Anthropology encompasses the origin of human species, its physical characteristics, languages, traditions, material possessions as well as social, cultural and religious beliefs and practices. Anthropologists therefore study physical and cultural types in human beings, and the differentiation living in varying environments all over the world.

By studying the development of physical characteristics and religious and cultural practices of the human race at different points of time, anthropologists are able to identify thevarious dimensions of human existence and behaviour. This is done by studying the remains of records on stone, bones, pottery and other remnants of the period, and by preserving and reconstructing objects related to the physical, cultural, technological and aesthetic life of human beings in museums for display and exhibition.

So a study of the past provides the clues for the present and the future --a study whose relevance encompasses almost all dimensions of life. As this covers a vast area, anthropology is divided into several branches, which those who enter this profession can specialise in.

Socio-cultural anthropology deals with the study of communities, tribes, bands and the manner in which people collect themselves and form groups, both past and present. Also the differences and similarities in the characteristics of the different groups, and patterns of change over a period of time is covered.

Physical anthropology, as the name suggests is concerned with the physical and biological evolution ofhuman types, the differences between races, human genetics, odes of physical adaptation, and reactions of different physical environments.

Linguistic anthropology deals with the study of the origin and evolution of language, both written and oral. Applied anthropology is utilised in welfare and developmental areas such as birth control, growth, juvenile delinquency, tribal welfare and rehabilitation and so on. The findings of such research are also used for solving industrial problems of labour unrest.

Entry

A BSc in Anthropology is required for entry into the area of social welfare and developmental social welfare and development. However, most jobs in research, excavation, and in teaching require a post-graduation in anthropology.

The B Sc in Anthropology is a three-year degree programme for students of science, who are selected on the basis of an entrance exam. The Master's programme is for two years.

Prominent among those offering a Bachelor's and Masters course in Anthropology includeUniversity of Delhi, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Allahabad University, University of Calcutta, Vidya Sagar University, Midnapore, W Bengal, Guwahati University, Assam and Karnataka University, Dharwad.

Career prospects

For those keen on the excitement of a police life, you would need additional training in forensic science to undertake crime investigation and detection. However, there are many other openings for trained anthropologists including employment with the Anthropological Survey of India with its headquarters in Calcutta, with many museums for undertaking exploration and excavation work as also reconstruction and classification of objects.

Those wanting to join the community health sectors can work as social scientists handling problems of health, nutrition, and disease. They can also be employed by medical institutions and research laboratories such as the Indian Council for Medical Research, the World Health Organisation , and institutes for health and family welfare, immunology andcommunicable diseases.

Moreover, now human resource development organisations recognise the value of the study of anthropology in dealing with human relations and communication and have started employing anthropologists on a large scale. So while the study of anthropology may appear to be going back into the past, it certainly can offer ample job opportunities for young people both in the present and the future.

Various non-governmental organisations also provide employment to socio-anthropologists because of their expertise in the understanding of human relations between industry and society. So while the study of anthropology may appear to be going back into the past, it certainly can offer ample job opportunities for young people both in the present and the future.

The writer is the author of Penguin India Career Guide, Vol I & II. She is also a newsreader on Doordarshan and producer of Hum Honge Kamyaab.