The Department of Anthropology was established with the establishment year of Gossner College in 1971. According to the history of the college, as we heard, the college was started with 6 subjects and among them one subject was Anthropology. Reverend Dr. Nirmal Minz, the founder of the Gossner College was also an anthropologist.

The Department of Anthropology has been enriched with many scholar anthropologist teachers since the inception. The first professor and HOD was Prof. Edmon Toppo (1971 – 1992), who got his degree in Anthropology (M. A.) from the university of London. Under his leadership, he produces many budding anthropologists.

Dr. Sushil Kerketta (Associate Professor, HOD & Bursar, 1982 – 2017) was the 2nd HOD of the department. He successfully operated the department by establishing a very good coordination between the teachers and students.

Other teachers of the department, Dr. B. N. Thakur (1984 – 2016) and Dr. S. C. Singh (former HOD, 1988 – 2019) also contributed significantly to the department.

At present Dr. S. K. Murmu (HOD), Dr. C. B. Meena Tirkey, Dr. Salma Kerketta & Dr. Yotam Kullu are working in the department and enlightened the students with their knowledge.

Anthropology studies society, culture and human existence in a broad perspective. Anthropology studies the subject on the basis of four field holistic approach. They are Social-Cultural Anthropology, Physical/Biological Anthropology, Archaeology and Linguistic Anthropology (commonly known as Throne, Bone, Stone and Tone), who studies the subject in a broad and deep perspective.

Anthropology is a practical subject, which major attraction is Biological Anthropology Practical and Field Work along with other aspects. Field work is one of most distinctive practices of the subject, that’s why field work is called the backbone of the Anthropology. The students go among various tribal communities for certain days under the guidance of teachers and study their society, culture, tradition, custom and beliefs etc. The subject provides the students with a detailed and in-depth understanding of a society/community.

In the year 2017, the department adopted CBCS syllabus implemented by Ranchi University, Ranchi. Again from 2022, the department adopted FYUGP (NEP – 2020), under which the bachelor’s degree is divided into 8 semesters. From 2019, the department offers post graduate degree in Anthropology.

Up to the present time, many students have achieved gold medal in graduation and post-graduation. In masters two girl students have been awarded with Dr. L. P. Vidyarthi gold medal in ST category.

The department conducts classes on regular basis and also conduct doubt clearing/special classes and remedial classes time to time for weak students. All the teachers of the department pay attention to the overall development of the students. Especially the students who are weak, they are counselled and encouraged.

Students can go to various government, non-government and private sectors for jobs after studying Anthropology. They can make their career in UPSC, JPSC, SSC, railway, bank, teaching, other state service commission, defence services etc. They can also make their career as Assistant Professor by qualifying UGC-NET/JRF exam. The students of Anthropology can also work as research assistant in organizations like Anthropological Society of India and Archaeological Society of India.

The Department of Anthropology is always committed to encourage the students and promote their social and moral upliftment.