Question

When was Anthropology as a discipline introduced in Calcutta University ?

• A. 1920
• B. 1930
• C. 1922
• D. 1925

Hint:

Calcutta University was among the earliest Indian institutions to introduce Anthropology academically, beginning in 1920.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: The development of anthropology in India began during the colonial period through:
• Ethnographic surveys,
• Census operations,
• Tribal studies,
• Academic institutionalization in universities. Calcutta University played a pioneering role in establishing anthropology as an academic discipline in India.

Step 1: Understanding the growth of Anthropology in India. Anthropology in India initially developed through:
• Administrative studies,
• Colonial ethnography,
• Museum collections,
• Tribal documentation. Later, the subject entered universities as a formal academic discipline.

Step 2: Role of Calcutta University. Calcutta University became:
• One of the earliest universities in India to introduce anthropology,
• A major center for anthropological teaching and research. Anthropology as a discipline was introduced there in: \[ \boxed{1920} \] Thus: \[ \text{Option (A) is correct.} \]

Step 3: Analyzing the remaining options carefully. Option (B): \[ 1930 \] This year does not correspond to the initial introduction of anthropology at Calcutta University. Hence, incorrect. Option (C): \[ 1922 \] Although anthropology expanded during this period, the discipline had already been introduced earlier. Thus, incorrect. Option (D): \[ 1925 \] This date is later than the actual establishment period. Therefore, incorrect.

Step 4: Final conclusion. Since Anthropology as a discipline was introduced in Calcutta University in 1920, the correct answer becomes: \[ \boxed{\text{(A) 1920}} \]