Question 1

What does D.P. Mukerji mean by a 'living tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: D.P. Mukerji's concept of a 'living tradition' emphasizes the dynamic process of tradition that adapts to change while maintaining connections with historical roots.

Question 2

How did colonialism influence India's encounter with modernity?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Colonialism introduced Western sociological thought, which influenced the development of sociological thought in India.

Question 3

What was one of the major themes G.S. Ghurye worked on regarding tribal cultures?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Ghurye argued that tribal cultures were not isolated but had been interacting with Hinduism, advocating for their assimilation into mainstream Hindu society.

Question 4

What was A.R. Desai's critique of the welfare state from a Marxist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: A.R. Desai critiqued the welfare state by arguing that it fails to provide economic and social security to all citizens, and does not effectively reduce economic inequality.

Question 5

What was the primary focus of Sarat Chandra Roy's anthropological work?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Sarat Chandra Roy became the leading authority on the culture and society of the tribal peoples of the Chhotanagpur region.

Question 6

What was G.S. Ghurye's perspective on the tribes of India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Ghurye believed that tribes were 'backward Hindus' and advocated for their assimilation into mainstream Hindu society.

Question 7

In D.P. Mukerji's view, what is the primary orientation of the Indian social system?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: D.P. Mukerji believed that the Indian social system is primarily oriented towards group, sect, or caste-action, rather than individualistic action.

Question 8

In what way did M.N. Srinivas' work contribute to the international recognition of Indian sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas' ethnographic studies and his collaborations with international academic institutions helped put Indian sociology on the world map.

Question 9

In the context of Indian sociology, what does the term 'endogamy' refer to?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Endogamy refers to the practice of marrying within one's own caste, which is a key feature of the caste system as described by G.S. Ghurye.

Question 10

How did G.S. Ghurye's view on tribal societies differ from that of British administrator-anthropologists?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye argued that tribes were backward Hindus rather than distinct cultural groups, opposing the British view that tribes should be preserved as separate entities.

Question 11

Which of the following statements best describes the role of G.S. Ghurye in the development of Indian sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye is considered the founder of institutionalized sociology in India and headed the first post-graduate teaching department of Sociology at Bombay University.

Question 12

What was a significant contribution of M.N. Srinivas to the field of Indian sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: M.N. Srinivas introduced the concept of 'Sanskritization', which describes the process by which lower castes seek upward mobility by emulating the rituals and practices of higher castes.

Question 13

How did M.N. Srinivas contribute to the field of Indian sociology with his work on villages?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas played a pivotal role in promoting village studies, arguing against the notion that villages are static and emphasizing their dynamic nature.

Question 14

According to A.R. Desai, what is a major shortcoming of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: A.R. Desai critiqued the welfare state for failing to provide minimum levels of economic and social security to all citizens, despite its claims.

Question 15

What was M.N. Srinivas' major contribution to Indian sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas is known for his significant contributions to village studies in India through his use of ethnographic methods.

Question 16

What was the primary contribution of L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer to Indian anthropology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer was known for his ethnographic surveys in Cochin and Mysore, which were highly appreciated by British anthropologists and administrators.

Question 17

How did M.N. Srinivas contribute to the understanding of Indian villages in the context of structural functionalism?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas conducted detailed ethnographic studies of Indian villages, emphasizing the social dynamics and changes, which contributed to the understanding of village society through the lens of structural functionalism.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the academic recognition received by L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer was awarded an honorary doctorate by a German university during his lecture tour of European universities.

Question 19

According to A.R. Desai, which of the following is a characteristic of a welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: A welfare state is characterized as a positive and interventionist state, actively using its powers to design and implement social policies for societal betterment.

Question 20

L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer made significant contributions to Indian anthropology through his ethnographic work. Which of the following best describes his approach and impact?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer conducted ethnographic surveys voluntarily and was instrumental in setting up the first post-graduate anthropology department at the University of Calcutta.

Question 21

Sarat Chandra Roy is known for his pioneering work in Indian anthropology. What was a unique aspect of his career?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Sarat Chandra Roy became a leading authority on tribal societies in the Chhotanagpur region through extensive fieldwork, despite his primary profession as a lawyer.

