AIR 13 · CSE 2021 · Sociology II · 47 pages

Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar: Sociology II answer copy

19 answers by Priyamvada Ashok Mhaddalkar, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)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
  2. Q1(b)Ghurye's analysis of tribes was based on tribe caste continuum. Discuss.10 marks
  3. Q1(c)The concept of dominant caste is of crucial importance in understanding social and political life in rural India. Analyze.10 marks
  4. Q1(d)"The Soil grows caste, the machine makes class." In the context of this statement discuss the relationship between caste and class.10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Discuss the significance of Arya Samaj and Ramakrishna mission as reform movements in India.10 marks
  6. Q2(a)The hallmark of Srinivas perspective on Indian society was to break out from confines of textual authority. In this context critically analyse the structural-functionalist perspective in the analysis of Indian Society.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)Louis Dumont treats caste as having brahminic superiority and sanskritic exclusivity in contrast to Andre Beteille who considers it as an objective reality. Discuss.20 marks
  8. Q2(c)Village occupies an important place in the social and cultural landscape of contemporary India. In context discuss the importance of village studies.10 marks
  9. Q4(a)In Yogendra Singh's work, historicity and universality went hand in hand. Explain this at the backdrop of his integrative understanding of Indian tradition.20 marks
  10. Q4(b)Indian villages aim to reflect structural-functional historic relationship between different communities. Discuss this statement in the context of Samirpeth study of SC Dube.20 marks
  11. Q4(c)"The application of Historical Materialism provided a new method in understanding Indian social reality". Discuss the statement in context of A. R. Desai's understanding of Indian nationalism.10 marks
  12. Q5(a)Write a short note on each of the following in not more than 150 words. (a) To what extent rise of communalism in India can be traced to colonial presence in India?10 marks
  13. Q5(b)'Secularism' has remained weak ideology in India. Critically examine.10 marks
  14. Q5(c)Wages for housework is an idea whose time has come. Evaluate in context of sexual division of labour in Indian society.10 marks
  15. Q5(d)"Family is an imagination while household is a reality". Discuss.10 marks
  16. Q5(e)Muslims as a social-religious group have gradually been pushed to the periphery of development. Discuss the reasons responsible for backwardness of Muslims in India.10 marks
  17. Q6(a)Idea of middle class is often highly romanticised as an outcome of liberal democracy, a vibrant capitalist economy and individual freedom. Critically examine.20 marks
  18. Q6(b)Land reforms are not only necessary to boost agricultural production but also to reduce far-entrenched poverty from deeper pockets of India. Discuss.20 marks
  19. Q6(c)"Untouchability has often been termed as the inhuman institution of Indian Society". In this context, discuss the social problems of untouchability from different perspectives.10 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 159 words written

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.

Opening · a definition

The Varna Scheme refers to the Rigvedic view of societal groupings with Brahmins at the top followed by Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras.

M.N. Srinivas through his field studies observed the caste realities of Indian society and explains that :-

Body · points

→ Varna scheme is a rigid view of Indian society, the way caste dynamics play out in actuality is different.

→ Varna scheme focusses on the ascriptive characteristics whereas caste though ascriptive has possibility for mobility.

→ He explained the concept of mobility through the process of Sanskritisation where a lower caste after gaining material success aspires for ritual superiority by imitating the culture of the upper castes.

→ He also explained that it is not necessary that only Brahmins enjoy superior status. Through his concept of 'Dominant caste' he explained how even lower castes can be dominant in a particular society. eg: Yadavs, Jats

Close · a summary

Thus, varna scheme produces a distorted picture of caste. In reality caste system is dynamic.