AIR 90 · CSE 2020 · Sociology II · 51 pages

Prakhar Jain: Sociology II answer copy

9 answers by Prakhar Jain, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Limitations of Indological approach
  2. Q2(a)The idea of Indian village as represented in the earlier writings of the colonial administrators has been critiqued by many scholars. Discuss.
  3. Q3(a)Caste as a social reality is viewed differently by Gandhi and Ambedkar. Their perspectives diverge but meet at a common end. Discuss.
  4. Q6Caste Mobility in India. "India's Nationalism was the result of the material conditions created by the British Colonialism." Examine the statement with respect to AR Desai's work. Compare and Contrast the perspective of Andre Beteille and MN Srinivas with respect to 'study of caste'. The lopsided, iniquitous and environmentally destructive processes of development has given rise to environmental movements in India. Examine.
  5. Q6(b)"Social Change can be brought through public policy". Critically analyse.
  6. Q6(c)Functions and dysfunctions of the family as an institution. c) Secularization of caste is essentially a modern phenomenon. Discuss. c) Tribes are generally seen to be society based on equality, but forms of social differentiation exists within tribes too. Examine. "Slum is the lifeline of Urbanity." Comment. c) Give a brief overview of the "Evolution and persistence of communalism in Indian Society." c) "Surrogacy is both a need and source of income." Discuss in context of Indian society.
  7. Q6(d)Analyse the changing nexus between caste and tribe. d) Briefly discuss the concept of Ethno-nationalism along with suitable examples.
  8. Q6(e)Islamic diffusion gave birth to emergence of new great and little traditions. Examine.
  9. Q8(a)"Middle class has been taken as the cornerstone of a stable democracy". Discuss in context of Indian society.

The answers

Question 1(a) · 162 words written

Limitations of Indological approach

Opening · a definition

Indological Approach seeks to study Indian society through ancient Indian texts like religious manuscripts, epics etc. G. S. Ghurye is considered as the pioneer of indological approach in Indian sociology.

Body · points

Limitations of Indological Approach

  1. M N Srinivas says indological approach is text view while the reality on field is different. He proposed field view through village studies.

  2. A R Desai says the ancient texts are replete with upper caste brahminical values and reality. They do not highlight the coercive aspects of relations.

  3. Andre Beteille suggests applying context to textual view.

  4. Romila Thapar contends that ancient texts only reflect hindu view of India while the country has always tolerated multiple traditions.

  5. Indological approach is often contradictory due to difference in content of different texts.

Close · a summary

However, as Yogendra Singh puts, it helped in the study of Indian society in 70s and 80s when field study couldn't be performed. Further, the historical continuity provided by indological approach is also admirable.