Question 22

What was the primary critique G.S. Ghurye had about Herbert Risley's theory on caste and race?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Ghurye critiqued Risley's theory by pointing out that it was only applicable to northern India, where racial purity was maintained, unlike other parts of India where racial mixing had occurred.

Question 23

According to D.P. Mukerji, which principle of change in Indian traditions is considered revolutionary, and how does it manifest in the Indian context?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: D.P. Mukerji believed that 'Anubhava', or personal experience, is the revolutionary principle of change in Indian traditions. In the Indian context, personal experience soon becomes collective experience, which is the most important principle of change.

Question 24

In A.R. Desai’s critique, which feature is NOT considered essential for the emergence of a welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Desai identifies a welfare state as having a mixed economy, democratic institutions, and interventionist policies, contrasting with laissez-faire economics.

Question 25

According to A.R. Desai's Marxist perspective, what is a critical shortcoming of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: A.R. Desai critiques the welfare state for not ensuring freedom from poverty, social discrimination, and security for all its citizens.

Question 26

How does D.P. Mukerji suggest Indian sociologists should approach the study of social traditions?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: D.P. Mukerji believed that Indian sociologists should be familiar with both high and low cultures, including local dialects, to fully understand the social system.

Question 27

What was M.N. Srinivas's contribution to the study of Indian villages?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas emphasized the importance of ethnographic research in studying villages and highlighted their dynamic nature, countering the view that they were static and isolated.

Question 28

How did M.N. Srinivas' work challenge the British administrator anthropologists' view of Indian villages?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Srinivas challenged the British view by showing that Indian villages were not isolated but were involved in broader economic, social, and political networks.

Question 29

What does A.R. Desai suggest about the capitalist profit motive in a welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Desai suggests that in a welfare state, the capitalist profit motive should be made subservient to the community's real needs.

Question 30

Which of the following best describes Ghurye's approach to the study of caste in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Ghurye is known for offering a comprehensive definition of caste, emphasizing six features that include segmental division, hierarchy, and restrictions on social interaction.

Question 31

Which Indian sociologist is best known for applying the structural functionalism perspective to the study of Indian villages?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas is renowned for his application of the structural functionalism perspective, particularly in his studies of Indian villages.

Question 32

When did formal university teaching of sociology begin in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.

Question 33

What was A.R. Desai's main critique of the welfare state from a Marxist perspective?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: A.R. Desai critiqued the welfare state for failing to eliminate poverty and economic inequality, despite its claims.

Question 34

What is the role of 'anubhava' in D.P. Mukerji's understanding of tradition and change?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: D.P. Mukerji considered 'anubhava' or personal experience as the revolutionary principle in Indian traditions, which evolves into collective experience and facilitates change.

Question 35

According to A.R. Desai, what is a critical flaw of the welfare state as per his Marxist critique?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Desai critiques the welfare state for failing to provide minimum levels of economic and social security to all its citizens, highlighting its inability to address economic inequality effectively.

Question 36

How did G.S. Ghurye contribute to the institutionalization of sociology in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye played a pivotal role in institutionalizing sociology in India by establishing the Indian Sociological Society and its journal, Sociological Bulletin.

Question 37

Who is considered the founder of institutionalized sociology in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: G.S. Ghurye is regarded as the founder of institutionalized sociology in India, having established the first post-graduate department of sociology at Bombay University.

Question 38

Which of the following statements best reflects G.S. Ghurye's perspective on the integration of tribal societies within Indian society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye advocated for the assimilation of tribal societies into mainstream Hindu culture, viewing them as 'backward Hindus' who should integrate for development rather than being preserved as distinct cultural entities.

Question 39

What was a key feature of Ghurye's academic work that distinguished him from his contemporaries?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Ghurye's academic writings were not only prolific but also wide-ranging, covering subjects like tribes, kinship, culture, religion, and the sociology of conflict and integration.

Question 40

How did Sarat Chandra Roy's career path lead him to become a pioneer in Indian anthropology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Sarat Chandra Roy became interested in tribal society as a byproduct of his need to interpret tribal customs and laws for the court in Ranchi.

Question 41

Which of the following did G.S. Ghurye argue against in his writings on caste and race?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Ghurye argued against the notion of racial purity in caste groups, suggesting that inter-group differences in anthropometric measurements were not significant in most of India.

