tribals, but they are the most deprived. Critically examine how climate change will impact their survival in future.
  • 2024Discuss the economic, social, and developmental impacts on tribal communities with special reference to mining.
  • 2022Write notes on: Issues of tribal agricultural labourers.
  • 2022Write notes on: Major problems of nomadic and semi-nomadic groups.
  • 2022Discuss the issues and solutions related to the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe populations in India.
  • 2022Explain how British policies impacted the major resources of the tribals.
  • 2021Elucidate the problems and challenges in educational attainment of the Scheduled Tribes.
  • 2021Examine the factors responsible for malnutrition in tribal India and suggest interventions required to overcome the problem.
  • 2020Elucidate the problems of land alienation among the tribals of India.
  • 2019Write a note in 150 words on Issues relating to tribal education.
  • 2017Write a note in 150 words on Indebtedness among tribal communities.
  • 2017Describe the impact of displacement on the health and nutritional status of tribal communities.
  • 2015Discuss how constitutional provisions in India have built-in mechanisms for dealing with the problem of land alienation in tribal areas.
  • 2015Discuss the sociocultural, economic and psychological constraints responsible for low literacy in tribal areas.
  • 2014Discuss the impact of land alienation on the tribes of Central India.
Show 31 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 31 questions

  • 2010Write a note in 150 words on Education and health among tribal women.
  • 2010“Land and forest are the twin problems  of the tribes.” Explain.
  • 2010Discuss the relevance of traditional wisdom and knowledge of the tribes with reference to health in the present day context.
  • 2010Critically examine the various structural constraints in the educational development of Scheduled Tribes.
  • 2009Write a note on Indebtedness in Tribal Communities.
  • 2008Discuss the health problems faced by tribal populations in India. Suggest some corrective measures.
  • 2007Write a note on Land Alienation.
  • 2005Discuss the factors related to low literacy rate among the tribals of India. Write in brief the measures taken by the government in different five-year plans to eradicate it.
  • 2003Write a note on Constraints of educational development among the tribals.
  • 2003Write a note on Land alienation among the tribals.
  • 2000Write a note on The problems of denotified groups.
  • 1999Write a note on Land Alienation in tribal India.
  • 1999Bring out, with suitable examples, the constraints of educational development of tribal communities in India. Suggest remedial measures in this context.
  • 1998Discuss the health and nutritional status of tribal and rural children in India. How far has the government policy been effective ?
  • 1996Distinguish among nutrition, food and diet. Comment on the nutritional status of the tribes with subsistence economy in the form of hunting-gathering, shifting cultivation and settled agriculture in India.
  • 1995Describe the socio-cultural factors related to the poor health conditions of the Indian tribal population. Suggest measures for improving these conditions.
  • 1994Write a note on Factors responsible for tribal migration and its consequences.
  • 1993Write a note on Tribal education.
  • 1992Write a note on Indebtedness and land alienation among Indian tribes.
  • 1992What are the major problems of the tribes in India ? Evaluate the measures adopted by the Central and State Governments in India to solve these problems.
  • 1990Write a note on Transfer and alienation of tribal land.
  • 1990Discuss the anthropological approach to the understanding of the tribal ethos and comment on the major socioeconomic problems of Indian tribes.
  • 1989Discuss major problems of the tribes of India. Make a critical evaluation of the measures adopted by the Central and State Govt, in India to solve these problems and account for their limited success.
  • 1988Write a note on Common Property Resources in tribal villages.
  • 1988Write a note on Elites and alienation in tribal society.
  • 1988Discuss the special problems of shifting cultivators or of hunting food gathering tribes.
  • 1986Write a note on Indebtedness and land alienation among Indian tribes.
  • 1986Define untouchability and point out whether the problems of its removal should be treated as a matter of social reform rather than as part of administrative and legal measures.
  • 1983Write a note in 200 words : Indebtedness and land alienation among Indian tribes.
  • 1983Discuss the isolationist and assimilationist approaches to the tribal problems, showing their respective merits and demerits.
  • 1981Identify the main type of problems that arise out of contacts between tribal people and more advanced sections of Indian population. What measures do you suggest to mitigate the same ?

6.3 Development projects, displacement, forest policy, urbanisation and industrialisation

57 questions · 18 since 2013 · last asked 2026
Read the notes: Development Projects and Tribal Displacement · Forest Policy, Urbanization and Industrialization

Asked since 2013 · 18

  • 2026Make a critical appraisal of Niyamgiri movement against mining-induced displacement.
  • 2025Write notes on: Impact of urbanization and industrialization on tribal communities of India.
  • 2024Examine the impact of Forest Policies from 1878 to 2006 on land alienation and deprivation of rights of tribal communities in India.
  • 2024Discuss the economic, social, and developmental impacts on tribal communities with special reference to mining.
  • 2023Critically examine how the displacement of tribal communities due to hydroelectric river dam projects has affected the women in local context. Illustrate with suitable ethnographic examples.
  • 2022How can a balance be struck between livelihood concern and environmental degradation in the context of shifting cultivation?
  • 2021Write short notes on “Urbanization and tribal institutions” in about 150 words.
  • 2021Explain the impact of successive Land Acquisition Acts on tribal social organization.
  • 2021Discuss the problems involved in rehabilitation and resettlement of tribals displaced due to development projects in India.
  • 2020Explain the impact of developmentinduced displacement among the tribal people in India with suitable examples.
  • 2019What has been the impact of development projects on the environment and livelihood of forestdwelling tribes ?
  • 2018Examine the advancement made in the land acquisition and rehabilitation Act of 2013 over the Land acquisition Act  of 1894.
  • 2018Discuss the significance and implementation of ‘Recognition of  Forest Right’s Act 2006’
  • 2016Write a note in 150 words on Impact of industrialization on scheduled tribe population of Jharkhand.
  • 2016Explain the difficulties experienced by scheduled tribes with regard to implementation of the ‘Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006’
  • 2014Write a note in 150 words on Forest policy and tribes.
  • 2014Discuss the impact of Globalization on the livelihood of the tribal populations.
  • 2013Write a note in 150 words on Impacts of sanctuaries and national park on tribal populations.
Show 39 earlier questions (before 2013)

