World Anthropology Day 2025A beginner’s guide to Anthropology : Some major queries
|
Sanjoy Akoijam
Contd from previous issue
Universities, museums, and research institutions often organize events such as lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions. These events help people learn about different cultures, human evolution, archaeological discoveries, and contemporary social issues through an anthro- pological lens. The day also serves as an opportunity for anthropolo- gists and students to connect with communities, share their research findings, and demon- strate how anthropological perspectives can help address modern challenges like cultural preservation, social justice, sustainable development, etc.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Celebrate, Engage, Inspire”.
What is the status of the discipline in India and Manipur?
In India, the discipline has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The country has produced many world renowned anthropologists such as DN Majumdar, NK Bose, MN Srinivas, Irawati Karve, LP Vidyarthi, SC Dube, B.M Das, TN Madan, TC Das, IP Singh, etc. to name a few. The discipline is offered at the higher secondary level in a good number of schools throughout the country, but high school students have very limited exposure to the discipline. Yes, certain anthro- pological concepts and related knowledge are included in high school syllabi across the country, but the discipline remains a blind spot for a majority of students in this category. A majority of higher secondary students also probably have no idea about the discipline either, other than seeing its name in examination schedules or official book lists! A number of colleges, universities and institutes across the country offer under-graduate, post-graduate, PhD and other academic programs in Anthropology. Some notable Anthropology departments in India can be found in Delhi University, Panjab University, Calcutta University, Lucknow University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Gauhati University, etc.
Manipur also stands tall as an important pillar in the hall of Indian Anthropology. The State’s tryst with Anthropology began with the establishment of a department in 1961-62 in DM College of Science (now part of Dhanamanjuri University) by (L) Dr Longjam Rajendra Singh (Physical Anthropology). Joined soon by (L) KC Mahanta (Socio-Cultural Anthropology) and (L) RK Das (Prehistory), they planted the seeds for the discipline in Manipur. The Anthropology departments in Manipur University (estd. 1984) and Dhanamanjuri University hold much significance, having guided and produced many brilliant minds over the years. Besides these two main departments, around 30 colleges across the State also offer courses in the discipline.
Anthropology in India has been crucial in documenting and preserving the country's vast cultural diversity, including its numerous tribal communities, languages, customs, and social structures. It has played a vital role in shaping social policies and development programs by providing insights into traditional knowledge systems, social hierarchies, and local practices. Additionally, anthro- pological studies have helped bridge the gap between modern governance and traditional societies, contributing to more culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare, education, social welfare programs, etc.
What are the career prospects ?
Unlike fields like Medicine, Engineering or Law that are so beloved in India and can lead to lucrative careers for the cream of the crop, Anthropology does not offer straightforward or lucrative careers as such. But it certainly opens the door to several opportunities. Anthropologists and anthropology students can become researchers in government, non-government and corporate organisations- with their skill of looking at human society holistically being a major plus point. Of course, many of them will join academics full time and become faculty in Government and private organi- sations as well. They can also become researchers, policy advisors, analysts and consultants for public policy organisations, market and financial institutions, development organisations, media organisations, public health organisations, etc. Careers in Forensics, Archaeology, Psychology, Linguistics, Museology, Culture Studies, Paleon-tology, Social Work, etc. can also be accessed through Anthropology. Besides, the central tenet of Anthropology- looking at human society from a holistic perspective- can be applied to all aspects of our existence, irrespective of who we are and what we do for a living.
The writer is a PhD Research Scholar in the Department of Anthropology, Manipur University. He can be reached at [email protected].
Contd from previous issue
Universities, museums, and research institutions often organize events such as lectures, workshops, exhibitions, and interactive sessions. These events help people learn about different cultures, human evolution, archaeological discoveries, and contemporary social issues through an anthro- pological lens. The day also serves as an opportunity for anthropolo- gists and students to connect with communities, share their research findings, and demon- strate how anthropological perspectives can help address modern challenges like cultural preservation, social justice, sustainable development, etc.
The theme for this year’s celebration is “Celebrate, Engage, Inspire”.
What is the status of the discipline in India and Manipur?
In India, the discipline has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The country has produced many world renowned anthropologists such as DN Majumdar, NK Bose, MN Srinivas, Irawati Karve, LP Vidyarthi, SC Dube, B.M Das, TN Madan, TC Das, IP Singh, etc. to name a few. The discipline is offered at the higher secondary level in a good number of schools throughout the country, but high school students have very limited exposure to the discipline. Yes, certain anthro- pological concepts and related knowledge are included in high school syllabi across the country, but the discipline remains a blind spot for a majority of students in this category. A majority of higher secondary students also probably have no idea about the discipline either, other than seeing its name in examination schedules or official book lists! A number of colleges, universities and institutes across the country offer under-graduate, post-graduate, PhD and other academic programs in Anthropology. Some notable Anthropology departments in India can be found in Delhi University, Panjab University, Calcutta University, Lucknow University, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Gauhati University, etc.
Manipur also stands tall as an important pillar in the hall of Indian Anthropology. The State’s tryst with Anthropology began with the establishment of a department in 1961-62 in DM College of Science (now part of Dhanamanjuri University) by (L) Dr Longjam Rajendra Singh (Physical Anthropology). Joined soon by (L) KC Mahanta (Socio-Cultural Anthropology) and (L) RK Das (Prehistory), they planted the seeds for the discipline in Manipur. The Anthropology departments in Manipur University (estd. 1984) and Dhanamanjuri University hold much significance, having guided and produced many brilliant minds over the years. Besides these two main departments, around 30 colleges across the State also offer courses in the discipline.
Anthropology in India has been crucial in documenting and preserving the country's vast cultural diversity, including its numerous tribal communities, languages, customs, and social structures. It has played a vital role in shaping social policies and development programs by providing insights into traditional knowledge systems, social hierarchies, and local practices. Additionally, anthro- pological studies have helped bridge the gap between modern governance and traditional societies, contributing to more culturally sensitive approaches in healthcare, education, social welfare programs, etc.
What are the career prospects ?
Unlike fields like Medicine, Engineering or Law that are so beloved in India and can lead to lucrative careers for the cream of the crop, Anthropology does not offer straightforward or lucrative careers as such. But it certainly opens the door to several opportunities. Anthropologists and anthropology students can become researchers in government, non-government and corporate organisations- with their skill of looking at human society holistically being a major plus point. Of course, many of them will join academics full time and become faculty in Government and private organi- sations as well. They can also become researchers, policy advisors, analysts and consultants for public policy organisations, market and financial institutions, development organisations, media organisations, public health organisations, etc. Careers in Forensics, Archaeology, Psychology, Linguistics, Museology, Culture Studies, Paleon-tology, Social Work, etc. can also be accessed through Anthropology. Besides, the central tenet of Anthropology- looking at human society from a holistic perspective- can be applied to all aspects of our existence, irrespective of who we are and what we do for a living.
The writer is a PhD Research Scholar in the Department of Anthropology, Manipur University. He can be reached at [email protected].