UPSC Anthropology Preparation – Books You Should Not Miss
If you have chosen Anthropology Optional for UPSC, one of the most important steps is selecting authentic, easy-to-understand, and exam-oriented books. This guide lists the best Anthropology books for UPSC for both Paper 1 and Paper 2 along with topic-wise suggestions.
Why Anthropology Books Matter?
Unlike other optional subjects, Anthropology has:
- A limited and predictable syllabus
- High-scoring potential with diagrams
- Repeated PYQ trends
- Overlap with GS1, Essay, and Ethics
But scoring high depends on whether you study from the right sources. The books below are the most recommended by toppers, faculty, and UPSC experts.
Best Anthropology Books for UPSC – Paper 1
1. Physical Anthropology – P. Nath
A fundamental book covering evolution, genetics, race, human variation, and primates. Great for diagrams.
2. Physical Anthropology – Das
Excellent for beginners; explanations are simple and UPSC-friendly.
3. Anthropology Simplified – Vivek Bhasme
Good for conceptual understanding; useful for quick revision.
4. Introduction to Social Anthropology – Majumdar & Madan
Very important for socio-cultural anthropology (kinship, marriage, family, religion, etc.).
Best Anthropology Books for UPSC – Paper 2
1. Tribal India – Nadeem Hasnain
A must-read book for India’s tribal issues, ethnographic details, and case studies.
2. Indian Anthropology – Nadeem Hasnain
Useful for Paper 2 theory, tribal situations, and contemporary issues.
3. Social Change in India – Ram Ahuja
Important for modernization, development programmes, caste issues, and social movements.
4. Anthropology: Theory and Practice – Ember & Ember
Highly recommended for understanding anthropological theories and thinkers.
Paper-Wise Booklist Summary
Paper 1 – Core Books
- P. Nath (Physical Anthropology)
- Das (Physical Anthropology)
- Majumdar & Madan (Social Anthropology)
- Ember & Ember (Anthropological Theories)
- IGNOU BA/MA Material (Selective)
Paper 2 – Core Books
- Nadeem Hasnain (Tribal India & Indian Anthropology)
- Ram Ahuja (Social Problems & Change in India)
- Selected case studies from Ministry reports, Xaxa report, and annual tribal affairs data
How to Use These Books Effectively
1. Don’t read everything cover to cover
Focus only on UPSC syllabus lines.
2. Make short notes
Especially for:
- Kinship
- Tribal case studies
- Evolution and genetics
- Anthropological theories
3. Practice diagrams for Paper 1
UPSC gives higher marks to visual answers.
4. Solve previous year questions (PYQs)
This is the real secret behind Anthropology toppers.
5. Join a test series
Books + test series is the winning combination for 280+ marks.
Recommended Booklist From Faculty (NP Kishore Sir )
(This is the same booklist followed by most high-scoring students)
Paper 1
- P. Nath
- Das
- Majumdar & Madan
- Ember & Ember
- IGNOU Notes
Paper 2
- Nadeem Hasnain (all books)
- Ram Ahuja
- Xaxa Committee Report
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is the best book for Anthropology Optional overall?
For Paper 1: P. Nath
For Paper 2: Nadeem Hasnain
2. Can I rely only on IGNOU notes?
No. IGNOU is a good supplement but not sufficient for UPSC Mains answers.
3. Do I need to buy all these books?
No. Pick 3–4 primary sources and build strong notes. Quality > quantity.
4. How much time does it take to complete Anthropology books?
Usually 60–75 days with consistent study and answer-writing practice.