Indian Sociologists

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Summary

Chapter 5: Indian Sociologists

Overview of Indian Sociology

Established in India around a century ago, with formal teaching beginning in 1919 at the University of Bombay.
Major universities now have departments for sociology and anthropology.
Early skepticism about the need for sociology in India, especially during colonial times.

Founding Figures of Indian Sociology

G.S. Ghurye: Founder of institutionalized sociology in India, headed the first postgraduate department at Bombay University, known for writings on caste and race.
D.P. Mukerji: Emphasized the importance of understanding Indian traditions and their evolution, advocated for sociologists to be rooted in Indian culture.
A.R. Desai: Critiqued the welfare state and its claims, focused on Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.
M.N. Srinivas: Pioneered village studies, contributed significantly to the understanding of caste and social change in India.

Key Concepts and Definitions

Caste: Defined by Ghurye with six features:
- Segmental division: Closed, mutually exclusive segments based on birth.
- Hierarchical division: Strict inequality among castes.
- Restrictions on social interaction: Governed by purity and pollution.
- Differential rights and duties: Varying rights and duties across castes.
- Occupational restrictions: Hereditary occupations linked to caste.
- Marriage restrictions: Endogamy and exogamy rules.

Important Contributions

D.P. Mukerji: Advocated for a 'living tradition' that connects past and present.
A.R. Desai: Critique of welfare states, suggesting they often fail to provide true social security.
M.N. Srinivas: Focused on the significance of village studies in understanding Indian society.

Conclusion

Indian sociology has evolved through the contributions of these scholars, adapting Western theories to fit the Indian context and addressing unique social issues.

Learning Objectives

Identify the founding figures of Indian sociology and their contributions.
Analyze the historical context of sociology's development in India.
Discuss the role of sociology in understanding modernity in a colonial context.
Evaluate the significance of caste and race in Indian sociology as defined by G.S. Ghurye.
Explain D.P. Mukerji's concept of a 'living tradition' in Indian sociology.
Assess the impact of A.R. Desai's Marxist perspective on Indian sociology.
Explore the contributions of M.N. Srinivas to village studies and their relevance today.

Detailed Notes

Chapter 5: Indian Sociologists

Introduction to Indian Sociology

Established in India in 1919 at the University of Bombay.
Other universities like Calcutta and Lucknow followed in the 1920s.
Today, every major university has a sociology or anthropology department.

Historical Context

Early 20th century: Uncertainty about the role of sociology in India.
Indian sociology emerged amidst colonial subjugation and modernity.
Founding figures helped shape the discipline to fit India's historical and social context.

Founding Figures of Indian Sociology

G.S. Ghurye
- Founder of institutionalized sociology in India.
- Headed the first post-graduate sociology department at Bombay University.
- Known for writings on caste and race, and for founding the Indian Sociological Society.
- Emphasized the combination of teaching and research.
D.P. Mukerji
- Transitioned from history and economics to sociology.
- Advocated for understanding Indian society through its traditions.
- Defined 'living tradition' as a blend of old and new elements.
A.R. Desai
- Involved in Marxist politics and sociology.
- Known for his work on Indian nationalism and its social aspects.
- Critiqued the Indian state and emphasized the importance of social traditions.
M.N. Srinivas
- Focused on village studies and social change.
- Helped establish Indian sociology internationally.
- His work emphasized the relevance of studying 'primitive' societies in modern contexts.

Key Concepts in Indian Sociology

Caste: Defined by G.S. Ghurye with six features:
1. Segmental division based on birth.
2. Hierarchical division among castes.
3. Restrictions on social interaction and food sharing.
4. Differential rights and duties.
5. Occupational restrictions based on caste.
6. Marriage restrictions (endogamy and exogamy).

Conclusion

The contributions of these sociologists helped to 'Indianize' the discipline, adapting western theories to the Indian context while addressing local traditions and social structures.

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Assuming Western Sociology is Fully Applicable: Many students mistakenly believe that the principles of Western sociology can be directly applied to the Indian context without adaptation. It's crucial to understand the unique historical and social conditions of India.
Neglecting the Role of Colonialism: Failing to consider how colonialism influenced Indian sociology can lead to incomplete analyses. Remember that Indian sociology developed in a colonial context, which shaped its themes and methodologies.
Overlooking the Diversity of Indian Society: Students often generalize about Indian society without acknowledging its vast diversity, including caste, religion, and regional differences. This can lead to oversimplified conclusions.

