Sociology II · Topic
Caste System
Perspectives on caste (Ghurye, Srinivas, Dumont, Beteille), the features of the caste system, and how caste is changing.
278 UPSC Mains Sociology II questions on Caste System that toppers answered in test series, CSE 2014–2025, most answered first. Open one to see how toppers opened, built and closed it.
While caste remains an important dimension of modern social life, its relevance is mostly limited in contemporary times. Critically discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Caste SystemModernisation of Indian Tradition
Sanskritization involves 'positional change' in caste system without any 'structural' change. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 7 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2022
Caste SystemModernisation of Indian Tradition
Critically examine Louis Dumont's understanding of the Indian caste system.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2017–2024
Caste SystemIndology
Ghurye's analysis of tribes was based on tribe caste continuum. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2021–2025
Tribal CommunitiesIndology
GS Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases and laid the true foundation of the discipline of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement.
20 marks · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2024
IndologyCaste System
Explain the Interactional approach to study of caste in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Caste SystemIndology
"Untouchability has often been termed as the inhuman institution of Indian Society". In this context, discuss the social problems of untouchability from different perspectives.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 6 toppers · CSE 2018–2023
UntouchabilityCaste System
'Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each other on the hierarchical scale.' Give a sociological explanation for this phenomenon.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Caste ConflictsCaste System
Discuss P N Mukherjee's thoughts on Indigenisation and Social Mobility.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
IndologyModernisation of Indian Tradition
Caste as a social reality is viewed differently by Gandhi and Ambedkar. Their perspectives diverge but meet at a common end. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2018–2021
Caste SystemUntouchability
The hallmark of Srinivas perspective on Indian society was to break out from confines of textual authority. In this context critically analyse the structural-functionalist perspective in the analysis of Indian Society.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Structural FunctionalismIndology
Be it caste or communal violence, they stall the growth of the nation. Discuss in light of rising communal unrest in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Communalism and Ethnic ConflictCaste Conflicts
Briefly discuss the various dimensions of inter-caste conflict in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Caste ConflictsCaste System
Caste as a social capital is functional as well as dysfunctional to the Indian society. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Caste SystemCaste Conflicts
Discuss the impact of Bhakti movement on the Indian society.
15 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Social ReformCaste System
Social Exclusion is maintained through the rules of purity and pollution which have deep roots in religion. Comment.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Caste SystemUntouchability
Write a note on the contributions of Gail Omvedt to Indian Sociology.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsMarxist Sociology
Bring out the conceptual difference between 'Caste' and 'Varna'.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Caste SystemIndology
Give a sociological narrative of Dravidian Movement in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2022–2024
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsEthnicity and Identity Movements
"Social inequality in India has multiple dimensions." Explain this statement in the light of the views of Andre Beteille on caste in India.
20 marks · Answered by 5 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Critically examine the factors responsible for continuation of "Caste Consciousness" in the Indian "collective conscience".
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2015–2020
Caste SystemParties, Pressure Groups and Elites
Distinguish between the 'book view' and 'field view' of the Indian caste system.
25 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2014–2021
Caste SystemIndology
What is tribe caste continuum? What are Elwin's views on the same?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
Land reforms and transition in the agrarian relations
12.5 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsSocial Classes in India
Critically analyze the changing caste-class nexus in the agrarian social structure.
25 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsCaste System
Citing some case studies from Indian society, expand the concept of 'Decentralisation of power.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Regionalism and DecentralisationNation, Democracy and Citizenship
While Dumont's work on caste in India has been influential, it has also been subject to criticism. Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Caste SystemIndology
Discuss the nexus between caste, class and power in Indian social scenario.
20 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2025
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Compare M.N Srinivas and Louis Dumont's understanding of Indian caste system.
15 marks · Answered by 4 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Caste SystemIndology