AIR 51 · CSE 2016 · Sociology II · 24 pages

Ila Tripathi: Sociology II answer copy

13 answers by Ila Tripathi, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(d)In colonial times, land reforms were a moot point between peasants and British. Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent Settlement Act in 1793.
  2. Q2(a)Critically discuss the Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian Nationalism.20 marks
  3. Q2(b)Discuss the impact of Bhakti movement on the Indian society.15 marks
  4. Q2(c)Compare M.N Srinivas and Louis Dumont's understanding of Indian caste system.15 marks
  5. Q3(a)Critically analyze the changing caste-class nexus in the agrarian social structure.25 marks
  6. Q3(b)‘Modernization in the Indian context is a complex phenomenon involving both continuity and change’. Comment25 marks
  7. Q4(a)The colonial rule engendered various movements as a reaction to it. Discuss the nature of these movements and its impact on Indian society.25 marks
  8. Q4(b)What evidence would you offer against the view that 'tribes are primitive communities living isolated lives untouched by civilization'?15 marks
  9. Q4(c)G.S. Ghurye's approach to Indian civilization.10 marks
  10. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 100 words. II. Village studies in Indian sociology III. Indological approach to the study of Indian society30 marks
  11. Q5(b)“Are Tribal protests and movements an indication of limitation of the policy of integration in the independent India”. Comment20 marks
  12. Q5(c)Social differentiation among Tribes.
  13. Q5(d)Land reforms and transition in the agrarian relations

The answers

Question 1(d) · 225 words written

In colonial times, land reforms were a moot point between peasants and British. Lord Cornwallis introduced Permanent Settlement Act in 1793.

Opening

Since then Zamindars emerged as the oppressive taxing the peasant. With independence, the government brought phased reforms with the principle of 'land to the tiller'.

Body · continuous prose

This changed agrarian feudal relations. Absentee landlordism was removed hence peasants were freed from middle-men. However in some cases it also led to patrilineal support from Zamindar household to peasant.

W H Wiser in his book 'The Hindu Jajmani System' noted 'kamin' was given agricultural share by the Jajman - This discontinued in new land reform relations.

But the reform of Zamindari Abolishment Act, Land Ceiling Act, Tenancy Reforms reduced agrarian poverty as landless labourers were distributed surplus land.

Robert Redfield noted that Indian peasant had an emotional bonding with the land. The Land reforms ensured that the connect was changed to ownership.

Theodar Shanin in his description of Ideal peasant state describes domination of peasant by landlords. Land reform have disrupted this dominance

The recent verdict of Supreme court to return Singur land (West Bengal) to peasants is also a welcome step where judiciary protected interest of peasantry

NITI Aayog has recommended legalising leasing of land to give muscle to land reforms. This would safeguard rights of tillers from unwarranted eviction (bedakhali) and also ensure land owners right.

Close · a summary

Land Reforms in India have come a long way. D N Dhanagare notes it as a major step towards agrarian empowerment.