Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity, concerned with human behavior, human biology, cultures, societies, and linguistics, in both the present and past, including past human species. Social anthropology studies patterns of behavior, while cultural anthropology studies cultural meaning, including norms and values. Linguistic anthropology studies how language influences social life. Biological or physical anthropology studies the biological development of humans.
Archaeological anthropology, often termed as "anthropology of the past," studies human activity through investigation of physical evidence. It is considered a branch of anthropology in North America and Asia, while in Europe, archaeology is viewed as a discipline in its own right or grouped under other related disciplines, such as history and palaeontology.
Significance of Anthropology Optional
Optional selection play significant role in the Civil Services Examination. Anthropology has been one of the most favorite subject among Toppers because of following reasons:
Short syllabus and easy to revise - Well defined syllabus makes the descipline easy to revise especially one or two days before the Exam.
Easy to score and Understand - Topics mentioned in the syllabus are easy to comprehend irrespective of ones background and there is a high probability of asking Previous Year Questions. This makes the subject highly scoring.
Availability of guidance and materials - Toppers notes, Experienced faculties, genuine resources make the preparation handy for beginners as well as experienced candidates.
Overall with General Studies - Social aspects like Caste system, Tribal issues are very much relevant to GS syllabus.
