Earth is over 4.5 billion years old, and we are aware that humans have evolved from apes and have used symbols to communicate with each other. Currently, there are over 196 countries across the globe, and more than 7.5 billion people reside in them, following various cultures and beliefs. Exploring this diversity can be a fascinating aspect of an anthropology career in India.
Now the question is, what led people to adopt different cultures, customs, and religions? At what point did human communication undergo a revolution, and how did biological variation take place?
Do questions like these baffle you?
Worry not! That’s a typical day in the life of an anthropologist. Anthropologists are intrigued by our past and study human cultures, religions, customs, beliefs, genetics, etc., and have answers to all these questions. If you too aspire to be an anthropologist, then you have landed in the right place. In this blog, I will guide you through the journey of a career in anthropology in India, including its colleges, scope, specializations and more.
List of Content
- What is Anthropology?
- What are the specializations in Anthropology?
- How to become an Anthropologist in India?
- What is the scope of Anthropology in India?
- Summing Up
- FAQs
What is Anthropology?
Anthropology, as a discipline, studies the evolution of human beings and how they interact with the world. Anthropologists believe in a holistic approach as they focus on and study the problems of human affairs spanning various disciplines—economic, political, biological, social, and cultural. Because they consider multiple factors when studying human beings, they are considered holistic.
The subject matter of anthropology is very broad; hence, it is divided into various branches. These branches of Anthropology are Archaeology, Linguistic Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, and Biological Anthropology. Each of these fields makes use of distinct skills. So, let’s take a closer look at each one of them.
Specialisations in Anthropology
1. Archaeology: Archaeology is the scientific study of past human societies and cultures through the examination of physical remains, artifacts, structures, and other traces left behind by ancient civilizations. Its goal is to uncover and understand the history, lifestyles, and behaviors of past human populations by analyzing archaeological evidence found in archaeological sites and excavations. Archaeologists use various methods and tools to piece together the puzzle of our human heritage and shed light on our ancestors’ lives.
2. Linguistic Anthropology: This discipline focuses on how language reflects and influences our social life. Professionals in this field study the origin of language and how words developed. Their focus is on the evolution of speech over time, which shapes communication. For example, they explore word adoption from other languages, the emergence of dialects, and the methods of word adoption.
3. Cultural Anthropology: This domain deals with cultural variation among humans by focusing on human cultures, societies, and their development. This includes the study of race, class, gender, kinship, and various other cultural elements.
4. Biological Anthropology: This field is concerned with the biological and behavioral aspects of humans. Researchers examine human evolution, how humans adapt to environmental stresses over time, such as disease, disasters, war, population changes, and how they overcome them.
Recommended Read: Archaeology 101: Everything You Need To Know To Pursue This Exciting Career
How to Become an Anthropologist in India
Here is the educational path to a career in Anthropology.
Step 1: Take either the Science or Arts Stream in Class XII
To establish a strong foundation for your higher studies, the most common path is to choose the science stream (PCB) in 12th grade. There are primarily two reasons for this choice. First, most of the top colleges in India offer BSc Anthropology. Second, when studying Anthropology, you will encounter various scientific techniques like genetics, bone chemistry, and carbon dating. Therefore, opting for science subjects, especially biology, enhances your understanding of this field later on.
However, if you do not have a science background, you can still pursue a career in Anthropology by selecting the Humanities stream. Subjects such as History, Sociology, and Psychology in your higher secondary education provide insights into human behavior, culture, evolution, etc.
These topics are integral to Anthropology and help you establish a solid foundation for your career. Many Liberal Arts colleges offer flexibility in tailoring your course, allowing you to explore the subject academically at the undergraduate level.
Step 2: Pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology
To kickstart your career in Anthropology, pursuing a degree in Anthropology at the undergraduate level is recommended. At the bachelor’s level, the curriculum typically covers topics such as Social Anthropology, Human Genetics, Human Ecology, etc. However, you can also enter this field after studying Biology, History, etc., at the undergraduate level.
