BSOE 142
INDIAN SOCIOLOGICAL TRADITIONS
BSOE 142 solved Free Assignment 2023
BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment January 2023
Assignment I
Q 1. Describe the contribution of Ghurye to Indian sociology.
Ans. D. R. Ghurye was a pioneering sociologist who made significant contributions to the development of Indian sociology.
He was born in Mumbai in 1893 and obtained his education from the University of Bombay, the University of London, and the University of Chicago.
Ghurye was the first Indian sociologist to obtain a PhD in sociology from the University of London in 1926. He was also the first Indian to become a professor of sociology at the University of Bombay in 1935.
Ghurye’s work was highly influential in the development of Indian sociology and his contributions continue to be studied and recognized today.
One of Ghurye’s most significant contributions to Indian sociology was his focus on the study of caste. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Ghurye’s book “Caste and Race in India” (1932) was a seminal work that presented a comprehensive analysis of the caste system in India.
The book was based on Ghurye’s extensive fieldwork and research, and it challenged the prevailing belief that caste was purely a religious system.
Ghurye argued that caste was a complex social system that was deeply ingrained in Indian society and influenced every aspect of life.
He also explored the relationship between caste and race and argued that caste was not based on biological differences but rather on social and cultural factors.
Ghurye’s work on caste was significant because it provided a new framework for understanding Indian society. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
His research challenged prevailing colonial views that portrayed Indian society as primitive and backward, and instead presented a more nuanced view of the complexities of Indian social structure.
Ghurye’s work also influenced other scholars to study caste, leading to a deeper understanding of the system and its impact on Indian society.
Another significant contribution of Ghurye to Indian sociology was his study of the family. In his book “The Family in India” (1937), Ghurye explored the changing nature of the family in India.
He argued that the traditional joint family system was giving way to a more nuclear family structure, and that this was having significant social and cultural implications.
Ghurye also explored the role of women in the family and the changing dynamics of gender relations in India.
Ghurye’s work on the family was important because it helped to shed light on the changing nature of Indian society. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
His research challenged prevailing views that Indian society was static and unchanging, and instead highlighted the dynamic nature of social change in India.
Ghurye’s work also provided insights into the complexities of the family system in India, including the role of women and the impact of social change on family structures.
Ghurye also made important contributions to the study of religion in India. In his book “Indian Sadhus” (1953), Ghurye explored the lives of holy men and women in India.
He argued that the study of religion in India was essential to understanding Indian society as a whole. Ghurye also explored the role of religion in shaping social values and norms in India.
Ghurye’s work on religion was significant because it helped to illuminate the complex relationship between religion and society in India.
His research challenged prevailing views that religion was purely a personal matter, and instead highlighted the ways in which religion was intertwined with social structures and cultural practices.
Ghurye’s work also helped to promote a deeper understanding of the diversity of religious beliefs and practices in India, including the role of holy men and women in Indian society.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
In addition to his research, Ghurye also made important contributions to the development of sociology as a discipline in India.
He was a founding member of the Indian Sociological Society and played an important role in establishing sociology departments at universities across India.
Ghurye also served as the president of the International Sociological Association from 1966 to 1970.
Ghurye’s contributions to the development of sociology in India were significant because they helped to establish sociology as a legitimate academic discipline.
His work helped to promote the study of Indian society and culture, and encouraged other scholars to pursue research in the field.
Ghurye’s role in establishing sociology departments at universities across India also helped to promote the institutionalization of sociology as a discipline.
Another important aspect of Ghurye’s contribution to Indian sociology was his advocacy for the use of indigenous methods and concepts in social research.
Ghurye argued that Western social theories and methods were not always applicable to the Indian context, and that researchers needed to take into account the unique cultural and social factors that shaped Indian society.
He also advocated for the use of vernacular languages in research, arguing that this would make research more accessible to the broader Indian public.
Ghurye’s advocacy for the use of indigenous methods and concepts in social research was significant because it helped to promote a more nuanced and context-specific approach to the study of Indian society.
