CASTE SYSTEM IN INDIA

1. CASTE SYSTEM IN INDIA

A. Untouchability & Dalit Movements

1. What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations. (2024)
2. Explain different forms of untouchability in India. (2022)
3. What are the various forms of untouchability in India? Critically examine. (2021)
4. How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions? (2017)
5. Write short note with a sociological perspective: How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables. (2015)
6. Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal of untouchability. (2014)
7. What does Dr. B.R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of “Annihilation of Caste”? (2021)
8. What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on annihilation of caste? (2013)
9. How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features? (2016)
10. Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat. (2015)
11. Analyze the term ‘dalit’ and the evolution of the related concept as a reflection of the changing consciousness and self-assertion of the dalit community. (2011)
12. Write short note: Modes of contents of expression of Dalit consciousness. (1998)
13. Discuss the social factors responsible for the emergence of Dalit consciousness in India. What have been the social consequences of this phenomenon? (2006)
14. Write short note: Emergence of Dalit Consciousness. (2002)
15. Write short note: Scheduled caste elites. (1984)

B. Sanskritization, Westernisation & Mobility

1. Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations. (2023)
2. Write short note with a sociological perspective: How far Srinivas’s Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system? (2015)
3. Discuss the process of social mobility in the caste system commonly described as Sanskritisation and Westernisation. Have they effected any structural change in the system? (1985)
4. Write short note: Avenues of caste mobility in traditional Indian society. (1996)
5. Which means of social mobility were available in the traditional caste system? Describe the form of social mobility in contemporary Indian society. (2000)
6. Is the caste system immobile? Bring out the factors promoting intra-caste and inter-caste mobility. (1987)

C. Thinkers’ Perspectives on Caste

1. Contextualize Louis Dumont’s concept of ‘binary opposition’ with reference to caste system in India. (2023)
2. How do you justify Dumont’s deliberate stress on ideology that produced intellectualized account of Indian society? (2020)
3. Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo Hierarchicus. (2013)
4. In the context of the caste system, critically examine Louis Dumont’s concept of purity and pollution. (2009)
5. Discuss the Louis Dumont’s concept of purity and pollution. How far these concepts are relevant in explaining the Hindu Caste system. (2002)
6. Write short note with a sociological perspective: Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system. (2015)
7. Write short note: Concept of Hierarchy in Louis Dumont’s writings. (2008)
8. Write a note on Ghurye’s conception of caste in India. (2019)
9. Write short note: Racial Theories of origin of caste. (2005)
10. Write short note with a sociological perspective: Perspectives on the study of caste by M.N. Srinivas and Andre Beteille. (2011)
11. Discuss Andre Beteille’s account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one. (2016)
12. In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille’s conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures? (2022)

D. Caste, Class & Power

1. How do caste and class come together in creating the category of extreme poor? (2014)
2. Discuss the inter-relationships between caste, class and power. (2010)
3. Discuss Andre Beteille’s account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one. (2016)
4. “The soil grows castes: the machines make classes”. Comment. (1989)
5. Discuss the process of mobility that has taken place in the caste structure in India. In this context, explain the convergence of caste and class. (1990)
6. Write short note: Convergence of class and caste. (1987)

E. Caste, Democracy & Politics

1. Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India? Discuss. (2018)
2. Do you think that caste and democracy are compatible with each other? Discuss with reference to some studies conducted on this issue in India. (1996)
3. Examine the role of caste as a pressure-group in contemporary Indian politics. (1984)
4. Write short note: Caste and Indian Polity. (2001)
5. Write short note: Caste mobilisation in North India. (2004)

F. Caste & Social Change

1. Are Tradition and Modernity antithetical to each other? Comment. (2023)
2. Is Indian society moving from “hierarchy” towards “differentiation”? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. (2021)
3. Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India? (2015)
4. What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since independence? (2017)
5. ‘Casteism is the modern edition of the caste system.’ Do you agree with this statement? Discuss with arguments. (2011)
6. ‘Caste is becoming weaker and stronger at the same time in present day India.’ Discuss the factors responsible for continuity and change. (1997)
7. The organic solidarity of caste has given way to competitive solidarity. Discuss this statement in the context of the processes of fission and fusion in the caste system. (1988)
8. ‘Despite all the fusion and fission that the caste system has undergone through the ages, it has binded to maintain the permanency of its form’. Comment. (1986)
9. Write short note: Cultural and structural aspect of caste. (1995)

G. Caste among Non-Hindu Communities

1. Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples. (2021)
2. Write short note: Caste among Muslims. (2003)
3. Write short note: Caste among Muslims in India. (1994)
4. Write short note: Caste among Indian Christians. (2000)
5. Write short note: Caste among the non-Hindu. (1984)
6. Write short note: Impact of Muslims on Indian Society. (2004)

H. Concepts & Institutions Linked to Caste

1. Write short notes with a sociological perspective on the following in about 150 words: Features of caste system. (2014)
2. What are the features of M.N. Srinivas’ concept of dominant caste? How effective is it in understanding today’s reality? (2013)
3. Describe the characteristics of dominant caste. Discuss its role in village politics in India. (2003)
4. Write short note: Varna-asrama dharma. (1996)
5. Write short note: Kula, Vansa and Gotra. (1985)
6. Write short note: Ritual purity and pollution in Hindu Society. (1991)
7. Describe the main characteristics of the Jajmani system. Do you agree with the view that it is basically an institution of politico-economic dominance and dependence? (1984)

I. Justice, Equality & Reform

1. Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India? Justify your argument. (10 marks) (2025)
2. What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. (2024)
3. Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal of untouchability. (2014)
4. Write short note: Equality and social justice. (1995)
5. Write short note: Social Justice. (1999)
6. Write short note: Sociological perspectives of “Right to work” in India. (1990)
7. Write short note: The case for a uniform civil code. (1986)

J. Miscellaneous

1. Discuss Whitehead’s contention that caste has potential to displace class and colonial contradiction. (2020)
2. Comment on the distinction between ‘hierarchy’ and ‘social stratification.’ Which of the two will be a more appropriate term to describe the caste system and why? (1985)
3. What is the structural perspective on the caste system? Is it not an oversimplification to describe the system as a hierarchy of statuses based on the opposition of the pure and impure? (1984)
4. Discuss the social consequences of economic development in India. Do you share the view that it has increased economic inequality and failed to promote social justice? (1984)
5. Write short note: Industrialisation and Caste. (1988)