Question 42

Which Indian sociologist is known for the concept of 'living tradition'?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: D.P. Mukerji is known for the concept of 'living tradition', which involves maintaining links with the past while adapting to the present.

Question 43

What was a significant critique A.R. Desai had regarding the concept of the welfare state?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: A.R. Desai critiqued the welfare state for failing to ensure freedom from poverty and social discrimination for all its citizens.

Question 44

How did colonialism influence the development of sociology in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Colonialism introduced Western sociological methods and theories to India, which influenced the development of sociology as a discipline in the country.

Question 45

How does A.R. Desai's Marxist analysis view the role of the state in addressing economic inequality?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Desai argues that the welfare state exaggerates its claims of reducing economic inequality and often fails to do so.

Question 46

According to M.N. Srinivas, why is the village considered a relevant social entity in Indian sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas argued that villages have historically served as a unifying identity and play a significant role in rural social life, contrary to the view that they are self-sufficient and isolated.

Question 47

Which perspective did M.N. Srinivas adopt during his studies at Oxford?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Srinivas adopted the structural-functional perspective during his studies at Oxford, which was dominant in British social anthropology at the time.

Question 48

What was a significant challenge faced by early Indian sociologists in adapting Western sociology?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Early Indian sociologists had to determine the role of sociology in a colonial context, where modernity was intertwined with colonial subjugation.

Question 49

Both L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy were pioneers in Indian anthropology. What common challenge did they face in their careers?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Both Iyer and Roy practiced anthropology at a time when it was not yet established in India, and they contributed to its foundation without institutional support.

Question 50

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the caste system as defined by G.S. Ghurye?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: According to G.S. Ghurye, the caste system is characterized by segmental division, restrictions on social interaction, and restriction of occupation by birth. Social mobility between segments is not a feature of the caste system.

Question 51

How did G.S. Ghurye contribute to the institutionalization of sociology in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Solution: G.S. Ghurye contributed to the institutionalization of sociology in India by founding the Indian Sociological Society, establishing the first post-graduate department of sociology at Bombay University, and publishing the journal 'Sociological Bulletin'.

Question 52

In Ghurye's view, what was the primary reason for the perceived backwardness of tribal societies?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Ghurye argued that tribal societies were not isolated but had been in constant interaction with Hinduism, which contributed to their perceived backwardness.

Question 53

What was D.P. Mukerji's stance on the role of Indian sociologists in understanding social systems?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: D.P. Mukerji argued that Indian sociologists should be rooted in Indian traditions and understand both high and low cultures to truly comprehend the social system.

Question 54

Which of the following test criteria does A.R. Desai use to evaluate the performance of welfare states?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Desai uses the criterion of ensuring freedom from poverty and social discrimination to evaluate the performance of welfare states.

Question 55

How did G.S. Ghurye view the relationship between tribes and Hindu society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye argued that tribes were 'backward Hindus' who had been interacting with Hindu society over a long period and were part of the same process of cultural assimilation.

Question 56

Which principle of change did D.P. Mukerji consider revolutionary in the Indian context?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: D.P. Mukerji identified 'anubhava' or personal experience as the revolutionary principle of change, which in the Indian context often becomes collective experience.

Question 57

How did M.N. Srinivas view the role of villages in Indian society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: Srinivas argued against the notion of villages as static and self-sufficient, showing they were dynamic and important for understanding social change.

Question 58

M.N. Srinivas is known for his contributions to the study of Indian villages. Which of the following best describes his approach to understanding village society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas emphasized the importance of ethnographic fieldwork to understand the dynamics and changes in Indian village society, challenging the notion of villages as static entities.

Question 59

What was the significance of M.N. Srinivas' fieldwork in Rampura?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: Srinivas' fieldwork in Rampura was significant as it allowed him to create detailed ethnographic accounts of village society, contributing to the understanding of social change.

Question 60

Which of the following best describes the impact of colonialism on the development of sociology in India?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: A. Solution: Colonialism provided a unique context for Indian sociologists to question and adapt Western sociological concepts to the Indian context.

Question 61

Which principle did D.P. Mukerji consider as the revolutionary principle of change in Indian society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: D.P. Mukerji considered 'Anubhava', or personal experience, as the revolutionary principle of change in Indian society.