His work helped to challenge the dominance of Western social theories and methods, and encouraged researchers to take a more culturally sensitive approach to social research. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Ghurye’s advocacy for the use of vernacular languages in research also helped to promote greater accessibility and relevance of social research to the broader Indian public.
Ghurye’s contributions to Indian sociology continue to be studied and recognized today.
His work has had a lasting impact on the study of Indian society and culture, and has helped to promote a deeper understanding of the complexities of Indian social structures and cultural practices.
Ghurye’s emphasis on the study of caste, family, religion, and the use of indigenous methods and concepts in social research, continue to be relevant to contemporary sociological research in India.
BSOE 142 Assignment question 2023
Q 2. ‘Radhakamal Mukerjee’s theory of society sought to explain the values of a universal civilisation’. Discuss.
Ans. Radhakamal Mukerjee was a pioneering sociologist in India who sought to develop a theory of society that could explain the values of a universal civilization.
His work on the social and cultural dimensions of Indian society, as well as his engagement with Western social theory, enabled him to develop a unique perspective on the challenges facing modern India.
Mukerjee’s theory of society sought to explain the values of a universal civilization by exploring the relationship between culture and social change, and by emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural communication.
Mukerjee’s theory of society was rooted in his belief that culture was the key to understanding social change. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that culture was the foundation of society, and that it played a central role in shaping social structures and practices.
Mukerjee believed that culture was not static or fixed, but rather, that it was constantly evolving in response to changing social and economic conditions.
He also argued that cultural diversity was an essential aspect of human societies, and that cultural differences should be celebrated and valued.
Mukerjee’s emphasis on the importance of culture was informed by his engagement with Western social theory, particularly the work of Emile Durkheim and Max Weber.
He drew on Durkheim’s concept of social solidarity, which emphasized the importance of shared values and beliefs in creating a cohesive society.
Mukerjee also drew on Weber’s concept of ideal types, which he used to explore the diversity of cultural practices and beliefs in Indian society.
Mukerjee’s theory of society sought to explain the values of a universal civilization by exploring the relationship between culture and social change.
He argued that cultural diversity was not an obstacle to social progress, but rather, that it was a source of innovation and creativity.
Mukerjee believed that cultural diversity allowed for the exchange of ideas and practices, which could lead to the development of new social structures and practices.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Mukerjee’s theory of society also emphasized the importance of intercultural communication in promoting social cohesion and understanding.
He argued that intercultural communication was essential for promoting cultural exchange and for fostering a sense of global community.
Mukerjee believed that intercultural communication could help to break down barriers between different cultural groups, and could promote greater understanding and appreciation of cultural differences.
Mukerjee’s theory of society was particularly relevant to the challenges facing modern India.
As India underwent rapid social and economic change in the early 20th century, Mukerjee’s work helped to provide a framework for understanding the complex social and cultural dynamics at play.
His emphasis on the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural communication was particularly important given India’s diverse population and complex history of cultural exchange.
Mukerjee’s theory of society was also informed by his own experiences as a Bengali Hindu living in colonial India. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He was deeply influenced by the Indian nationalist movement, and believed that India’s cultural heritage was an essential component of its national identity.
Mukerjee’s work on Indian culture and society helped to challenge prevailing views of Indian society as primitive or unchanging, and instead presented a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of Indian social structures and cultural practices.
Mukerjee’s theory of society was not without its critics, however. Some scholars have argued that his emphasis on cultural diversity was too romanticized, and that it failed to address the inequalities and power dynamics that existed within and between cultural groups.
Others have criticized his focus on intercultural communication, arguing that it placed too much emphasis on the ability of cultural exchange to overcome cultural differences.
Despite these criticisms, Mukerjee’s theory of society remains an important contribution to the field of sociology.
His work on the relationship between culture and social change, and his emphasis on the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural communication, continue to be relevant to contemporary social debates.
Mukerjee’s approach to sociology was unique in that it sought to bridge the gap between Indian and Western social theory, while also emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural communication.