Exam Tips

Focus on Founding Figures: Be prepared to discuss the contributions of key Indian sociologists like G.S. Ghurye, D.P. Mukerji, A.R. Desai, and M.N. Srinivas. Understand their unique perspectives and how they shaped the discipline.
Understand Key Concepts: Make sure to grasp important sociological concepts such as caste, endogamy, and exogamy. Be able to define these terms and explain their significance in the Indian context.
Critically Analyze Arguments: When discussing topics like the welfare state or the role of tradition in Indian society, be ready to present both sides of the argument, as seen in the works of A.R. Desai and D.P. Mukerji.
Use Examples from Indian Context: When answering questions, support your arguments with examples from Indian society, such as specific caste practices or the impact of colonialism on social structures.
Engage with the Text: Refer back to the readings and lectures when formulating your answers. This will help you provide well-supported arguments and demonstrate your understanding of the material.

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

Exogamy

Endogamy

Assimilation

Anthropometry

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Assimilation is a process by which one culture gradually absorbs another.

A.R. Desai

M.N. Srinivas

G.S. Ghurye

Sarat Chandra Roy

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is considered the founder of institutionalised sociology in India and headed the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University.

1919

1920

1925

1930

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Formal university teaching of sociology began in India in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Herbert Risley

Edgar Thurston

G.S. Ghurye

J.H. Hutton

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye critiqued the racial theory of caste, which was initially proposed by Herbert Risley.

Caste and race are unrelated social constructs.

Caste originated from racial distinctions, with higher castes being Aryan.

Caste is purely a religious institution with no racial basis.

Caste originated from economic divisions in society.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Herbert Risley argued that caste originated from racial distinctions, suggesting that higher castes had Indo-Aryan racial traits while lower castes were non-Aryan.

He founded the Indian Sociological Society and its journal, Sociological Bulletin.

He introduced sociology as a subject in high schools across India.

He was the first Indian sociologist to receive a Nobel Prize.

He established a sociology department in Calcutta University.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is credited with founding the Indian Sociological Society and its journal, Sociological Bulletin, as well as heading the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University.

A tradition that remains unchanged over time

A tradition that incorporates new elements while retaining links with the past

A tradition that is completely replaced by modern practices

A tradition that is only practiced by older generations

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

D.P. Mukerji describes a 'living tradition' as one that maintains links with the past while incorporating new elements.

Segmental division

Hierarchical division

Free choice of occupation

Endogamy

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye's definition of caste includes segmental division, hierarchical division, and endogamy, but not free choice of occupation.

M.N. Srinivas

D.P. Mukerji

A.R. Desai

G.S. Ghurye

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

A.R. Desai wrote 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism', offering a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.

He provided a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.

He focused on the preservation of tribal cultures.

He advocated for laissez-faire economic policies.

He avoided discussing economic processes in his work.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

A.R. Desai's involvement in Marxist politics influenced his work, leading him to provide a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism, focusing on economic processes and divisions.

It eliminates the capitalist market entirely.

It ensures a mixed economy with both private and public enterprises.

It focuses solely on private enterprise for economic growth.

It strictly adheres to socialist economic principles.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai described the welfare state as involving a mixed economy, where both private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises coexist.

G.S. Ghurye

Sarat Chandra Roy

A.R. Desai

D.P. Mukerji

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Sarat Chandra Roy founded the journal 'Man in India' in 1922.

Studying human behavior through cultural practices.

Measuring human racial types by physical characteristics.

Analyzing social interactions within different ethnic groups.

Examining the impact of environment on human evolution.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Anthropometry is the branch of anthropology that studied human racial types by measuring the human body, particularly the volume of the cranium, the circumference of the head, and the length of the nose.

A.R. Desai

D.P. Mukerji

G.S. Ghurye

Sarat Chandra Roy

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is known for offering a comprehensive definition of caste, emphasizing features such as segmental division and hierarchical division.

A.R. Desai

G.S. Ghurye

M.N. Srinivas

D.P. Mukerji

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is known for offering a comprehensive definition of caste, highlighting features like segmental division and hierarchical division.