Question 62

Which of the following is NOT one of the six features of caste as defined by G.S. Ghurye?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: G.S. Ghurye defined caste as having features such as segmental division, hierarchical division, restrictions on social interaction, differential rights and duties, occupational restrictions, and endogamy. Social mobility through merit is not a feature of caste.

Question 63

What was D.P. Mukerji's view on the role of tradition in Indian society?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Solution: D.P. Mukerji viewed tradition as a living entity that maintains links with the past while adapting to the present, thus evolving over time.

Question 64

Which of the following best represents M.N. Srinivas' view on the relevance of the village as a unit of social analysis?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: B. Solution: M.N. Srinivas believed that villages were crucial for understanding the social fabric of rural India, as they provided insights into social structures and changes.

Indian Sociologists

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives

Revision Notes & Summary

Chapter Notes

Development of Indian Sociology

Role of Colonialism in Indian Modernity

Contributions of L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy

G.S. Ghurye's Influence on Indian Sociology

Caste System and Social Stratification

D.P. Mukerji's Concept of Living Tradition

A.R. Desai's Marxist Perspective on the State

M.N. Srinivas and Village Studies

Structural Functionalism in Indian Context

Exam Tips & Common Mistakes

Common Mistakes & Exam Tips

Development of Indian Sociology

Role of Colonialism in Indian Modernity

Contributions of L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy

G.S. Ghurye's Influence on Indian Sociology

Caste System and Social Stratification

D.P. Mukerji's Concept of Living Tradition

A.R. Desai's Marxist Perspective on the State

M.N. Srinivas and Village Studies

Structural Functionalism in Indian Context

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Multiple Choice Questions

Q1.What does D.P. Mukerji mean by a 'living tradition'?

Correct Answer: B

Q2.How did colonialism influence India's encounter with modernity?

Correct Answer: A

Q3.What was one of the major themes G.S. Ghurye worked on regarding tribal cultures?

Correct Answer: B

Q4.What was A.R. Desai's critique of the welfare state from a Marxist perspective?

Correct Answer: A

Q5.What was the primary focus of Sarat Chandra Roy's anthropological work?

Correct Answer: C

Q6.What was G.S. Ghurye's perspective on the tribes of India?

Correct Answer: B

Q7.In D.P. Mukerji's view, what is the primary orientation of the Indian social system?

Correct Answer: C

Q8.In what way did M.N. Srinivas' work contribute to the international recognition of Indian sociology?

Correct Answer: B

Q9.In the context of Indian sociology, what does the term 'endogamy' refer to?

Correct Answer: B

Q10.How did G.S. Ghurye's view on tribal societies differ from that of British administrator-anthropologists?

Correct Answer: B

Q11.Which of the following statements best describes the role of G.S. Ghurye in the development of Indian sociology?

Correct Answer: B

Q12.What was a significant contribution of M.N. Srinivas to the field of Indian sociology?

Correct Answer: A

Q13.How did M.N. Srinivas contribute to the field of Indian sociology with his work on villages?

Correct Answer: B

Q14.According to A.R. Desai, what is a major shortcoming of the welfare state?

Correct Answer: C

Q15.What was M.N. Srinivas' major contribution to Indian sociology?

Correct Answer: B

Q16.What was the primary contribution of L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer to Indian anthropology?

Correct Answer: A

Q17.How did M.N. Srinivas contribute to the understanding of Indian villages in the context of structural functionalism?

Correct Answer: B

Q18.Which of the following best describes the academic recognition received by L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer?

Correct Answer: A

Q19.According to A.R. Desai, which of the following is a characteristic of a welfare state?

Correct Answer: B

Q20.L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer made significant contributions to Indian anthropology through his ethnographic work. Which of the following best describes his approach and impact?

Correct Answer: A

Q21.Sarat Chandra Roy is known for his pioneering work in Indian anthropology. What was a unique aspect of his career?

Correct Answer: B

Q22.What was the primary critique G.S. Ghurye had about Herbert Risley's theory on caste and race?

Correct Answer: B

Q23.According to D.P. Mukerji, which principle of change in Indian traditions is considered revolutionary, and how does it manifest in the Indian context?

Correct Answer: C

Q24.In A.R. Desai’s critique, which feature is NOT considered essential for the emergence of a welfare state?