One of Mukerjee’s key contributions to the field of sociology was his concept of cultural nationalism. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
This concept sought to balance the need for cultural identity and pride with the need for social cohesion and integration.
Mukerjee argued that cultural nationalism could help to create a sense of national identity based on shared cultural values and beliefs, while also allowing for the celebration and preservation of cultural diversity.
Mukerjee’s concept of cultural nationalism was particularly relevant to the challenges facing India in the early 20th century.
As India underwent rapid social and economic change, many Indian nationalists were grappling with the question of how to create a sense of national identity that was inclusive of India’s diverse cultural traditions.
Mukerjee’s work on cultural nationalism helped to provide a framework for addressing this question, and has had a lasting impact on Indian politics and society.
Another important contribution of Mukerjee’s theory of society was his emphasis on the importance of social institutions in shaping cultural practices and beliefs.
Mukerjee argued that social institutions such as the family, religion, and education played a central role in shaping cultural values and beliefs.
He believed that these institutions could be used to promote social change and to challenge oppressive cultural practices.
Mukerjee’s emphasis on the role of social institutions in shaping cultural practices was particularly important given the patriarchal and hierarchical nature of many Indian social structures. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
His work helped to highlight the ways in which social institutions could be used to challenge these structures, and to promote greater gender and social equality.
Mukerjee’s theory of society was also informed by his engagement with Marxist social theory.
He drew on Marxist concepts such as class struggle and social inequality to analyze the dynamics of Indian society.
Mukerjee argued that social inequality was a key factor in shaping cultural practices and beliefs, and that social change could only be achieved through the elimination of these inequalities.
Mukerjee’s engagement with Marxist social theory was controversial in India, particularly given the association of Marxism with the Soviet Union and other Communist states. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
However, his work helped to bring Marxist concepts into the Indian context, and to highlight the ways in which Marxist analysis could be used to understand the complexities of Indian society.
Overall, Radhakamal Mukerjee’s theory of society sought to explain the values of a universal civilization by exploring the relationship between culture and social change.
His emphasis on the importance of cultural diversity and intercultural communication, as well as his engagement with Western and Marxist social theory, helped to provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing modern India.
While Mukerjee’s theory of society was not without its critics, his work remains an important contribution to the field of sociology and has had a lasting impact on Indian politics and society.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Assignment II
Q 3. Explain D P Mukerji’s view on role of tradition in Indian society.
Ans. D. P. Mukerji was a renowned Indian sociologist who made significant contributions to the study of Indian society and culture.
One of the key themes in Mukerji’s work was the role of tradition in Indian society.
He believed that tradition played a crucial role in shaping the social structure and values of Indian society, and that any attempt to understand Indian society must take tradition into account.
Mukerji argued that tradition provided a sense of continuity and stability in Indian society. It was the source of the social norms, customs, and beliefs that had been passed down from generation to generation.
These traditions helped to create a sense of collective identity and provided a framework for social interaction and cooperation.
At the same time, Mukerji recognized that tradition could also be a source of conflict and inequality. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that certain traditional practices, such as caste discrimination and gender inequality, were deeply ingrained in Indian society and had a negative impact on social relations and individual well-being.
As such, Mukerji believed that it was important to critically examine tradition and to challenge those aspects that were harmful or unjust.
Mukerji’s views on the role of tradition in Indian society were shaped by his understanding of Indian history and culture.
He saw India as a civilization that had a long and complex history, with a rich tradition of intellectual and cultural achievements.
Mukerji believed that India’s history and culture had contributed to the unique character of Indian society, and that any attempt to understand Indian society must take these factors into account.
One of the key aspects of Indian tradition that Mukerji highlighted was the importance of family and community.
He argued that the extended family and community were the basic units of Indian society, and that they played a crucial role in shaping social relations and values.
Mukerji believed that the family and community provided a sense of security and belonging, and that they helped to promote social cohesion and cooperation.
