Here are all 23 Economic Organization questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 3 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
3.1] Meaning, scope and relevance of economic anthropology; formalist and substantivist debate
6 questions
Write a short note on: Debate between formalist and substantivist approaches. [2022/10m/150w/1a]
Critically examine the Formalists’ and Substantivists’ views on the applicability of economic laws in the study of primitive societies. [2015/20m/4a]
Differentiate between Economics and Economic Anthropology. (150 words) [2013/10m/150w/3c]
Critically examine the debate between Formalists and Substantivists. [2011/30m/3b]
Critically discuss the formalist and substantivist approaches in the context of economic anthropology. [2005/60m/R9]
Delineate the meaning and scope of economic anthropology and discuss the principles that govern production, distribution and consumption in hunting and gathering communities. [1997/50m/4]
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14 questions
Write a short note on: Cultural relevance of the Kula. [2024/10m/150w/5b]
Critically examine various anthropological interpretations about the Kula Ring. [2022/15m/4c]
Write a short note on: Modes of Subsistence. [2021/10m/150w/5e]
Write a short note on: Pastoralism in India. [2019/10m/150w/1c]
Write the characteristics of hunting and gathering economy. [2018/15m/4c]
With the help of appropriate examples, explain the various forms of exchange system. [2017/15m/3c]
Discuss the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies. [2016/20m/4a]
Write a short note on: Horticulture. [2015/10m/150w/1d]
Discuss different modes of exchange in simple societies, with suitable examples. [2011/30m/4a]
Write a short note on: Trade and Barter. [2005/20m/R3]
Write a short note on: Ceremonial Exchange. [2004/20m/R3]
“Primitive economic organization has several peculiar features relating to the production, consumption, distribution and exchange.” Discuss the above statement by providing appropriate illustrations. [2003/60m/R10]
Write a short note on: Kula Ring. [2003/20m/R4]
Delineate the meaning and scope of economic anthropology and discuss the principles that govern production, distribution and consumption in hunting and gathering communities. [1997/50m/4]
3.3] Globalization and indigenous economic systems
3 questions
Discuss the impact of globalization on the economic systems of indigenous communities. [2023/15m/6b]
Discuss how indigenous people encounter globalization. [2019/20m/7a]
Discuss the impact of globalization on tribal economy. (350 words) [2013/20m/350w/3a]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026