Anthropology Case Studies for UPSC 21st January 2026

Introduction: 

In UPSC Anthropology preparation, case studies act as a bridge between theory and real-world application. They help aspirants demonstrate conceptual clarity, interdisciplinary understanding, and the ability to apply anthropological perspectives to contemporary issues. Well-structured case studies strengthen answers in both Paper I and Paper II by enriching them with examples related to ecological anthropology, biological anthropology, environmental governance, and people–environment relationships.

This article combines two highly relevant Indian case studies—the Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora, Tamil Nadu, and the Save Kurinji Movement led by G. Rajkumar. Together, they offer powerful insights into conservation ethics, ecological adaptation, indigenous knowledge, and people-led environmental action.

Quick Reference Box (UPSC Mapping)

Case Study 1: Dugong Conservation Centre, Manora, Tamil Nadu

• Paper Mapping: Paper I – Biological Anthropology; Ecological Anthropology
• Core Themes: Keystone species, coastal ecology, CRZ norms, sustainable development, indigenous knowledge
• Keywords: Dugong Conservation Centre case study, biological anthropology UPSC, dugong conservation India, coastal conservation anthropology

Case Study 2: Save Kurinji Movement & G. Rajkumar

• Paper Mapping: Paper I – Ecological Anthropology; Anthropology and Environment
• Core Themes: People-led conservation, grassroots movements, shola–grassland ecosystem, ethical leadership
• Keywords: Save Kurinji movement, ecological anthropology UPSC, people-led conservation India, shola grassland ecosystem

Scientific and Theoretical Background

From an anthropological perspective, human societies are deeply embedded within ecosystems. Biological anthropology examines how species interact with their environment, while ecological anthropology studies how human cultures adapt to ecological constraints through social organisation, technology, and belief systems.

Modern conservation challenges often arise when development-driven institutions fail to adapt to ecological limits. Case studies from India highlight how ignoring indigenous knowledge and ecological sensitivity can undermine conservation goals, while people-led and culturally grounded approaches often produce sustainable outcomes.

Case Study 1: Dugong Conservation Centre, Manora, Tamil Nadu

Organism and Ecological Context

Dugongs (Dugong dugon), commonly known as sea cows, are critically endangered marine mammals protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed under Appendix I of CITES. In India, their populations are largely confined to the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Dugongs are a keystone species whose grazing maintains healthy seagrass meadows. These ecosystems support marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods, making dugong conservation both an ecological and socio-economic necessity.

Project Overview

The Government of Tamil Nadu proposed the International Dugong Conservation Centre (IDCC) at Manora, Thanjavur district, with objectives of research, rescue, rehabilitation, and public awareness. However, the site largely falls under CRZ-III (No Development Zone), with parts overlapping CRZ-I areas such as mangroves and seagrass beds.

Key Observations and Issues

Despite its conservation intent, the project proposed large-scale permanent construction using conventional concrete structures. Nearly 22,000 square metres of construction was planned within the No Development Zone, raising serious ecological concerns.

From an ecological anthropology viewpoint, this reflects a mismatch between conservation goals and technological choices. Heavy concrete construction symbolises human dominance over nature and risks disturbing sediment flow, coastal hydrology, and fragile marine habitats.

Mechanism and Process Analysis

The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change intervened during the CRZ clearance process. While recognising the importance of dugong conservation, it recommended a major redesign based on low-impact engineering, relocation of infrastructure outside the NDZ, and learning from eco-sensitive best practices.

Anthropological Takeaways

• Dugong conservation illustrates biological anthropology concepts such as keystone species and ecosystem balance.
• Ignoring Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) of coastal communities weakens conservation outcomes.
• Sustainable development requires institutions and technologies to adapt to environmental constraints.

Case Study 2: Save Kurinji Movement and the Legacy of G. Rajkumar

Ecological Background

The shola–grassland ecosystem of the Western Ghats is a unique landscape of montane forests and high-altitude grasslands. It plays a crucial role in water regulation, soil conservation, slope stability, and biodiversity protection.

The kurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which blooms once every twelve years, became a symbol of ecological fragility and long-term environmental cycles. Historically, grasslands were misclassified as wastelands and subjected to plantations, tourism pressure, and encroachment.

Emergence of the Movement

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, ecological degradation in Munnar, Kodaikanal, Vattavada, and the Palani Hills became evident. G. Rajkumar, working quietly alongside poet-environmentalist Sugathakumari, emerged as the organisational backbone of the Save Kurinji Campaign.

Leadership Style and Strategy

Rajkumar practised quiet environmental leadership. He avoided formal authority and personal recognition, instead acting as a coordinator and moral anchor. The movement united scientists, writers, tribal communities, farmers, students, journalists, and walkers.

A key strategy was the use of padayatras (long marches) as tools of environmental education. Participants learned ecology by walking the land, combining scientific evidence with cultural memory and moral persuasion.

Outcomes and Policy Impact

Over nearly two decades, the movement slowed encroachments, generated public discourse, encouraged scientific research, and built sustained pressure for legal protection. In 2006, 3,200 hectares near Munnar were declared the Kurinjimala Sanctuary.

Anthropological Takeaways

• Demonstrates ecological anthropology in action through people-led conservation.
• Highlights the role of culture, memory, and ethics in environmental governance.
• Challenges top-down and technocratic conservation models.

Applications in Society and Public Policy

Together, these case studies show that conservation success depends not only on laws and funding, but on ethical leadership, institutional sensitivity, and community participation. They underline the importance of integrating indigenous knowledge, adaptive technologies, and long-term ecological thinking into policy-making.

Answer-Writing Guidelines for UPSC Anthropology

• Use the Dugong case to enrich answers on biological anthropology, conservation ethics, and human–environment interaction.
• Use the Save Kurinji case for questions on ecological anthropology, environmental movements, and people-led conservation.
• Link both case studies with concepts such as adaptation, cultural ecology, sustainable development, and governance.
• Incorporate them as contemporary Indian examples to score higher in analytical questions.

FAQs for Aspirants

Q1. Can these case studies be used in both Paper I and GS answers?
Yes, they are highly relevant for Anthropology Paper I and can also be cited in GS III and Ethics answers.

Q2. How should I present them in mains answers?
Briefly mention the case, link it to the concept asked, and extract one or two analytical insights.

Q3. Are such contemporary case studies important for Anthropology?
Yes, UPSC increasingly values applied anthropology and real-world relevance.

PYQ Hooks and Exam Orientation

These case studies can be linked to questions on ecological anthropology, human adaptation to environment, conservation ethics, and sustainable development—recurring themes in Anthropology optional papers.

Conclusion and Call to Action

The Dugong Conservation Centre and the Save Kurinji Movement together illustrate two contrasting but complementary approaches to conservation—one institutional and regulatory, the other grassroots and people-led. For UPSC Anthropology aspirants, they provide rich, application-oriented material that can significantly enhance answer quality.

For structured preparation, conceptual clarity, and daily case study discussions, explore Anthropology Courses and Anthropology Test Series by Vijetha IAS Academy to strengthen your Anthropology optional strategy.