Another aspect of tradition that Mukerji emphasized was the importance of religion in Indian society. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that religion was a central part of Indian culture, and that it played a key role in shaping social values and beliefs.
Mukerji believed that religion provided a sense of moral guidance and purpose, and that it helped to promote social harmony and unity.
However, Mukerji also recognized that religion could be a source of conflict and division.
He noted that religious differences had been a key factor in many of India’s historical conflicts, and that they continued to be a source of tension in contemporary Indian society.
As such, Mukerji argued that it was important to promote inter-religious dialogue and understanding in order to reduce these tensions.
Mukerji’s views on the role of tradition in Indian society were not without controversy.
Some critics argued that his emphasis on tradition and the importance of maintaining social stability was a justification for preserving the status quo and for resisting social change. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Others criticized his views on religion, arguing that they failed to take into account the diversity of religious beliefs and practices in Indian society.
Despite these criticisms, Mukerji’s work on tradition in Indian society remains an important contribution to the field of sociology.
His emphasis on the importance of tradition as a source of social cohesion and stability, as well as his recognition of the need to critically examine tradition in order to challenge harmful practices, has had a lasting impact on the study of Indian society and culture.
Q 4. Discuss N K Bose’s method and approach to the study of society.
Ans. Nirmal Kumar Bose, commonly known as N.K. Bose, was an Indian sociologist and anthropologist who made significant contributions to the field of social science.
Bose’s method and approach to the study of society was based on his belief in the importance of fieldwork, participant observation, and the use of indigenous categories in understanding the social and cultural practices of a community.
Bose believed that the best way to study a community was to immerse oneself in its culture and way of life. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He emphasized the importance of fieldwork and participant observation as a means of gaining an understanding of the social and cultural practices of a community.
He believed that by living with the community, observing its practices, and engaging in its activities, one could gain a deeper understanding of its social and cultural practices.
Bose’s approach to the study of society was also informed by his belief in the importance of using indigenous categories in understanding social practices.
He argued that social practices cannot be understood solely through the lens of Western categories and concepts.
Instead, he emphasized the need to use the categories and concepts that are used by the community being studied.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Bose’s approach was particularly important in the context of India, where the social and cultural practices of different communities varied widely.
Bose argued that in order to understand the diversity of Indian society, it was necessary to use indigenous categories and concepts to describe and analyze social practices.
Another important aspect of Bose’s method was his emphasis on the importance of context.
Bose argued that social practices could not be understood in isolation from the historical, cultural, and economic context in which they occurred.
He believed that social practices were shaped by a variety of factors, including the history and culture of the community, as well as its economic and political context.
Bose’s approach was particularly relevant in the study of caste in India. He argued that caste could not be understood solely as a system of social stratification, but also had cultural and religious dimensions.
Bose’s study of caste was based on his extensive fieldwork and participant observation among different castes in India.
He used indigenous categories and concepts to describe and analyze the social practices of different castes, and emphasized the importance of understanding the historical and cultural context in which caste practices occurred.
Bose’s approach to the study of society also had important implications for the role of the social scientist. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that the social scientist must engage with the community being studied, and must work collaboratively with members of the community in order to gain a deeper understanding of its social practices.
He emphasized the importance of building trust and establishing strong relationships with members of the community, and believed that the social scientist had a responsibility to give back to the community being studied.
Q 5. Discuss Elwin’s contribution towards the issue of tribal identity.
Ans. Verrier Elwin was a British anthropologist and writer who made significant contributions to the study of tribal societies in India.
One of his major contributions was towards the issue of tribal identity, which he believed was crucial for understanding the social and cultural practices of tribal communities in India.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Elwin was of the view that the tribal communities in India had a distinct identity that was different from the mainstream society.
He believed that tribal identity was not only shaped by the cultural practices and customs of the community but also by the way in which the community perceived itself in relation to the rest of the society.
Elwin argued that the tribal identity was not fixed and static but was constantly evolving and changing in response to the changing social and economic conditions.
He believed that the colonial administration in India had undermined the tribal identity by imposing its own cultural practices and values on the tribal communities.
