Prehistoric (Palaeolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic and Neolithic-Chalcolithic),
Protohistoric (Indus Civilization).
Pre-Harappan, Harappan and post- Harappan cultures.
Contributions of the tribal cultures to Indian civilization.
The concept of ethno-archaeology;
Survivals and Parallels among the hunting, foraging, fishing, pastoral and peasant communities including arts and crafts producing communities.
Ethnic and linguistic elements in the Indian population and their distribution. Indian population
Factors influencing its structure and growth.
Varnashrama,
Purushartha,
Karma
Rina and Rebirth.
Structure and characteristics Varna and caste,
Theories of origin of caste system,
Dominant caste,
Caste mobility,
Future of caste system,
Jajmani system. Tribe-caste continuum.
Contributions of the 18th, 19th and early 20th Century scholar-administrators.
Contributions of Indian anthropologists to tribal and caste studies.
Significance of village study in India;
Indian village as a social system;
Traditional and changing patterns of settlement and inter-caste relations;
Agrarian relations in Indian villages;
Impact of globalization on Indian villages.
Sanskritization, Westernization, Modernization;
Inter-play of little and great traditions;
Panchayati Raj and social change;
Media and Social change.
Ethnic conflicts and political developments;
Unrest among tribal communities;
Regionalism and demand for autonomy;
Pseudo-tribalism. Social change among the tribes during colonial and post-Independent India.