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.
The dominant castes 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.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Assess Andre Beteille's study of Tanjore village regarding its reflection of fundamental Indian societal values beyond being merely a residential space.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Village and Village StudiesCaste System
Recent SC judgement, of economic division of schedule caste for affective service delivery. Disadvantage of caste based census
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Caste SystemDalit and Backward Class Movements
Critically analyse the changing caste-class nexus in the agrarian social structure.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsCaste System
Give reasons for widespread incidences of atrocities against Dalit despite legal provision.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Caste SystemUntouchability
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Discuss Andre Béteille's conception of natural and social inequality.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Beteille's work on Caste, Class and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification in a Tanjore Village (1966) departs significantly from the writings which equate caste with stratification. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Beteille's work on Caste, class & Power: changing Patterns of stratification in a Tanjore Village which departs significantly from the writings which equate caste with stratification. Discuss
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Andre Beteille's conception of the Indian caste system more approximates social reality. Evaluate.
15 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2014
Caste System
Discuss Andre Beteille's model of caste inequality. How does it differ from the traditional view? (c) 'Untouchability is a practice of extreme form of discrimination, segregation and disability by upper caste over lower caste.' Discuss the Ambedkarite perspective in this context. Q4(a) Critically examine the concept of social change in India. Q4(b) Reform movements in 19th century were an outcome of exigencies of modern social challenges. Comment.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemUntouchability
"How does M.N. Srinivas' concept of 'Sanskritization' shed light on the process of social transformation and cultural influences within Indian society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Structural FunctionalismCaste System
Highlight the distinct features of anti-caste movements during colonial times.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsColonial Rule and Nationalism
Brief Account of Ghurye's understanding of Indian civilisation.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
IndologyCaste System
"The goal of sustained poverty reduction cannot be achieved unless equality of opportunity and access to basic services is ensured". Discuss
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Poverty and InequalityDevelopment Planning
What is the main theme of Ranajit Guha's work on Subaltern perspective?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
IndologyCaste System
"The women's movement in India has been fragmented along lines of class, caste, and region." Critically evaluate the diversity within Indian feminism.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Women's MovementCaste System
Compare MN Srinivas and Dumont's understanding of Indian caste system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2016
Caste SystemIndology
Dalit movement in India can largely be traced to the colonial social reforms movements of SNDP, Self-Respect movement, Mahad Satyagraha, etc. Trace the evolution of the Dalit movement in India and critically examine its limitations in the contemporary period.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsCaste System
M.N. Srinivas, renowned for instituting structural functionalism in Indian Sociology has greatly contributed to the maturity of the field & understanding of Indian society. Analyse.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Structural FunctionalismCaste System
Discuss SC Dube's perspective on Indian society based on his field study.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Village and Village StudiesStructural Functionalism
How have in-depth village studies contributed to the changing idea of Indian villages?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Village and Village StudiesModernisation of Indian Tradition
Caste system in India continues to exist despite multiple predictions of its demise; the latest by M.N. Srinivas in 1990s post-LPG era, when he wrote about 'Death of Caste'. Evaluate. (Also discuss: Structural functionalist perspective on caste, Dipankar Gupta's view on caste, Andre Beteille's view on caste, and Tribal unrest under British and Post-independence era).
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2021
Caste SystemModernisation of Indian Tradition
Do traditional structure of caste and kinship play a functional role in urban settlements? Elaborate.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Urbanisation and SlumsCaste System
Comment on notion of social change from a cognitive historical viewpoint as postulated by Dumont.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemIndology
Caste as a social capital is functional as well as dysfunctional in society. Illustrate with examples & observations from Indian society.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Caste System
Limitations of Indological approach. 1(b) Caste mobility in India. 1(c) Functions and dysfunctions of family as an institution. 1(d) Analyze the changing nexus between caste and tribe.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
IndologyCaste System
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 10 x 5 = 50 (a) "How does M.N. Srinivas' concept of 'Sanskritization' shed light on the process of social transformation and cultural influences within Indian society?
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
Structural FunctionalismCaste System
Critically analyze the relevance of the Marxist perspective in understanding the changing nature of class relations in contemporary Indian society. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Marxist SociologySocial Classes in India
Indological and structuralist perspectives on caste in India. 5. (a) Social legislation as a tool for creating social change in India. (b) Anti-caste movements in colonial India. (c) Internal displacement and its impact on tribal communities. (d) Power elites in contemporary India. (e) 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme and its role in women's development.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemIndology
Who are the dominant castes? Analyse their impact on agrarian social structure and transformation.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemAgrarian Structure and Land Reforms