The colonial administration, according to Elwin, was responsible for the erosion of tribal identity and the loss of tribal culture and traditions.
Elwin believed that the preservation of tribal identity was crucial for the survival of tribal communities in India. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that the tribal communities needed to have a sense of pride in their own culture and traditions in order to resist the pressures of assimilation and integration into the mainstream society.
Elwin’s contribution towards the issue of tribal identity was not limited to his theoretical writings but also extended to his practical work with the tribal communities in India.
He spent a significant amount of time living with the tribal communities, learning their language, and studying their social and cultural practices.
He also worked towards the preservation of tribal culture and traditions by advocating for the protection of their land rights and cultural heritage.
Elwin’s work on tribal identity had a significant impact on the understanding of tribal communities in India.
His writings challenged the dominant view of the tribal communities as primitive and backward and highlighted the importance of understanding the social and cultural practices of these communities in their own terms.
Elwin’s emphasis on the importance of tribal identity also had implications for the way in which policy-makers and development practitioners approached the issue of tribal development in India.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Elwin argued that the development of tribal communities should be based on an understanding of their cultural practices and traditions, and should be designed in a way that respects and preserves their unique identity.
Assignment III
Q 6. Outline the way caste influences kinship organization with reference to the view of Irawati Karve.
Ans. Irawati Karve, an Indian anthropologist, made significant contributions to the study of kinship and caste in India.
Her work highlighted the complex relationship between caste and kinship and the ways in which caste influences kinship organization.
Karve argued that caste played a significant role in shaping the patterns of kinship organization in India. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
She suggested that the caste system was a system of social stratification that defined the social, economic, and political status of individuals and groups in society.
Caste was not only a system of social hierarchy but also influenced the organization of families and the relationships between individuals.
According to Karve, the caste system had a significant impact on the rules of marriage, inheritance, and family organization in India.
The rules of endogamy and exogamy that were prevalent in many caste groups determined who an individual could marry and who they could not.
These rules were based on the idea of maintaining caste purity and avoiding pollution.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Karve also highlighted the importance of the joint family system in India, which was a result of the caste system.
The joint family system was based on the principle of patrilineal descent and involved multiple generations living together under the same roof.
The joint family system allowed for the pooling of resources and the sharing of responsibilities among family members, and was seen as a way of maintaining caste status and prestige.
However, Karve also noted that the influence of caste on kinship organization varied across different regions and communities in India.
She argued that the caste system was not uniform and that there were significant regional and caste-based variations in the rules of marriage, inheritance, and family organization.
Q 7. Outline Desai’s approach to the understanding of nationalism in India.
Ans. A. R. Desai was an Indian sociologist who made significant contributions to the study of nationalism in India.
His approach to the understanding of nationalism in India emphasized the role of historical and social factors in the development of nationalist sentiments among the Indian people. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Desai argued that the growth of nationalism in India was a result of the historical experience of colonialism and the social and economic changes that accompanied it.
He believed that the British colonial rule had a profound impact on Indian society, disrupting traditional social and economic structures and creating new forms of social and economic relations.
According to Desai, the development of a national consciousness in India was a response to these changes and was linked to the struggle for political and economic independence from British rule.
He believed that the emergence of a national consciousness was a gradual and complex process that involved various groups and communities in India.
Desai also emphasized the role of social movements in the development of nationalism in India.
He argued that social movements such as the Indian National Congress and the Khilafat Movement played a crucial role in mobilizing the Indian masses and creating a sense of national identity.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Desai’s approach to the understanding of nationalism in India also emphasized the role of culture and religion in the development of nationalist sentiments.
He believed that cultural and religious symbols played a crucial role in shaping national identity and mobilizing the masses.
Q 8. List the fundamental elements of nation-building outlined by Srinivas.
Ans. M. N. Srinivas was an Indian sociologist who made significant contributions to the study of Indian society and culture. He outlined several fundamental elements of nation-building in his work, including:
Cultural unity: According to Srinivas, cultural unity is a fundamental element of nation-building.
