Origin and growth of Indian Anthropology
Indian anthropology has a rich and diverse
history, characterized by its origins in colonial times and subsequent growth.
The development of Indian anthropology can be divided into several phases:
1. Colonial Beginnings (19th
Century): The origins of Indian anthropology can be traced back to the British
colonial period. British administrators, scholars, and missionaries began to
study the culture, society, and languages of the Indian population.
Ethnographic accounts and linguistic studies were conducted to understand the
diverse communities within India.
2. Early Anthropological
Efforts (Late 19th - Early 20th Century): Scholars like H.H. Risley and E.A.
Gait contributed to the categorization of Indian population groups based on
physical features, leading to the formulation of race-based theories. However,
this approach was heavily criticized for its racial biases.
3. Institutionalization (1920s
- 1940s): The establishment of institutions like the Anthropological Survey of
India (AnSI) in 1945 marked a turning point. Scholars like G.S. Ghurye and
Verrier Elwin emphasized the importance of fieldwork and engaged in extensive
studies of Indian tribes and societies. This period saw the shift from
race-based theories to more holistic cultural studies.
4. Post-Independence Era
(1950s - 1970s): After India gained independence in 1947, there was a growing
emphasis on using anthropology for developmental purposes. Scholars like S.C.
Dube focused on understanding social change and rural development. The
establishment of academic departments and universities with anthropology
programs further contributed to the growth of the discipline.
5. Anthropology and Social
Issues (1980s - 1990s): During this period, anthropologists in India started to
critically engage with social issues such as caste, gender, and marginalized
communities. The focus shifted from traditional ethnography to addressing
contemporary challenges faced by Indian society.
6. Diversification and
Globalization (2000s - Present): Indian anthropology has continued to evolve in
response to globalization, technological advancements, and changing societal
dynamics. Anthropologists have been studying issues like urbanization,
migration, and globalization's impact on local cultures.
Throughout these phases,
Indian anthropology has been influenced by various theoretical paradigms,
including structural-functionalism, cultural materialism, postmodernism, and
critical anthropology. The discipline has also been shaped by collaborations
with indigenous communities, engagement with policy-makers, and contributions
to various academic fields.
In conclusion, the growth of
Indian anthropology has been marked by a progression from colonial-era racial
theories to a more inclusive and holistic understanding of Indian societies and
cultures. It has transitioned from being primarily ethnographic to engaging
with contemporary social issues, reflecting the changing landscape of India
itself.
Sure, here are multiple-choice
questions (MCQs) along with their answers on the origin and growth of Indian
anthropology:
1. What is the colonial
period's significance in the origin of Indian anthropology?
a) It marked the
establishment of Anthropological Survey of India
b) It led to the
emergence of racial theories
c) It emphasized
the importance of ethnographic studies
d) It initiated
the study of ancient Indian texts
Answer: b
2. Who were some of the early
scholars associated with categorizing Indian population groups based on
physical features?
a) S.C. Dube
b) G.S. Ghurye
c) Verrier Elwin
d) H.H. Risley
Answer: d
3. Which institution was
established in 1945 to conduct systematic anthropological research in India?
a) Indian
Anthropological Association
b) Indian
Anthropological Institute
c)
Anthropological Survey of India
d) National
Institute of Anthropology
Answer: c
4. In the early 20th century,
what was a common criticism of the race-based theories in Indian anthropology?
a) They were too
focused on linguistic studies
b) They were
heavily influenced by religious beliefs
c) They were
considered too progressive for the time
d) They were
criticized for racial biases
Answer: d
5. Who among the following
emphasized the importance of fieldwork and conducted extensive studies of
Indian tribes and societies?
a) E.A. Gait
b) S.C. Dube
c) Verrier Elwin
d) G.S. Ghurye
Answer: c
6. What major shift occurred
in Indian anthropology after the country gained independence in 1947?
a) The focus on
race-based theories intensified
b)
Anthropological research was abandoned
c) The
discipline's emphasis shifted to rural development
d) The
Anthropological Survey of India was disbanded
Answer: c
7. What theme gained
prominence in Indian anthropology during the 1980s and 1990s?
a) Ancient Indian
history
b) The study of
linguistics
c) Urbanization
and migration
d) Race-based
theories
Answer: c
8. Which theoretical paradigms
have influenced Indian anthropology?
a)
Structural-functionalism, cultural materialism, and postmodernism
b) Behaviorism,
psychoanalysis, and functionalism
c)
Existentialism, positivism, and cognitive psychology
d) Nativism,
relativism, and objectivism
Answer: a
9. What marked the growth of
Indian anthropology in response to globalization?