A type of social institution

A political and economic doctrine advocating minimal state intervention

A process of cultural assimilation

A method of anthropometric measurement

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Laissez-faire is a political and economic doctrine that advocates minimum state intervention in the economy.

Tribes should be preserved as isolated communities to protect their culture.

Tribes are 'backward Hindus' and should assimilate into mainstream Indian society.

Tribes should be given complete autonomy and self-governance.

Tribes should be integrated into a global cultural framework.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye argued that the tribes of India were 'backward Hindus' and should assimilate into mainstream Indian society, rather than being preserved as isolated communities.

University of Bombay

University of Calcutta

University of Lucknow

Delhi University

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Formal university teaching of sociology began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Segmental division

Hierarchical division

Laissez-faire economy

Endogamy

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Laissez-faire economy is not a feature of caste. Ghurye's features of caste include segmental division, hierarchical division, and endogamy.

Deciding whether India needed sociology at all.

Finding enough students interested in the subject.

Convincing the British government to fund sociology departments.

Translating Western sociological texts into Indian languages.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The excerpts highlight that in the early 20th century, it was not clear what an Indian sociology would look like or whether India needed it at all.

He completely rejected the racial theory of caste.

He believed caste was solely based on racial purity.

He argued that the racial theory was partially correct, particularly in northern India.

He claimed that caste and race were unrelated concepts.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Ghurye believed that the racial theory of caste was partially correct, mainly for northern India, where endogamy preserved racial purity.

Marriage outside the caste

Marriage within the caste

Prohibition of marriage with blood relatives

Cultural assimilation

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Endogamy refers to the social institution where marriage is permissible only within a specific social or kin group, such as a caste.

A tradition that remains unchanged over time.

A tradition that incorporates only modern elements.

A tradition that maintains links with the past while incorporating new elements.

A tradition that rejects all past influences.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

D.P. Mukerji describes a 'living tradition' as one that retains elements from the past while also incorporating new elements, reflecting continuity and change.

A tradition that remains unchanged over time.

A tradition that incorporates new elements while retaining links with the past.

A tradition that is completely discarded in favor of modernity.

A tradition that is only practiced in rural areas.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

D.P. Mukerji described a 'living tradition' as one that maintains connections with the past while also incorporating new elements.

Caste is based on voluntary association.

Caste is determined by birth and involves strict restrictions on marriage.

Caste allows for social mobility through education.

Caste is primarily an economic classification.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye emphasized that caste is determined by birth and involves strict restrictions on marriage, known as endogamy.

G.S. Ghurye

Sarat Chandra Roy

A.R. Desai

D.P. Mukerji

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Sarat Chandra Roy founded the journal 'Man in India' in 1922.

Marriage outside a specific group

Marriage within a specific group

Prohibition of marriage with blood relatives

Prohibition of marriage within the same village

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Endogamy refers to marriage within a specific social or kin group.

Tribes should assimilate with mainstream culture.

Tribes should be preserved as 'museums' of primitive culture.

Tribes should be modernized immediately.

Tribes should be isolated from all external influences.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 'protectionists' believed that tribal cultures should be preserved as 'museums' of primitive culture to protect them from exploitation and cultural degradation.

Social anthropologists

Administrator-anthropologists

Cultural historians

Ethnographers

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The term 'administrator-anthropologists' refers to British administrative officials who conducted anthropological research in India.

They should be preserved as distinct cultural groups.

They are 'backward Hindus' and should assimilate into mainstream culture.

They should be isolated to protect their culture.

They should be given autonomy to govern themselves.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ghurye argued that Indian tribes were 'backward Hindus' and should assimilate into mainstream culture.

As isolated communities with no interaction with Hinduism.

As 'backward Hindus' who were part of the same cultural process.

As distinct cultural groups that should be preserved separately.

As communities that had already fully assimilated into Hinduism.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Ghurye characterized the tribes of India as 'backward Hindus', arguing they were part of the same cultural process as other Indian communities, albeit at an earlier stage of assimilation.

G.S. Ghurye

A.R. Desai

D.P. Mukerji

M.N. Srinivas

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is considered the founder of institutionalised sociology in India. He headed the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University.

Sociology was primarily used to promote Western ideologies in India.

Sociology sought to understand modernity in India, distinct from its colonial past.

