Best Anthropology Books for UPSC Optional
Anthropology Books for UPSC have significance in covering the syllabus of optional papers. Get the list of best Anthropology Books for UPSC optional preparation here.
Deeksha Dixit24 Jul, 2024
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Anthropology Books for UPSC: The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) gives significant weight to optional papers, with 500 marks out of 1750 in the Mains stage. For aspirants preparing for the UPSC with Anthropology as their optional subject, selecting the right books is paramount.
Anthropology is one of the most popular optional subjects in the UPSC Mains exam; therefore, competition is relatively high, requiring a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and biological aspects of human societies. To cover these topics, candidates need to refer to quality anthropology books for UPSC.Anthropology Books for UPSC CSE
Aspirants must note that there are a plethora of options available for anthropology books but it's crucial to focus on those that align closely with the UPSC Anthropology syllabus and provide clear, comprehensive coverage of concepts. Selection of the best anthropology books for UPSC is essential to master the subject and score 300+ in optional papers. Later, supplement anthropology optional preparation with test series and online resources to enhance understanding and readiness for the exam. The PW UPSC Optional Anthropology online course offers a wealth of supplementary materials from the best anthropology books for UPSC and daily answer-writing practice to make you well-equipped for the exam:| Anthropology Optional Course | |
| Course Title | Registration Link |
| Titan 4.0 (English) 2025 + Anthropology Optional | Click Here |
Anthropology Books for UPSC Optional Paper 1
Preparing for UPSC Optional Paper 1 in Anthropology requires choosing resources that cover the syllabus comprehensively. Anthropology books for UPSC Paper 1 give relevant insights into the meaning, scope, evolution, and other foundational concepts of anthropology. Here is the list of books to cover the syllabus for Paper 1:| Anthropology Books for UPSC Optional Paper 1 | |
| Books | Author/Publisher |
| Introducing Sociology NCERT Class XI | NCERT |
| Biology NCERT Class Xll (Chapters 5, 6, 7) | NCERT |
| An Introduction to Social Anthropology | D.N. Majumdar and T.N. Madan |
| Physical Anthropology | P. Nath |
| An Introduction to Social-Cultural Anthropology | N.K Vaid |
| Anthropological Theories | Makhan Jha |
Anthropology Books for UPSC Optional Paper 2
When selecting anthropology books for UPSC Optional Paper 2, candidates need to focus on textbooks that cover Indian anthropology, tribal issues, and social change in detail. Understand themes like the Indian cultural landscape, the challenges faced by tribal communities, the administration of tribal areas, etc. Here is the list of expert-recommended books to gain a deeper understanding of the subject as per the demands of the exam:| Anthropology Books for UPSC Optional Paper 2 | |
| Books | Author/Publisher |
| Indian Anthropology | Nadeem Hasnain |
| Anthropology Simplified | Vivek Bhasme |
| Indian Society NCERT Class XII | NCERT |
| The Tribal Culture of India | LP Vidyarthi |
| Tribal India | Nadeem Hasnain |
| History of Anthropology Thought | Gaya Pandey & Vijay S Upadhyay |
| Xaxa Tribal Committee Report | XaXa Committee |
Anthropology Books for UPSC by Toppers
UPSC toppers such as Akshat Jain and Anudeep Durishetty have shared their recommended booklists for Anthropology optional preparation. This curated selection of anthropology books for UPSC offers invaluable insights to cover the syllabus comprehensively and effectively. Here is the UPSC topper booklist that aspirants can follow to optimize their preparation:| Topper Anthropology Books for UPSC | |
| Books | Author/Publisher |
| Physical Anthropology | P Nath |
| Anthropology Simplified | Vivek Bhasme |
| Anthropology | Ember and Ember |
| Indian Anthropology | Nadeem Hasnain |
| Tribal India | Nadeem Hasnain |
| The Tribal Culture of India | LP Vidyarthi |
| Xaxa Tribal Committee Report | XaXa Committee |
| Yojana - Tribal and Marginalized Communities | Government of India |
Tips to Use Anthropology Books for UPSC Preparation
When preparing for the UPSC Anthropology exam, it's crucial to approach the subject with a focus on understanding rather than plain memorization. Begin with foundational anthropology books for UPSC like Ember and Ember and follow the below topper strategy to excel in the exam:- Do Selective Reading: Target chapters relevant to the syllabus by going through previous years' question papers to maintain focus and efficiency.
- Make Comprehensive Notes: Make detailed notes from core books and supplement them with additional points from other sources for revision purposes.
- Use Online Resources: Utilize platforms like Physics Wallah to deepen your understanding of complex concepts, answer writing, and stay updated on the latest research findings.
- Practice Answer Writing: Enroll in a test series and practice time management, diagrams, flow charts, etc. Learn to cite anthropologists, their works, and critiques to boost scores.
- Stay Updated: Be up to date with current developments in Anthropology through news sources and gather recent case studies to supplement your theoretical knowledge with examples.
| UPSC Related Articles | ||
| UPSC Prelims Mock Test 2024 | UPSC Optional | UPSC Prelims Syllabus |
| UPSC Study Material | UPSC Scholarship Test 2024 | UPSC Mains Admit Card |
Anthropology Books for UPSC FAQs
How many books to read for UPSC Anthropology optional?
There are 8 to 10 good books that must be read for UPSC Anthropology optional. However, candidates must focus on quality over quantity and cover only relevant parts aligned with the syllabus from the given list.
Is there any NCERT book for Anthropology?
While there are no specific NCERT textbooks dedicated solely to Anthropology, certain NCERT books like "Introducing Sociology" and "Indian Society" provide relevant insights for optional papers.
Which book should I start with for Anthropology optional?
Beginners can start with introductory books such as Ember and Ember to cover foundational concepts before delving into more specialized texts.
What do you need to study for Anthropology optional?
To prepare for Anthropology optional, aspirants need to cover a wide range of topics including sociocultural anthropology, physical anthropology, Indian anthropology, tribal issues, social change, and anthropological theories.
Which book is best for anthropology in UPSC?
The choice of the best anthropology book for UPSC varies based on individual preferences and learning styles. Some of the popular authors are Ember and Ember, P. Nath, and Nadeem Hasnain.
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