a) A decline in
fieldwork-based research
b) A stronger
focus on ancient Indian history
c) Studies on
urbanization, migration, and globalization's impact
d) An increased
emphasis on racial classifications
Answer: c
10. Which scholar is known for
critically engaging with issues related to caste, gender, and marginalized
communities in Indian society?
a) H.H. Risley
b) E.A. Gait
c) S.C. Dube
d) G.S. Ghurye
Answer: c
11. What is the key focus of
contemporary Indian anthropology?
a) Studying
ancient Indian languages
b) Exploring the
origins of Indian tribes
c) Addressing
current social issues and challenges
d) Documenting
historical artifacts
Answer: c
12. Which period marked the
establishment of academic departments and universities with anthropology
programs in India?
a) Colonial
period
b) Early 20th
century
c)
Post-independence era
d) Globalization
phase
Answer: c
13. What role did missionaries
play in the early development of Indian anthropology?
a) They promoted
race-based theories
b) They
conducted ethnographic studies
c) They
criticized colonial policies
d) They
advocated for modernization
Answer: b
14. Who emphasized the need
for holistic cultural studies over race-based classifications?
a) E.A. Gait
b) H.H. Risley
c) G.S. Ghurye
d) Verrier Elwin
Answer: d
15. Which approach became more
prevalent in Indian anthropology during the post-independence era?
a) Comparative
linguistics
b)
Cross-cultural psychology
c) Rural
development studies
d) Ancient
Indian scriptures
Answer: c
16. What marked the transition
from traditional ethnography to addressing contemporary social challenges in
Indian anthropology?
a) Emergence of
digital technologies
b) Introduction
of race-based theories
c) Establishment
of colonial institutions
d) Engagement
with issues like caste and gender
Answer: d
17. Which scholar's work
contributed to the understanding of Indian tribes and their way of life?
a) S.C. Dube
b) G.S. Ghurye
c) Verrier Elwin
d) H.H. Risley
Answer: c
18. What was the primary focus
of early anthropological studies in India?
a) Linguistic
diversity
b) Cultural
evolution
c) Physical
anthropology
d) Study of
ancient scriptures
Answer: c
19. What marked a major shift
in Indian anthropology's focus after the colonial period?
a) Exploration
of European cultures
b) Study of
ancient civilizations
c) Emphasis on
local cultures and societies
d) Establishment
of missionary schools
Answer: c
20. What aspect of Indian
anthropology emerged as a response to the country's diverse population?
a) The study of
European colonialism
b) Caste-based
classifications
c) Ethnographic
diversity
d) Comparative
religion studies
Answer: c
21. Which period saw a greater
emphasis on the role of anthropology in development projects?
a) Colonial era
b)
Post-independence era
c) Globalization
phase
d) Pre-colonial
period
Answer: b
22. Who among the following
was instrumental in establishing the Anthropological Survey of India?
a) Verrier Elwin
b) E.A. Gait
c) S.C. Dube
d) G.S. Ghurye
Answer: b
23. What was one of the
criticisms of early anthropological efforts in India?
a) Focus on
urban populations
b) Neglect of
linguistic diversity
c) Overemphasis
on religious studies
d) Promotion of
racial stereotypes
Answer: d
24. Which phase of Indian
anthropology emphasized engagement with indigenous communities?
a) Colonial era
b)
Post-independence era
c) Globalization
phase
d) Early 20th
century
Answer: b
25. What marked the transition
from race-based theories to more culturally sensitive approaches in Indian
anthropology?
a) The emergence
of colonial institutions
b) The influence
of European anthrop
ologists
c) Criticisms of
racial biases and colonial policies
d) Technological
advancements in research methods
Answer: c
26. Which area of study gained
prominence in Indian anthropology during the 1980s and 1990s?
a) The study of
ancient scriptures
b) Exploration
of ancient trade routes
c) Urbanization
and migration studies
d) Comparative
religious studies
Answer: c
27. What characterized the
growth of Indian anthropology in response to globalization?
a) A shift
towards isolationist perspectives
b) Emphasis on
traditional research methods
c) Focus on
urbanization, migration, and cultural interactions
d) Decline in
anthropological research
Answer: c
28. What was a significant
outcome of Indian anthropology's engagement with contemporary social issues?
a) Reinforcement
of racial theories
b) Neglect of
indigenous cultures
c) Contribution
to policy-making and social change
d) Increased
emphasis on traditional rituals
Answer: c
29. Who is known for
advocating the use of fieldwork in Indian anthropology?
a) H.H. Risley
b) E.A. Gait
c) Verrier Elwin
d) G.S. Ghurye
Answer: c
30. What defines the current
focus of Indian anthropology?
a) Exclusively
studying rural communities
b) Examining
ancient Indian texts
c) Addressing
contemporary social challenges
d) Investigating
prehistoric migrations
Answer: c
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