Sociology was used to preserve ancient Indian traditions without any changes.

Sociology aimed to create an entirely new cultural identity for India.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The excerpts highlight that sociology in India aimed to understand modernity while considering its colonial past, adapting Western sociology to the Indian context.

Indian scholars studying abroad

British officials conducting anthropological research

Local tribal leaders

Missionaries documenting local cultures

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Administrator-anthropologists were British officials who conducted anthropological research in India.

Studying human cultural practices

Measuring human racial types

Analyzing economic systems

Exploring ancient civilizations

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Anthropometry is the branch of anthropology that studies human racial types by measuring the human body.

Exogamy

Endogamy

Assimilation

Anthropometry

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Endogamy is a social institution that defines the boundary of a social or kin group within which marriage relations are permissible.

A.R. Desai

G.S. Ghurye

D.P. Mukerji

M.N. Srinivas

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye characterized Indian tribals as 'backward Hindus' rather than distinct cultural groups.

Its ability to preserve cultural heritage.

Its success in ensuring freedom from poverty and social discrimination.

Its capacity to expand military strength.

Its focus on technological advancements.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai suggests that a critical measure of a welfare state's performance is its success in ensuring freedom from poverty and social discrimination for all its citizens.

Whether tribes should be integrated into mainstream Hindu culture or preserved as distinct cultural entities.

Whether tribal languages should be standardized across India.

Whether tribes should be given autonomy to form independent states.

Whether tribal customs should replace mainstream legal systems.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The debate centered around whether tribes should be assimilated into mainstream Hindu culture or preserved as distinct cultural entities, with Ghurye supporting assimilation.

Caste is based on segmental division.

Caste involves hierarchical division.

Caste allows for inter-caste marriages.

Caste restricts the choice of occupation.

Correct Answer: C

Solution:

Ghurye's definition of caste includes segmental division, hierarchical division, and occupational restrictions, but not inter-caste marriages, which are restricted.

It effectively eliminated poverty and inequality.

It failed to provide stable economic development and equality.

It was successful in transforming the capitalist profit motive.

It ensured employment for all citizens.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Desai critiques the welfare state for not providing stable economic development, reducing inequality, or ensuring economic security for all citizens.

1919

1920

1925

1930

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

The University of Bombay began formal university teaching of sociology in 1919.

The impact of Western education on Indian society.

The social aspects of Indian nationalism.

The role of Indian women in politics.

The influence of Indian classical music on social structures.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai's doctoral dissertation focused on the social aspects of Indian nationalism, which was later published as 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism'.

He was the founder of institutionalised sociology in India.

He introduced sociology as a subject in high schools.

He translated major Western sociological works into Hindi.

He focused solely on the study of tribal societies.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is considered the founder of institutionalised sociology in India, having established the first post-graduate department of sociology at Bombay University.

Adapting concepts to a colonial context where modernity was intertwined with colonial subjugation.

Integrating sociology with traditional Indian medicine.

Applying Western sociological concepts to the study of Indian classical music.

Translating Western sociological texts into regional Indian languages.

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

Early Indian sociologists had to adapt Western sociological concepts to a colonial context where modernity was intertwined with colonial subjugation, as India was experiencing changes brought about by modernity while being a colony.

Tribes should be assimilated into mainstream Hindu culture.

Tribes should be preserved as distinct cultural groups to prevent exploitation.

Tribes were considered as advanced as mainstream Hindu society.

Tribes were to be integrated into the British administrative system.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

British administrator-anthropologists believed that tribes should be preserved as distinct cultural groups to prevent exploitation and cultural degradation through contact with mainstream Hindu culture.

The relationship between race and caste

The development of new economic theories

The study of European political systems

The exploration of ancient Indian texts

Correct Answer: A

Solution:

In the early 20th century, a significant concern of Indian sociology was the relationship between race and caste.

G.S. Ghurye

A.R. Desai

D.P. Mukerji

M.N. Srinivas

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai wrote 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism', which is a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.

The welfare state effectively eliminates economic inequality.

The welfare state is a myth as it fails to provide minimum levels of economic and social security to all citizens.

The welfare state is successful in preventing economic booms and depressions.

