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Definition
Studies past human societies through material remains.
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Example / case study
Lactase persistence → long-term milk consumption in pastoral populations → selection for lactose tolerance. Thus, biological anthropology connects genetic evolution with culturally created dietary practices. 2. Archaeological Anthropology — Material Science + Human Meaning Archaeological anthropology reconstructs past human societies through artifacts, ecofacts and features.
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Thinkers
Bronislaw Malinowski | Fieldwork; Cultural Anthropology Franz Boas | Cultural Anthropology; Historical Particularism Benjamin Lee Whorf | Linguistic Relativity
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Definition
Biological anthropology studies human evolution, heredity, variation and adaptation using scientific methods, while recognising the influence of culture on biology.
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Example / case study
Information is reconstructed almost entirely through archaeological evidence. Together they explain humans from biological, cultural, linguistic and historical perspectives. Anthropology today extends far beyond the study of tribes.
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Thinkers
E.A. Hoebel: “Anthropology is the study of man and his works.”
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Definition
Drives cycle of suffering until Moksha is attained.
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Example / case study
over-consumption of resources → karma teaches restraint. Lucia Michelutti (The Vernacularisation of Democracy, 2008) → Yadavs of UP link identity to Krishna descent. John Cort (Jains in the World, 2001) → Oswals consider themselves superior to other Jain castes (Shrimals, Porwals). Anuja Agrawal (Chaste Wives and Prostitute Sisters, 2008) → Bedia community narrates their Rajput origin despite prostitution as occupation.
Short notes for this Anthropology syllabus heading.