AIR 61 · CSE 2025 · ANT2 · 52 pages

Hrishikesh Alase: ANT2 answer copy

10 answers by Hrishikesh Alase, as written in the test.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Discuss the social structure of Indian villages. (b) Elaborate on the caste system among Indian Christians.
  2. Q1(c)Discuss the concept of Jajmani system with reference to its exploitative and protective elements.
  3. Q1(d)1(d)
  4. Q1(e)1.e
  5. Q2(a)2.a
  6. Q5(a)5(a)
  7. Q5(b)5(b)
  8. Q5(c)5(c)
  9. Q5(d)5(d)
  10. Q7(b)Sanskritization is often viewed as a traditionalizing tool, but it also acts as a modernizing force. Discuss. Also, analyze the persistence of atrocities against Dalits in India.

The answers

Question 1(a) · 317 words written

Discuss the social structure of Indian villages. (b) Elaborate on the caste system among Indian Christians.

Opening · no separate opening

None written.

Body · points and prose

→ Andre Beteille in 'The Indian villages' stated that villages are not merely where people lived but reflected basic values of Indian civilisation.

[Villages as Indian Social System]

  1. [S C Dube] during study of Shamirpet, criticised the concept of 'little republic' and stated that no Indian village is completely autonomous.

  2. Indian caste system is segmentary, hierarchical stratification of Indian village caste.

  3. [M N Srinivas's] concept of dominant caste explained the elements of dominance and their impact on village.

Eg: Jats in Haryana

b) Srinivas through Sanskritization and westernization explained the dynamic aspect of social caste mobility.

  1. Jajmani system: Wiser in 'The Hindu Jajmani system' defined as functionally interdependent relationship between landowning Jajman and landless kamni. It is prevalent in rural India.

  2. Joint family: which form the mainstay of Indian villages has 4 features as per I. Karve: common roof, kitchen, place of worship and pooled economic resources.

  3. As per SC Dube, Indian villages are patriarchal with restrictions on women, gendered division of labour.

Hoebel rightly points out that Indian villages are 'microcosm' of Indian social system.

India is home to all the major religions of the world.

Christianity was first introduced in India through arrival of 'Thomas the Apostle' in ancient Kerala.

However, it was only during the colonial rule that Christianity became widespread with introduction of caste.

Caste in Indian Christians

  1. Roman Catholics and Protestants are two main sects in Christianity.

  2. Goa model and Kerala model are two distinct caste systems:-

Diagram
Kerala model Goa model - Syrian Christian - Brahmin - Latin Christian - Kshatriya - Dalit Christian - Sudhir - Dalit

Relevance

  1. Intercaste interactions follow the concepts of purity and pollution eg: discrimination against dalit christian.

  2. Endogamy and exogamy norms are followed in marriages.

  3. Politicisation of caste is prevalent.

eg: demand of reservation by Dalit christians -> Ranganath Mishra Committee

  1. Issue of proselytysing among dalits is an issue of contention.

Close

Caste system among Christianity is an example of interplay between great & little tradition.