The welfare state is a model that all countries should aspire to.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai critiqued the welfare state by arguing that it is a myth, as it fails to provide minimum levels of economic and social security to all citizens and does not effectively reduce economic inequality.

Marriage within the same caste

Marriage outside a defined social or kin group

The process of cultural assimilation

The study of human racial types

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

Exogamy refers to a social institution that defines the boundary of a social or kin group with which or within which marriage relations are prohibited; marriages must be contracted outside these prohibited groups.

Tribal communities should assimilate into mainstream Hindu culture.

Tribal communities should be preserved as they are to avoid exploitation.

Tribal communities should be encouraged to adopt Western lifestyles.

Tribal communities should be isolated from all external influences.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The 'protectionists' believed that tribal communities should be preserved to avoid exploitation and cultural degradation through contact with mainstream Hindu culture.

Establishing the first sociology department in Calcutta

Founding the Indian Sociological Society and its journal

Introducing Marxist theory into Indian sociology

Developing the racial theory of caste

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye founded the Indian Sociological Society and its journal, the Sociological Bulletin, contributing significantly to the institutionalization of sociology in India.

Lack of interest in sociological research

Deciding the role of sociology in a colonial context

Absence of universities offering sociology courses

Opposition from Western sociologists

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

The specificity of the Indian context raised questions about the role of sociology in a colonial setting, where modernity was intertwined with colonial subjugation.

Complete elimination of capitalism

A mixed economy

A single-party political system

No public investment

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A welfare state involves a mixed economy where both private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises co-exist.

Caste and Race in India

Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism

Tribal societies in India

Living tradition in Indian society

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai's book 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism' offers a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism, focusing on economic processes and divisions.

He focused on the cultural aspects of nationalism.

He emphasized economic processes and divisions under British colonialism.

He ignored the economic factors and focused solely on political movements.

He advocated for the preservation of tribal cultures as a form of nationalism.

Correct Answer: B

Solution:

A.R. Desai's Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism highlighted the economic processes and divisions, considering the specific conditions of British colonialism.

True or False

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The welfare state involves a mixed economy where both private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises coexist.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye argued that Indian tribals were not isolated primitive communities but were 'backward Hindus' involved in interactions with Hinduism.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Herbert Risley argued that caste must have originated in race due to the distinct racial types observed among different caste groups.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A welfare state involves a mixed economy, where private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises coexist.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye's academic reputation was built on his doctoral dissertation at Cambridge, which was later published as 'Caste and Race in India'.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ghurye's definition of caste includes features such as segmental division, hierarchy, and restrictions on social interaction.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A welfare state involves a mixed economy where both private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises coexist.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye is recognized for establishing the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University and for founding the Indian Sociological Society.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye was instrumental in founding the Indian Sociological Society and its journal Sociological Bulletin.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Today, the racial theory of caste is no longer believed to be true.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A welfare state involves a mixed economy where both private capitalist enterprises and state or publicly owned enterprises coexist.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

A.R. Desai was associated with various kinds of non-mainstream Marxist political groups for most of his career.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A.R. Desai's doctoral dissertation, which was later published as 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism', offered a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that Sarat Chandra Roy founded the journal 'Man in India' in 1922.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

A 'living tradition', as described by D.P. Mukerji, includes both old elements from the past and new ones.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A.R. Desai's doctoral dissertation was published as 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism', which is his best-known work.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye's work, 'Caste and Race in India,' provided a detailed critique of the relationship between race and caste.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye's department at Bombay University was the first to implement the merger of social anthropology and sociology into a composite discipline.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that A.R. Desai was a life-long Marxist and became involved in Marxist politics during his undergraduate days at Baroda.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

A.R. Desai criticized the welfare state for failing to provide economic and social security and for not reducing economic inequality.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

A.R. Desai was involved in Marxist politics but resigned his membership from the Communist Party of India.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

During the first half of the 20th century, the racial theory of caste was still considered to be true.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt states that Sarat Chandra Roy founded the journal 'Man in India' in 1922.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt notes that the racial theory of caste was still considered to be true in the first half of the 20th century.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Ghurye believed that the racial theory of caste was broadly true only for northern India, and not applicable to other regions where racial groups had mixed over time.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Desai's best-known work, 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism', offers a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

