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.
"Caste system in India is a major barrier to social mobility." Discuss. Also, explain the factors that contribute to the persistence of caste-based inequalities.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste SystemPoverty and Inequality
The practice of untouchability, though declining still persists in India. Discuss its manifestation and reasons for persistence.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
UntouchabilityCaste System
The statement 'the soil grows caste, machines make classes', captures shift from traditional, ascriptional statuses to class-based modern achievement based ones. 1(b) India's social fabric is patchwork of multiple religious identities that coexist. NK Bose's view of Indian society as 'culturally pluralistic' one - both harmony & tension can be seen embedded in structure of Indian society.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Marxist SociologyCaste System
Discuss how M.N. Srinivas' integration of text and context offered a realistic and practical portrayal of Indian society.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Structural FunctionalismCaste System
Compare and contrast the perspective of Andre Beteille and MN Srinivas with respect to 'study of caste'.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
GS Ghurye liberated the study of Indian society from the colonial biases & laid the true foundation of the discipline of sociology in India. Substantiate this statement.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
IndologyCaste System
What is Brahmanical Patriarchy? Discuss how it manifests in the intersection of caste and gender. 1(e) Explain the role and characteristics of the Indian Middle Class during the colonial period.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Patriarchy and EntitlementsCaste System
Critically examine Andre Beteille's analysis of caste system.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Bring out the differences between Srinivas's and Dumont perspective in the study of caste system.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemIndology
Evaluate how the concept of Dominant Caste has been utilized in analyzing social hierarchies?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
To what extent does modernisation lead to the breakdown of traditional social structure & values? Give reasons to support your answers.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Modernisation of Indian TraditionCaste System
Discuss the Louis Dumont's concept of purity and pollution. Comment on the suitability of applying these concepts to the study of Indian society.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Caste SystemIndology
Caste can be an “identity giving” as well as an “identity eroding” factor in social dynamics. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste System
Q-1. Family and kinship in India: structure and change. Marriage and family in India. Tribes in India: definition, characteristics and problems. Social movements in India: social reform movements. Caste system in India: caste and class.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Kinship, Family and Marriage in IndiaTribal Communities
Discuss the manifestations of patriarchy in public and private domains. How does it contribute to child malnourishment and the persistence of untouchability in India? Illustrate with examples. 4(a). Critically examine the structural inequalities in the Indian education system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Patriarchy and EntitlementsCaste System
Elucidate on Dumont's conceptualization of 'purity and pollution' and its contemporary relevance.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemUntouchability
It is argued that the caste has lost its traditional elements of purity & pollution & become more of an Identity group. Discuss.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste SystemEthnicity and Identity Movements
How have village studies altered the perception about Indian villages? Illustrate with relevant works and examples.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Village and Village StudiesCaste System
India social system is organized around caste structure; therefore, caste and politics can never be separated. Critically analyse the statement.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemParties, Pressure Groups and Elites
How does Jajmani system illustrate patterns of exchange in a traditional Indian village?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Village and Village StudiesCaste System
The concept of 'Tribe' in India is problematic. Discuss the various sociological perspectives on the relationship between tribe and caste. 7(c) Discuss how the commodification of women is a manifestation of patriarchy.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
Evaluate Andre Beteille's perspective on the interplay between caste, class, and power in shaping social stratification in India. How does this framework explain persistent inequalities in urban India?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Distinguish the book view and field view of the Indian caste system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2020
IndologyStructural Functionalism
Analyse the phases of Dalit movements. Have they been successful in Dalit emancipation?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsCaste System
Constitution is a document which provides various ways through which old traditional order of caste discrimination, gender distinction, tribal isolation and majoritarianism changed to a greater egalitarian society. Ways in which constitution has changed traditional order.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeCaste System
"Globalization has created new forms of class inequalities while reinforcing traditional hierarchies." Discuss.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Poverty and InequalitySocial Classes in India
Caste system based on 4 Varnas (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) also exists in Bali. Difference between these system from the caste system practiced in India.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste System
Comment on Srinivas's conceptualization of dominant castes. What are the new dimensions of dominance in 21st century India?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
The dominant caste notion has been used to deny the validity of reservation for BCs and played a role in determining certain political strategies. In this context explain the decay of dominant caste today.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Evaluate the recent judicial interpretations of sub-categorisation within Scheduled Castes as a tool for social justice.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeDalit and Backward Class Movements