1981–2012 · 39 questions

  • 2012Critically examine the National Policy on Rehabilitation and Resettlement substantiating it with experiences from different parts of India.
  • 2011Write a note in 150 words on Forest Rights Act – 2006.
  • 2011Discuss the problem of displaced tribal communities with the help of recent examples.
  • 2011Discuss the impact of Urbanization and Industrialization on tribal women.
  • 2010Write a note in 150 words on Tribal displacement.
  • 2009Critically examine the evolution of Forest policy in India since the British period. Discuss its impact on tribals of India.
  • 2007Write a note on Impact of Industrialization on Tribals.
  • 2007Illustrate, with suitable examples, the impact of development programmes on  tribal and weaker sections.
  • 2006Write a note on Joint Forest Management.
  • 2006Discuss the impact of the Forest Rights Act on the livelihood and culture of tribal people in India. (2021).
  • 2005Examine the impact of urbanization and industrialisation on tribal economy in India.
  • 2004Write a note on Detribalization.
  • 2004Discuss the context, process and consequences of involuntary displacement among tribal communities in India and analyze the problems of rehabilitation.
  • 2003Discuss how forest is related to the tribal life. Critically examine how a change in forest policy and forest degradation have affected tribal economy.
  • 2001Indicate the main thrust of anthropological studies on development induced displacement and rehabilitation. Suggest a worthwhile rehabilitation package for displaced tribals to retain their sense of community-belonging.
  • 2001Write a note on Detribalization.
  • 2000Give an account of Joint Forest Management programmes. What is the role of NGOs in such programmes ?
  • 1999Write a note on Sustainable development.
  • 1999Critically examine the forest policy in India right since the British period. Discuss its impact on tribal people.
  • 1999Discuss the problem of tribal displacement in India. To what extent, are development policies responsible for such displacement ? Also explain the role of NGOs in providing the remedial measures to the affected people.
  • 1998Write a note on Social Forestry.
  • 1996Bring out the impact of industrialization on rural population in India. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. Suggest appropriate measures for the solution of the problems encountered with.
  • 1996Write a note on Involvement of local communities in forest management.
  • 1995Write a note on Genesis of urbanization in India.
  • 1993How are the tribes in India dependent on forest? Make a comparative evaluation on malevolent and benevolent actions of the tribes on forest.
  • 1993Point out the favourable and detrimental impacts of industrialization on rural population, living in the vicinity areas. What are your proposals for achieving a balance without harmful effects?
  • 1992Write a note on ‘Land and forest’ are basic needs of tribals.
  • 1992Describe the traditional economy of the Indian tribal communities and show how changes have come in it due to impact of Industrialization.
  • 1991Write a note on Effects of governmental policy regarding forests on Indian tribes.
  • 1991Write a note on ‘Push’ and ‘Puli’ factors in rural-urban migration.
  • 1990Write a note on Impact of urbanization on the tribal societies.
  • 1988Discuss the world view of tribal people in forest regions of India.
  • 1988Write a note on Large scale development and distress in tribal regions.
  • 1988Discuss the people’s response and participation in development programmes in tribal areas.
  • 1987Write a note on Forests and the tribal peoples.
  • 1987Write a note on ‘Rapid industrialisations may lead to psychological frustrations.’Discuss.
  • 1986The impact of Industrialization of the tribes of India created for them many problems. Discuss with suitable Examples.
  • 1982Write a note on (200 words) : Forest policy and tribal interests.
  • 1981Write a note on Influence of environment on the culture of any Indian tribe. (200 words).

6.4 Trade and markets in tribal societies

4 questions · 1 since 2013 · last asked 2025
Read the notes: Problems of Tribal Communities

Asked since 2013 · 1

  • 2025Describe the nature of traditional socioeconomic interdependence among the Toda, Kota, Kurumba and Irula tribes of Nilgiri Hills. Highlight the changes occurring in these interrelationships.
Show 3 earlier questions (before 2013)

1989–2012 · 3 questions

  • 1991What are the principal characteristic of tribal markets ? What extra-economic functions do such markets perform?
  • 1990Write a note on Tribal markets as centres of social and cultural interaction.
  • 1989Write a note on Barter and Exchange in the tribal societies.

Year-wise question papers

All question papers Topic-wise PYQ bank (both papers) 2026 paper 2025 paper 2024 paper 2023 paper

Previous · Paper II · Unit 05

Indian Village and Social Change

Village studies and agrarian relations; linguistic and religious minorities; Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernization; little and great traditions; Panchayati Raj and media.

Notes · PYQs

Next · Paper II · Unit 07

Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs

Exploitation, deprivation and constitutional safeguards; social change in contemporary tribal societies; ethnicity, unrest, regionalism, autonomy, pseudo-tribalism; tribal movements.

Notes · PYQs

Anthropology Optional

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