PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN SOCIETY

1. PERSPECTIVES ON THE STUDY OF INDIAN SOCIETY

A. Indological Perspective – G.S. Ghurye

1. ‘Textual perspective is important in understanding of Indian Social System.’ Discuss. (2025)
2. How would you characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of ‘theoretical pluralism’? (2025)
3. Differentiate between ‘Western’ and ‘Indological’ perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G.S. Ghurye’s contribution. (2024)
4. Critically examine G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach to understanding Indian society. (2022)
5. Write a note on G.S. Ghurye’s Indological perspective of understanding Indian society. (2018)
6. Write short note: G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach to understand society in India. (2014)
7. Write short note: Indological perspective of G.S. Ghurye. (2009)
8. Examine the utility and limitations of Indological source material to understanding Indian society. (1993)

B. Structural-Functionalist Perspective – M.N. Srinivas

1. Elaborate on M.N. Srinivas’s structural-functionalist approach to the study of Indian society. (2022)
2. Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society. (2017)
3. Elaborate Srinivas’s views on religion and society among the Coorgs. (2019)
4. Write short note: M.N. Srinivas’s concept of Westernisation. (2013)
5. How far is the structural functional perspective helpful in understanding changes in contemporary Indian society? (2010)
6. What are the main principles of the structural-functional perspective? Comment on the suitability of applying it to Indian society. (2009)

C. Dialectical/Marxist Perspective – A.R. Desai

1. Highlight the significant features of A.R. Desai’s ‘Dialectical Perspective’ to study Indian Society. (2023)
2. Elaborate A.R. Desai’s perspective to the study of Indian society. (2020)
3. Analyze A.R. Desai’s views on India’s path of development. (2018)
4. Write short notes: Salient features of A.R. Desai’s Marxist Sociology. (2016)
5. Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism. (2015)
6. Write short note: Limitations of the dialectical approach to the study of Indian society. (2012)
7. Write short note: A.R. Desai’s characterization of leadership of Indian freedom movement. (2010)
8. How has the Marxist Perspective been applied to explain social background of Indian nationalism? (2008)

D. Modernisation & Tradition – Yogendra Singh and Others

1. Critically examine Yogendra Singh’s thesis on ‘Modernisation of Indian Tradition’. (2022)
2. Comment critically on the heterogenic features that influenced Indian tradition, according to Yogendra Singh. (2010)
3. ‘Indian tradition, today, exhibits a form of neotraditionalism along with modernisation’. Comment. (1990)
4. “Tradition and modernity co-exist in contemporary Indian society.” Discuss the factors responsible. (1997, 1996)

E. Subaltern & Alternative Perspectives

1. Give an account of Ranajit Guha’s approach in studying ‘subaltern class’. (2019)

F. Nationalism, Reform & Colonial Impact

1. Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. (2022)
2. How have social reform movements in colonial India contributed to modernization of Indian society? (2012)
3. Write short note: Colonial hangover and its social impact. (2009)
4. Write short note: Impact of West on Indian society. (2001)
5. Write short note: Response of Indian society to the early impact of West. (1998)
6. Analyse the impact of the modern West on traditional social values in India. (1989)
7. Assess the impact of the West in shaping the Indian renaissance movement in the 19th century. (1987)

G. Hindu Social Organisation

1. Describe the major aspects of traditional Hindu social organization. How far are they relevant today? (2006)
2. Discuss the metaphysical and ethical basis of Hindu social organization. (2002)
3. Write short note: Social significance of Grihasthasrama. (1993)
4. Write short note: Basic features of traditional Hindu social organisation. (1990)
5. Examine the impact of Buddhism and Islam on Hindu society. (1986)
6. Write short note: Impact of Buddhism on Indian society. (2000)

H. Multiculturalism & Diversity

1. Examine the ways in which Indian society can be strengthened as a multicultural society. Is dominance of single culture a hindrance? (2002)
2. Write short note: Ethnic diversity and community integration. (1992)

I. Historical Roots, Continuity & Change

1. Examine the features of continuity and change of Indian society in historical perspective. (1992)
2. Examine the historical roots of Indian society and identify the factors of continuity and change. (1988)

J. Methodological Perspectives

1. Write short note: The book-view and the field-view in Indian sociology. (2011)
2. Explain the significance of empirical approach to the study of Indian society. How does historical approach enrich it? (1995)
3. Write short note: The Indian intellectual between tradition and modernity. (1986)