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Definition
Anthropology is the holistic, comparative study of humans — biological evolution, culture, language, institutions and behaviour — across time and space (anthropos = human; logos = study).
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Example / case study
Harappan urban planning is reconstructed from material remains, showing how archaeology recovers past social organisation. Tribal welfare uses anthropological field methods such as PRA/RRA so schemes fit local culture rather than a one-size plan.
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Thinkers
E.A. Hoebel — Anthropology is the study of man and his works. L.P. Vidyarthi — three phases of Indian anthropology: Formative (1774–1919, colonial surveys), Constructive (1920–1949, institutional fieldwork), Analytical (from 1950).
Short notes for this Anthropology syllabus heading.