In the early days, it was not clear what an Indian sociology would look like or whether India needed it.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Sarat Chandra Roy was well known for his work on the tribes of Chhotanagpur and recognized as an authority in this area.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

The excerpt mentions that A.R. Desai was directly involved in politics as a formal member of political parties and was a life-long Marxist.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

Ghurye did not completely disagree with the racial theory of caste but believed it to be only partially correct, especially in northern India.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

Ghurye argued that Indian tribals were 'backward Hindus' and had been involved in constant interactions with Hinduism over a long period.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

The welfare state involves a mixed economy where both private capitalist enterprises and state-owned enterprises coexist.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

In the early 20th century, it was not clear what an Indian sociology would look like or if it was needed.

Correct Answer: True

Solution:

D.P. Mukerji described a 'living tradition' as one that maintains links with the past while incorporating new elements.

Correct Answer: False

Solution:

G.S. Ghurye did not completely disagree with the racial theory of caste but believed it to be only partially correct, especially for northern India.

Indian Sociologists

AI Learning Assistant

Summary

Chapter 5: Indian Sociologists

Overview of Indian Sociology

Founding Figures of Indian Sociology

Key Concepts and Definitions

Important Contributions

Conclusion

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Detailed Notes

Chapter 5: Indian Sociologists

Introduction to Indian Sociology

Historical Context

Founding Figures of Indian Sociology

Key Concepts in Indian Sociology

Conclusion

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes and Exam Tips

Common Pitfalls

Exam Tips

Practice & Assessment

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.What is the term used to describe the process by which one culture absorbs another?

Correct Answer: C

Q2.Who is considered the founder of institutionalised sociology in India and headed the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University?

Correct Answer: C

Q3.When did formal university teaching of sociology begin in India?

Correct Answer: A

Q4.Which sociologist is known for critiquing the racial theory of caste in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q5.What was Herbert Risley's main argument regarding the relationship between race and caste in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q6.Which of the following best describes the role of G.S. Ghurye in the institutionalization of sociology in India?

Correct Answer: A

Q7.What does D.P. Mukerji mean by a 'living tradition'?

Correct Answer: B

Q8.Which feature is NOT part of G.S. Ghurye's definition of caste?

Correct Answer: C

Q9.Which sociologist wrote 'The Social Background of Indian Nationalism' and provided a Marxist analysis of Indian nationalism?

Correct Answer: C

Q10.How did A.R. Desai's political involvement influence his sociological work?

Correct Answer: A

Q11.What was a key feature of the welfare state as described by A.R. Desai?

Correct Answer: B

Q12.Which Indian sociologist is known for founding the journal 'Man in India'?

Correct Answer: B

Q13.What is the primary focus of anthropometry as mentioned in the text?

Correct Answer: B

Q14.Who was known for offering a comprehensive definition of caste, emphasizing features such as segmental division and hierarchical division?

Correct Answer: C

Q15.Which Indian sociologist is known for providing a comprehensive definition of caste, emphasizing features such as segmental division and hierarchical division?

Correct Answer: B

Q16.What does the term 'laissez-faire' refer to?

Correct Answer: B

Q17.What was a key argument made by G.S. Ghurye regarding the tribes of India?

Correct Answer: B

Q18.Which university was the first to formally introduce sociology as a subject in India?

Correct Answer: A

Q19.Which of the following is NOT a feature of caste according to G.S. Ghurye?

Correct Answer: C

Q20.According to the excerpts, what was a significant challenge in defining the role of sociology in India during the early 20th century?

Correct Answer: A

Q21.What was G.S. Ghurye's stance on the relationship between race and caste in India?

Correct Answer: C

Q22.What does the term 'endogamy' refer to in the context of Indian sociology?

Correct Answer: B

Q23.Which of the following best explains the concept of 'living tradition' as per D.P. Mukerji?

Correct Answer: C

Q24.In the context of Indian sociology, what does the term 'living tradition' refer to as per D.P. Mukerji?

Correct Answer: B

Q25.According to G.S. Ghurye, what is a defining characteristic of the caste system in India?

Correct Answer: B

Q26.Who founded the journal 'Man in India'?

Correct Answer: B

Q27.What is the term 'endogamy' used to describe?

Correct Answer: B

Q28.What was the main argument of the 'protectionists' regarding tribal communities in India?

Correct Answer: B