Department of Anthropology
Overview of the Department
Established in 2016, the Department of Anthropology at Model Degree College, Nuapada, Khariar, functions under the Arts Stream.
It is among the pioneering Anthropology departments in Odisha with specialization in Socio-Cultural Anthropology.
The department is well equipped for the collection, preservation, and documentation of tribal culture and heritage.
Its focus lies on examining the cultural and contemporary issues of mankind, especially those related to the communities of Nuapada and Kalahandi regions of Odisha.
The Department has developed its own Ethnographic Museum and has conducted extensive fieldwork among both tribal and non-tribal populations within and beyond Odisha.
The studies encompass demographic, health, and socio-economic conditions.
Objectives
- Conduct research on the life and culture of the tribes of Western Odisha, India.
- Work in the areas of Ethno-knowledge, Ethno-medicine, Folk Culture, and Caste Habitation in villages.
Courses Offered
| Sl. No. |
Course |
Sanctioned Seats |
Admitted (Current Year) |
| 1 |
B.A. in Anthropology |
32 |
32 |
Head of Department
Dr. Shiv Kumar
HOD & Assistant Professor
Ph.D. (Anthropology), M.Phil., M.Sc.
UGC-NET/JRF
Faculty Members
- Dr. Shiv Babu
Lecturer
Ph.D. (Anthropology), M.Phil., M.Sc.
UGC-NET
- Sri. Ashish Bhoi
Lecturer
M.A. (Anthropology)
Infrastructure
- Laboratory – 01
- Lecture Hall – 01
Progress of the Department
| Academic Session |
Academic Activities |
| 2016 |
Establishment of department and departmental laboratory. |
| 2016–2023 |
Appointment of faculty members (Assistant Professor-01 & Guest Faculty-02). |
| 2019 |
Establishment of Departmental Anthropological Museum. |
| 2023 |
State Level Workshop on “Somatometric Measurements and General Human Physiology” in collaboration with the Zoology Department (17 April 2023). |
| 2023 |
One-Day National Seminar on “Exploring the Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India: Unveiling Anthropological Fieldwork and Methods in Action” (27 November 2023). |
| 2024 |
Two-Day State Level Seminar on “The Shades of Anthropology” (15–16 February 2024). |
| 2025 |
One-Day National Level Seminar on “Anthropology in Modern Era: Practices and Challenges” (08 March 2025). |
Future Plans
- Develop an advanced ethnographic museum and documentation center for collection of material cultures of tribes, in collaboration with students and indigenous communities.
- Prepare a comprehensive Data Bank from departmental fieldwork reports, aiding studies on ecology, tribal status, women’s status, health, and economy.
- Undertake research projects and publish a book on student and faculty fieldwork findings.
- Establish a full-fledged Ethnographic Museum within the college campus.
Ongoing Activities
- Research work on tribal life and cultures.
- Continuous development of the Ethnographic Museum.
- Regular practical classes in Physical Anthropology for students.
Student Enrollment (Last Four Years)
| Course |
Sanctioned Capacity |
2024-25 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
| B.A. |
32 |
32 |
32 |
32 |
28 |
Student Achievements
| Name |
Session |
Govt. Job |
Higher Education |
Others |
| Ankit Kumar Yadab |
2017–19 |
|
|
Bronze Medal |
| Priya Behera |
2020–23 |
Anganwadi, Odisha |
|
|
| Sanjukta Meher |
2016–19 |
Teacher |
|
|
| Deepak Barik |
2016–19 |
|
Utkal University |
|
| Bhumisuta Patel |
2018–21 |
|
Kalahandi University |
|
| Bhagawan Nag |
2019–22 |
Line Man, Electricity Dept., Khariar |
|
|
| Bibhishan Darjee |
2019–22 |
|
Kalahandi University |
Best Graduate in Arts |
| Lab Katta |
2019–22 |
|
Kalahandi University |
|
| Khagerswar Rana |
2019–22 |
|
Kalahandi University |
|
| Sujata Henra |
2020–23 |
|
Maa Manikeswari University |
Best Graduate in Arts |
| Gupteswari Duria |
2022–25 |
|
Utkal University |
Gold Medallist in Graduation at MMU |
Many students have also been selected in various private sector organizations for their eligibility and excellence.
Academic Visitors / Guest Lecturers
- Sri Bhubneswar Sabar – Assistant Professor, MDC Nabarangpur
- Dr. Kumud Chandra Naik – Assistant Professor, Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna
- Sri Chiranjibi Sabar – Assistant Professor, Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna
- Dr. R. K. Panigrahi – Assistant Professor, Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna
- Dr. Piyusa Ranjan Sahoo – Sub-Regional Director (Head), Anthropological Survey of India, Jagdalpur, Bastar, Chhattisgarh
- Dr. Nisheeth Rai – Faculty, Department of Anthropology, Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwavidyalaya, Wardha (Maharashtra)
- Dr. Rajkishor Mahana – Associate Professor, Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna
- Dr. Dhananjay Kumar – Assistant Professor, Maa Manikeswari University, Bhawanipatna
Academic and Research Work
| Faculty Name |
Research Articles Published (UGC-CARE / Peer Reviewed / Scopus) |
Book Chapters |
Books Published |
Paper Presentations |
| Dr. Shiv Kumar |
12 |
4 |
0 |
25 |
| Dr. Shiv Babu |
05 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
