Lucknow University Anthropology 75th Anniversary: Revival & New Horizons in Anthropotherapy and Indian Knowledge System

The Lucknow University Anthropology Department, also known as the School of Anthropology, has proudly marked its 75th anniversary in 2026. This diamond jubilee is not only a celebration of its rich legacy since its inception in 1951 but also a launchpad for exciting academic innovations and the revival of its classical branches. With the introduction of pioneering courses such as anthropotherapy and the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), and the reinstatement of older yet vital branches like socio-cultural, biological/physical, and archaeological anthropology, Lucknow University is bridging tradition with contemporary relevance. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the department’s history, new initiatives, and what this means for students, researchers, and the anthropology community in India and beyond.

History and Legacy of Lucknow University Anthropology Department

The Department of Anthropology at Lucknow University, established independently in 1951, is the third oldest anthropology department in India. Before becoming standalone, anthropology was taught alongside economics and sociology between 1928 and 1950. Its establishment as an independent department was championed by the eminent anthropologist Prof. DN Majumdar, whose push for recognition laid a foundation for a robust academic tradition.

Over the decades, the department has nurtured many distinguished scholars such as Profs. Gopal Sharan (Gopala Sarana), KS Mathur, TN Madan, SK Khare, DK Sen, RP Srivastava, RK Jain, VN Mishra, and Nadeem Hasnain. These luminaries have greatly contributed to research, pedagogy, and the shaping of Indian anthropology’s unique identity known globally as the Lucknow School of Anthropology.

Why the 75th Anniversary Matters: Revival & Innovation

The anniversary celebration is much more than a milestone—it’s a turning point signaling fresh directions for the department. Notably:

Revival of Classical Branches: After being discontinued since 1981 due to faculty shortages, traditional branches of socio-cultural, biological/physical, and archaeological anthropology are set to be reinstated from the next academic session. This restoration is a major opportunity for students wanting a holistic grounding in anthropology.
Introduction of Anthropotherapy: A new optional stream targeting 30 students, anthropotherapy integrates anthropological methods with therapeutic practices aimed at addressing psychosocial and health-related challenges.
Indian Knowledge System (IKS) Course: A value-added course designed to blend indigenous knowledge with modern academic frameworks to enhance students’ employability and research capabilities in culturally sensitive contexts.
Enhancement of Employability and Social Impact: Under the leadership of Prof. Udai Pratap Singh (UP Singh), the department is emphasizing social sensitivity and practical skills for jobs in health, forensic science, social work, and cultural preservation.

Head of Department: Vision and Leadership

Prof. Udai Pratap Singh, the current head, has been instrumental in steering the department towards contemporary relevance. With a focus on employability and addressing current societal challenges, Singh’s vision includes reviving the legacy courses while also innovating new specialties like anthropotherapy and courses rooted in the Indian Knowledge System. These initiatives meet current job market demands while enhancing academic rigor.

Significant Events and Honors During the Jubilee

As part of the anniversary celebrations, several notable events highlighted the department’s stature:

A national conference themed “Second Urbanisation” was inaugurated by His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Amritanand Devteerth, drawing scholars and students to discuss urbanization and its socio-anthropological impact.
Namita Joshi Gold Medal was awarded to promising student Guniya Yadav in recognition of academic excellence, inspiring upcoming anthropologists linked to the department’s historic legacy.

Department Growth: Numbers and Courses

From a modest beginning of 15 students, the department now boasts around 245 undergraduate, 62 postgraduate, and 32 PhD candidates. Adding to its academic diversity, the Department introduced Forensic Science (MA/MSc) programs in 2015, addressing forensic demands in law enforcement and research.

Why Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department is a Trending Topic

The 75th anniversary represents not only a celebration but an opportunity. By reviving discontinued branches after 40+ years and introducing innovative courses like anthropotherapy and IKS, Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department aligns itself with modern educational demands and employment trends. This dual focus on legacy and innovation positions Lucknow’s department as a leading center for anthropological education in India with global alumni influence.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the new courses introduced at Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department?

The department has introduced anthropotherapy as an optional stream focusing on therapeutic applications of anthropology and a value-added course on the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) that integrates traditional knowledge with modern academic frameworks.

2. Why were classical branches discontinued earlier, and why are they being revived now?

Classical branches like socio-cultural, biological/physical, and archaeological anthropology were discontinued in 1981 due to faculty shortages. Their revival post-2025 is fueled by renewed academic interest, additional faculty recruitment, and the recognition of these branches’ importance for comprehensive anthropological training.

3. Who founded the Lucknow University Anthropology Department?

The department was established as a standalone faculty in 1951, spearheaded by Prof. DN Majumdar, a pioneering anthropologist who advocated for its independence from the economics/sociology departments.

4. What significance does the Namita Joshi Gold Medal hold?

This medal is awarded to outstanding students showing scholastic merit and dedication to anthropology, with recent recipient Guniya Yadav honored during the anniversary celebrations.

5. How is Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department linked to employment opportunities?

Under Prof. UP Singh’s leadership, efforts to incorporate practical and emerging courses like forensic science, anthropotherapy, and IKS align with evolving job markets in healthcare, social sectors, law enforcement, and research.

Conclusion: The Future of Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department

Celebrating 75 years, Lucknow University’s Anthropology Department stands as a beacon of both tradition and innovation. Reviving classical disciplines alongside introducing contemporary streams like anthropotherapy and Indian Knowledge Systems addresses the modern learner’s needs and the global job market. As the third oldest department in India, it carries a proud legacy fostered by great scholars like Prof. DN Majumdar and continues to evolve under visionary leadership.

Students and academics passionate about anthropology and allied social sciences now have renewed access to classical branches and pioneering courses, presenting unprecedented opportunities to shape careers and research that resonate with both India’s cultural heritage and global challenges.

For more detailed historical background and department updates, visit the official Lucknow University Anthropology Department page.

Actionable Takeaways

Prospective students should explore the new anthropotherapy and IKS courses to gain cutting-edge interdisciplinary skills.
Researchers can leverage the reinstated classical branches for deep-dives into cultural, biological, and archaeological anthropology.
Academics and educators have fresh opportunities to contribute to curriculum development and applied anthropology based on social needs.