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.
Define social reforms. Analyze the impact of the movements in pre-independence period on the social structure.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2017
Social ReformColonial Rule and Nationalism
Examine the features and relevance of Indological studies of Ghurye and Dumont.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
IndologyCaste System
Comment on how Brahminical Patriarchy represents the convergence of two major issues: casteism and sexism.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Patriarchy and EntitlementsCaste System
Tribes are said to have accepted ethos of caste structure and absorbed within it. Critically analyse the changing dynamics between caste and tribe.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
According to Dipankar Gupta's viewpoint on the caste system, its essence lies in the diversity and ritualization of various social practices, rather than a singular hierarchical structure. Analyze this idea and its implications.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Caste System
Explain the impact and implications of globalization in situating the changes in social stratification in India.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Social Classes in IndiaIndustrialisation and the Working Class
"In the post-independence India, the social and political elites have become distinct identities". Critically examine.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Parties, Pressure Groups and ElitesCaste System
From India's 'hidden apartheid' to questioning the hierarchy and discrimination, discuss how a section of Dalits has started to refuse the conventional social stigmatization and subordination by the upper castes.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsCaste System
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) "The Varna scheme has 'distorted' the picture of caste". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Recently Pasmanda Muslim group demanded caste census for Muslims too. In this context, discuss the presence of caste among muslims.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2022
Caste SystemReligious Communities and Minorities
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. 1. (a) Sanskritization and structural changes
12.5 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016
Structural FunctionalismCaste System
"Caste must be counted because it counts". Discuss the statement in light of the recent debates over caste- based census.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2024
Caste SystemDalit and Backward Class Movements
"Examine the connections among caste, class, and power in Indian society, as captured by the phrase 'Soil grows caste, machine grows class'."
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
To what extent does Modernisation lead to the breakdown of traditional social structure and values? Give reasons to support your answer.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Modernisation of Indian TraditionCaste System
Compare and contrast the perspective of Andre Beteille and M.N Srinivas with respect to 'study of caste'.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Indian society, through its long historical process of growth, presents a picture of a vast mosaic of culture held together by religion, values and norms of Hinduism. Discuss this statement in the context of Indological perspective of Govind Sadashiv Ghurye.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
IndologyCaste System
Discuss the Louis Dumont's concept of purity and pollution. Comment on the suitability of applying these concept to the study of Indian society.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018
Caste SystemIndology
Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) Give an account of Rajni Kothari's study of the relationship of caste and politics.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2021
Parties, Pressure Groups and ElitesCaste System
Louis Dumont's concept of purity and pollution puts unnecessary stress on ideology that produced an intellectualized account of Indian society. How far do you agree?
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Caste SystemIndology
Briefly discuss the impact of Buddhism on Indian society.
Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2020
Social ReformCaste System
The practice of untouchability, though declining still persists in India. Discuss its manifestation and reasons responsible for persistence.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
UntouchabilityCaste System
"Panchayati raj institutions are simultaneously a remarkable success and a staggering failure." In the context of this statement, evaluate the social consequences of democratic decentralization in India.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2019
Regionalism and DecentralisationCaste System
“Tribes lose their territorial significance to form caste”. Do you agree? Comment on the tribe-caste continuum with clear examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
Caste as a social capital is functional as well as dysfunctional to the society. Illustrate with examples and observations from Indian society.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2018
Caste System
Ambedkar's engagement with untouchability, as a researcher, intellectual and activist, is much more nuanced and intimate as compared to his viewpoint on caste. Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2023
UntouchabilityCaste System
Examine MN Srinivas's concept of Sanskritization. How useful is it in understanding caste mobility?
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
Examine the changes to agrarian class structure, before and after Indian independence. It is argued that the caste has lost its traditional elements of purity and pollution and became more of an identity group. Discuss
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2024
Caste SystemAgrarian Structure and Land Reforms
Caste conflict is the result of cultural and power differential between upper and lower caste, also between two caste of same position within the hierarchy. Discuss. (c) The conceptual difference between caste and varna. (e) Louis Dumont's view on caste system.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2022
Caste SystemCaste Conflicts
Reinventions of untouchability, an antiquated model of cruelty exemplified by centuries of decadent slavery in the name of caste is now slowly emerging from within this society. Comment.
20 marks · Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
UntouchabilityCaste System
Critically examine the concept of sanskritisation with suitable examples.
Answered by 1 topper · CSE 2025
Structural FunctionalismCaste System