Some of the leading colleges that provide B. Sc. / B.A. in Anthropology are as follows:
- Hansraj College, University of Delhi
- Panjab University, Chandigarh
- Ashoka University, Sonipat
- Symbiosis School of Liberal Art, Pune
- Vidyasagar University, West Bengal
- Amity University. Noida
- Berhampur University, Odisha
Note: Colleges and institutes admit students based on CUET / Merit or may conduct their own entrance examinations. Therefore, it is recommended to check their course structure, eligibility criteria , selection process etc. before seeking admission
Step 3: Pursue a Master’s Degree in Anthropology
To create better job opportunities in the professional workplace, you can pursue further academic options such as a Master’s, M.Phil., or Ph.D. in this field. A solid academic foundation opens doors to employment opportunities with organizations such as the Archaeological Survey of India, the Planning Commission, as well as international organizations like the United Nations’ UNESCO or UNICEF, etc.
A few institutes providing Master’s in Anthropology in India:
- Visva Bharati University, West Bengal
- University of Allahabad
- Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Chhattisgarh
- University of Hyderabad
- University of Rajasthan
- TISS
- Amity University, Noida
What is the scope of Anthropology in India
Here are the career options available after a degree in Anthropology.
- Education Sector: After completing your MA Anthropology, you can teach in the Department of Anthropology at various colleges and universities. To do so, you will be required to qualify for the UGC-NET examination. The option of research is always available, with the Anthropological Survey of India conducting fellowship programs for young and promising scholars.
- Advertising and Market Research: With businesses going global, staying updated on changing marketplaces and consumer behavior is crucial. Socio-cultural anthropologists are extensively involved in research and fieldwork, studying how people live and their product preferences. For example, in Iran, the color blue is generally disapproved of because it’s associated with death. Similarly, tipping practices vary widely across countries. Such research helps organizations understand consumer preferences and improve product and service experiences.
- Art Galleries, Publishing Houses, and Museums: Anthropologists, with their understanding of ethnography (people, culture, customs, habits, etc.) and multicultural studies, provide educational content to museums, publishing houses, and art galleries. They also serve as critics regarding histories, biographies, and other related content being displayed.
- Non-Profit Organizations: Anthropologists working in the social sector and NGOs play a vital role by designing and implementing various programs for tribes and other disadvantaged communities.
They focus on social issues such as public health, education, social welfare, and urban planning, thereby enhancing service delivery. Many anthropologists work in local, community-based settings for non-profit agencies, as well as established organizations like WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, etc.
- Criminal Investigation Department: Department: Forensic anthropologists collaborate closely with the police department to investigate crimes. They use their knowledge of human osteology (the study of the structure and function of the human skeleton and bones) to identify physical characteristics of victims (gender, age, stature, etc.) and help medical examiners reconstruct crime scenes and determine the causes of death.
- Entertainment Industry: The entertainment industry constantly seeks unique access to new stories, characters, and aesthetically stimulating locations to engage and impact their audience. Anthropologists use their knowledge of different cultures, customs, and habits to assist script writers and filmmakers in creating compelling narratives that inform and inspire a broad audience. They can provide examples to enrich storytelling.
Summing Up!
Anthropology is not just a subject; it’s a key to unlocking a world of knowledge and a gateway to diverse career opportunities. Whether you choose to teach, conduct research, work in the corporate world, or contribute to social causes, anthropology equips you with valuable skills to make a meaningful impact.
So, as you step into this exciting field, remember that each culture, each custom, and each discovery is a piece of the puzzle that forms the beautiful mosaic of our global human family. Get personalized career counselling with a career expert to make more informed career decisions in the Anthropology field.
FAQs
What are the anthropology courses?
There are various anthropology courses starting from BA Anthropology or BSc Anthropology to start your career in the anthropology field. For further studies, you can pursue a Master’s degree, with specialization options in cultural, archaeological, or biological anthropology. Some institutions offer applied, forensic, and linguistic anthropology courses.
What is social anthropology?
Social anthropology means looking at how different groups of people live and comparing them. Social anthropologists want to understand why people in these groups do the things they do and what’s important to them. They study different social systems to learn how they work.
Is anthropology a good career option?
Anthropology can be a rewarding career for those passionate about understanding humanity’s diversity and cultural intricacies. It offers opportunities in academia, research, public service, and beyond. If you have a bachelors degree you can start gaining experience in fields such as academia, museums, nonprofits, government agencies, and international organizations.
