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.
Critically discuss the sociological rationale for conducting a nationwide caste census. How could such data impact policies aimed at social justice?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Caste SystemPoverty and Inequality
Recently, Supreme Court asked government to decide whether or not to include Dalit Christians and Muslims under the Scheduled Caste for availing benefits of reservation. Discuss the reasons and challenges thereof.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Caste SystemUntouchability
Analyze the changing nexus between caste and tribe.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2020–2021
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
Constitution as a living document of social change
5 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016
Constitution, Law and Social ChangePoverty and Inequality
The concept of dominant caste is of crucial importance in understanding social and political life in rural India. Analyze.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
"Manual scavenging is a stink that never washes off". In the light of this statement, provide the reasons for the unabated existence of manual scavenging in Indian society and suggest possible solutions.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
UntouchabilityCaste System
Critically analyse Louis Dumont's perspective on Caste System in India.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022
Caste SystemIndology
Evaluate the limitations of an Indological approach in understanding marginalised communities in India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
IndologyCaste System
"While a caste struggled for a higher position for itself in the local hierarchy, it resented the efforts of others, in particular the lower castes to move up". Examine the nature of inter-caste struggle for mobility in the context of this statement.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Caste SystemCaste Conflicts
Andre Beteille's view on Indian caste system is regarded as approximating social reality. Critically examine
15 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
Discuss the various manifestations of untouchability practices in modern India.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
UntouchabilityCaste System
Annihilation of caste is not merely a socio-political goal but requires a radical rethinking of religious principles. Discuss.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2024–2025
Caste SystemUntouchability
Do traditional structures of caste and kinship play a functional role in urban settlements? Elaborate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Urbanisation and SlumsCaste System
"The politicization of caste identities has led to a deepening of democratic processes in India." Critically evaluate.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Caste SystemParties, Pressure Groups and Elites
"The Soil grows caste, the machine makes class." In the context of this statement discuss the relationship between caste and class.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Caste SystemSocial Classes in India
To what extent Reservation policy in India has been able to restructure the social fabric of Indian society. Discuss
15 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeCaste System
Do you agree that the Constitution of India has weakened the traditional social order in India? Give reasons for your opinion.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2023
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeCaste System
"Each caste is demanding superiority to equals and equality to superiors". Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2022–2025
Caste SystemDalit and Backward Class Movements
Briefly discuss the role of backward class movement in strengthening the process of social mobility among lower caste.
15 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016
Dalit and Backward Class MovementsCaste System
"The transformation of the tribes into castes in India is conceived to occur through certain methods that have been diversely conceptualized." Elaborate.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
"Poverty in India has been socially generated and perpetuated". Elaborate.
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024
Poverty and InequalityColonial Rule and Nationalism
Protective discrimination not only protects but also discriminates." Comment.
15 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2016–2017
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeCaste System
Critically analyze the concept of the creamy layer among SC/STs in the context of reservation policy. Does this move advance or undermine the goal of social justice?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Caste SystemDalit and Backward Class Movements
What do you understand by the concept of "dominant caste"? Illustrate with examples.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2025
Caste SystemStructural Functionalism
How is Indian morality different from constitutional morality? How does it affect the social change that it was supposed to bring, as envisioned by founding fathers?
20 marks · Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Constitution, Law and Social ChangeCaste System
Analyse the changing nexus between caste and tribe.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2018–2023
Tribal CommunitiesCaste System
Illuminate the societal contradictions inherent in sex work within the Indian context.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2024
Poverty and InequalityInformal Sector and Child Labour
“Manual scavenging is illegal but still persists”. In the context of this statement, discuss the measures taken by government to address the issue and reasons for its failure.
15 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2016
UntouchabilityCaste System
Land Reforms are both the causes as well as the effects of a thorough-going change in the power balance. Explain.
20 marks · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2023–2025
Agrarian Structure and Land ReformsCaste System
'The soil grows castes: the machines make classes'. Comment.
10 marks · 150 words · Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Social Classes in IndiaCaste System