He argued that a shared cultural heritage and common values are essential for the creation of a sense of national identity and the development of a strong and cohesive nation.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
Shared history: Srinivas also emphasized the importance of a shared history in nation-building.
He believed that a common understanding of the past and a shared sense of historical experience were crucial for the development of a sense of national identity and the creation of a shared vision for the future.
Shared language: Language is another important element of nation-building. Srinivas argued that a common language is essential for communication and for the development of a shared cultural and social identity.
Common economic interests: Srinivas also emphasized the importance of common economic interests in nation-building.
He believed that economic development and prosperity are essential for creating a strong and cohesive nation.
Political unity: Finally, Srinivas highlighted the importance of political unity in nation-building. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He argued that a strong and effective government that represents the interests of all citizens is essential for creating a stable and prosperous nation.
Overall, Srinivas’ work emphasized the importance of creating a sense of shared identity and common purpose among diverse groups and communities in India.
His ideas have influenced the development of nation-building strategies in India and other countries around the world.
Q 9. What is the distinguishing feature of Ramkrishna Mukherjee’s book, The Rise and fall of East India Company?
Ans. Ramkrishna Mukherjee’s book, “The Rise and Fall of the East India Company,” is a comprehensive study of the East India Company and its impact on India.
The distinguishing feature of this book is its focus on the social and economic history of India during the period of the East India Company’s rule.
Mukherjee’s book provides a detailed account of the economic policies and practices of the East India Company and their impact on Indian society.
He examines the company’s monopoly over trade and its exploitation of Indian resources and labor, which led to the impoverishment of the Indian economy and the emergence of poverty and inequality.
In addition to the economic dimension, Mukherjee also explores the social and cultural impact of the East India Company’s rule.
He examines the company’s policies towards religion, education, and culture and their impact on Indian society. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
He also analyzes the company’s relationships with Indian rulers and the emergence of Indian resistance to British rule.
Overall, the distinguishing feature of Mukherjee’s book is its interdisciplinary approach to the study of the East India Company’s rule.
By examining the economic, social, and cultural dimensions of the company’s rule, Mukherjee provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of British colonialism on India.
His work has influenced the study of British colonialism in India and has helped to shape our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of colonialism and its impact on colonized societies.
Q 10. Explain Leela Dube’s contribution to Women’s Studies.
Ans. Leela Dube was a pioneering Indian feminist scholar and sociologist who made significant contributions to the field of women’s studies.
Her work focused on the intersection of gender, caste, and class in Indian society and challenged the dominant discourses that marginalized women’s experiences.
Dube’s work on women’s studies was rooted in her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of knowledge to transform society.
She believed that women’s studies could be a catalyst for social change by bringing marginalized voices to the forefront and challenging the dominant paradigms that perpetuate inequality.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
One of Dube’s key contributions to women’s studies was her focus on the intersection of gender, caste, and class in Indian society.
She argued that gender cannot be understood in isolation from other social categories such as caste and class, and that the experiences of women are shaped by the intersections of these categories.
Her work on this topic challenged the dominant feminist discourses that ignored the experiences of marginalized women and reinforced the dominance of upper-caste, middle-class women.
Dube also made significant contributions to the study of women’s work and the gendered division of labor.
Her work challenged the traditional view of women’s work as unproductive and highlighted the significant contributions that women make to the economy and to society. BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
She also argued that the gendered division of labor was not natural but was shaped by social and cultural norms and was therefore open to change.
In addition to her scholarly contributions, Dube was also involved in the development of women’s studies programs and institutions in India.
She was one of the founding members of the Centre for Women’s Development Studies in Delhi and played a key role in the establishment of women’s studies programs at universities across India.
Overall, Leela Dube’s contributions to women’s studies have had a profound impact on the field and have helped to shape our understanding of the complex intersections of gender, caste, and class in Indian society.
Her work continues to inspire and inform feminist scholarship and activism in India and around the world.BSOE 142 Solved Free Assignment 2023
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