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INTRODUCTION
Indology literally means study of Indian society and culture. The Indological perspective claims
to understand Indian Society through the concepts, theories and frameworks that are closely
associated with Indian Civilization. Indologists make sense of India through lens of Indian
culture.
It made a claim that Indian Society is unique in structure, function and dynamics and cannot be
associated with the European Society. Indology relies on book view and culture and denounces
rigorous empirical investigation.
G.S. Ghurye’s work in Indology offers a comprehensive exploration of Indian society and
culture. His introduction lays the foundation for understanding the complexity and diversity of
India’s social fabric. Ghurye delves into various aspects such as caste, religion, kinship, and
social organization, providing insights into their historical development and contemporary
relevance. His interdisciplinary approach, combining anthropology, sociology, and history,
enriches our understanding of India’s past and present. Through his lens, readers are invited to
explore the intricate tapestry of Indian civilization, with all its nuances and contradictions,
shedding light on the dynamic forces shaping its identity.
ABOUT G S GHURYE
G.S. Ghurye was a pioneering Indian sociologist renowned for his profound insights
into Indian society and culture. Born in 1893, his seminal work "Caste and Race in
India" remains a cornerstone in sociological literature, unraveling the intricate
dynamics of caste, kinship, and religion. Through his extensive research, Ghurye shed
light on the complexities of Indian social structures, contributing significantly to the
field of sociology. His works continue to inspire scholars and researchers, offering
valuable perspectives on the multifaceted nature of Indian society. Ghurye's legacy
endures as a testament to his enduring impact on the study of sociology in India and
beyond.
Top of Form
Bottom of Form
FAMOUS WRITINGS OF G S GHURYE

1. Caste and Race in India (1932)
2. Indian Sadhus (1953)
3. Bharatnatyam and it’s costume (1958)
4. Family and Kinship in Indo-European culture (1955)
5. Social tensions in India (1968)
Few broad study areas
⮚ Caste
⮚ Tribe
⮚ Kinship
⮚ Culture and Civilization
⮚ Religion
⮚ Sociology of conflict and integration
⮚ Family and marriage
ON CASTE
Ghurye studied caste from a historical, comparative and integrative perspective. He
identified six basic features of the caste system:
1. Segmental division.
2. Lack of choice of occupations for each segment.
3. Purity and pollution associated with the occupation.
4. Hierarchy of these divisions based on purity and pollution.
5. Commensal and conjugal relations. (Civil/religious disabilities/privileges of
sections)
6. Restrictions on marriage. (Caste endogamy and Gotra/Pinda exogamy)
Ghurye laid emphasis on endogamy as the most important feature of the
caste system. The rules of endogamy and commensality marked off castes from
each other. These rules acted as integrative instruments which organised
segmented castes into a totality or collectivity.
ON TRIBE
Ghurye believed that the tribes had been Hinduised after a long period of contact and
acculturation. He felt that it was futile to look for a different identity for tribes, rather they should
be treated as backward caste Hindus. He felt that this backwardness was a result of their
imperfect integration into the Hindu society and that could only be improved by their
acculturation. Ghurye debated with Verrier Elwin about the issue of tribals. Elwin held that
tribals should be left to their own devices while Ghurye was a strong proponent of acculturation.
Finally, Nehru’s view of assimilation prevailed.
ON CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

According to Ghurye culture constitutes the central element for understanding society and its
evolution. For him the challenging task of a sociologist in India was to analyse the complex
acculturation process in India, he refers to how the caste system was developed by Brahmins and
how it spread to other sections of the society. He identified five foundations of culture which cut
across problems of civilisation growth:
1.Religious consciousness.
2.Conscience.
3.Justice.
4.Pursuit of knowledge and free expression.
5.Toleration.
Ghurye felt that religion is at the centre of the total cultural heritage of man, it moulds and
directs the behaviour of man in society. He recognised the importance of the concept of
reincarnation and the changing concept of godhead in Indian society.
SOCIOLOGY OF CONFLICT AND INTEGRATION

The sociology of conflict and integration examines the interplay between societal tensions and
mechanisms for social cohesion. It analyzes the root causes of conflicts, including disparities in
power, resources, and status, as well as cultural and ideological differences. At the same time, it
investigates how societies foster integration through various means such as consensus-building,
social cohesion initiatives, and cultural assimilation policies. By understanding the dynamics of
conflict and integration, sociologists seek to unravel the complexities of human interaction and
develop strategies for reducing social divisions, promoting harmony, and building resilient
communities capable of navigating diverse challenges.
CRITIQUE OF GHURYE’S INDOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE
⮚ The biggest limitation of his understanding of India was that he never acknowledged the
contribution of Christianity and Islam to the cultural pluralism of India.
⮚ Ghurye failed to recognise that a qualitative change has occurred in the dynamics of Indian
unity in modern India. His knowledge of India’s past instead of helping him stood in his way
of gaining a better understanding of contemporary Indian society.
⮚ SC Dube says that his approach is mostly criticised as culture-bound, myopic, textual, and
Brahmanic view of India but since most other approaches developed as reflexive critiques of
Ghurye’s writings his impact on Indian sociology cannot be discounted.
⮚ His view that the development of a regional language could lead to disunity is also claimed to
be an oversimplification. Ex. Eco Survey 2016-17 noted that language was not a barrier to
trade within India.
⮚ He also failed to appreciate that the political involvement of caste as an outcome of the
collective mobilization process in modern India.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, G.S. Ghurye’s perspective on Indology offers a comprehensive understanding of
Indian society, culture, and traditions. Through his scholarly work, Ghurye navigated the
complexities of India’s diverse social fabric, providing valuable insights into its historical
evolution and cultural nuances. His contributions remain pivotal in shaping the field of Indology,
offering a nuanced lens through which to examine India’s past and present. Ghurye’s meticulous
analysis continues to serve as a guiding force for scholars and researchers, enriching our
understanding of India’s multifaceted identity and its place in the global context.

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INTRODUCTION

FAMOUS WRITINGS OF G S GHURYE

⮚ Culture and Civilization

⮚ Sociology of conflict and integration

⮚ Family and marriage

ON CULTURE AND CIVILIZATION

SOCIOLOGY OF CONFLICT AND INTEGRATION

CRITIQUE OF GHURYE’S INDOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

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