Indian Thinkers MCQ Quiz in தமிழ் - Objective Question with Answer for Indian Thinkers - இலவச PDF ஐப் பதிவிறக்கவும்

The correct answer is - Hind Swaraj

Key Points

• Hind Swaraj
  • Hind Swaraj is a seminal work written by Mahatma Gandhi in 1909.
  • In this book, Gandhi provides a critique of modernity, focusing on the adverse effects of Western civilization.
  • He argues that modern industrial civilization is inherently exploitative and leads to moral degradation.
  • Gandhi advocates for a return to a more traditional, self-reliant lifestyle rooted in spiritual values.
  • The book is written in the form of a dialogue between a "Reader" and "Editor," where Gandhi, as the editor, articulates his philosophical stance.

Additional Information

• Critique of Western Civilization
  • Gandhi believed that Western civilization prioritizes materialism over spiritual and moral values.
  • He criticized the reliance on machinery, arguing that it leads to unemployment and exploitation of workers.
  • Gandhi advocated for Swaraj (self-rule), not just politically but also economically and spiritually.
• Other Notable Works by Gandhi
  • Satyagraha in South Africa: Documents Gandhi's experiences and the development of the concept of Satyagraha during his time in South Africa.
  • My Experiments with Truth: Gandhi's autobiography, detailing his personal journey and moral experiments.
  • Anasaktiyoga: Focuses on the philosophy of non-attachment and selfless action, inspired by the Bhagavad Gita.
• Exam Tip
  • Remember the thematic focus of Hind Swaraj for questions related to Gandhi's philosophy.
  • Make note of the contrast between Gandhi's critiques of modernity and his vision for a self-reliant society.

The correct answer is - Irawati Karve

Key Points

• Irawati Karve
  • Irawati Karve was a pioneering Indian anthropologist, sociologist, and writer known for her significant contributions to understanding Indian culture and society.
  • Her book "Maharashtra Sanskruti" focuses on the culture, traditions, and social practices of Maharashtra, making her a key figure in regional anthropology.
  • The work provides insights into Maharashtrian customs, family structures, festivals, and other social aspects, helping preserve and document the region's heritage.
  • This book is widely regarded as a significant reference for understanding the intricate cultural fabric of Maharashtra.

Additional Information

• About Irawati Karve
  • She was born in 1905 in Maharashtra and was one of the first women to obtain a doctorate in anthropology from a foreign university.
  • Her research interests included kinship, caste, and regional cultures, making her a prominent figure in Indian anthropology and sociology.
  • She wrote several influential works in both English and Marathi, including "Yuganta", which examines characters from the Mahabharata from a sociological perspective.
• Other Anthropologists Mentioned
  • Durga Bhagwat: A noted writer and scholar, but her work primarily focuses on literature and philosophy, not anthropology.
  • G.S. Ghurye: A renowned Indian sociologist known for his contributions to the study of caste and Indian society, but not the specific author of "Maharashtra Sanskruti."
  • Gunther Sontheimer: A German Indologist who studied Indian folklore and religion but was not associated with writing on Maharashtra's culture in the same manner as Irawati Karve.

The correct answer is - Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India

Key Points

• Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India
  • In this book, M.N. Srinivas first introduced his concept of "Sanskritisation".
  • Sanskritisation refers to a process by which a low caste or tribal or other group changes its customs, rituals, ideology, and way of life in the direction of a high, and frequently, "twice-born" caste.
  • The concept was based on Srinivas's fieldwork and observations of social dynamics among the Coorgs of South India.
  • This book remains a foundational text in the study of Indian society and culture.

Additional Information

• Social Change in Modern India
  • This book by M.N. Srinivas deals with various aspects of social change in contemporary India, including westernization, secularization, and modernization.
• The Remembered Village
  • In "The Remembered Village", M.N. Srinivas provides a detailed account of village life based on his fieldwork in the village of Rampura in Karnataka.
  • It is a significant work in the field of ethnography and sociology.
• Caste in Modern India and other Essays
  • This collection of essays by M.N. Srinivas addresses various issues related to caste and its dynamics in modern India.
  • The essays cover topics such as caste mobility, the role of caste in politics, and the impact of modernization on caste.

The correct answer is - Caste and Race in India

Key Points

• Caste and Race in India
  • This book was written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a prominent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer.
  • Dr. Ambedkar's work focuses on the social stratification and inequalities present in Indian society, particularly the caste system.
  • The book is a detailed analysis of the origins and functioning of the caste system in India.

Additional Information

• Marxism & Class Analysis
  • This book is written by Andre Beteille, a renowned Indian sociologist.
  • It discusses the relevance of Marxist theory in understanding class structures and social stratification.
  • The work critically examines how Marxist concepts apply to the Indian context.
• Caste, Class and Power
  • This is another influential work by Andre Beteille.
  • It provides an in-depth analysis of the intersection of caste, class, and power dynamics in Indian society.
  • The book is based on extensive fieldwork and offers a comparative perspective on social inequalities.
• Studies in Agrarian Social Structure
  • This work by Andre Beteille examines the agrarian social structure in India.
  • It focuses on the relationship between land ownership, caste, and social hierarchy in rural areas.
  • The book contributes to the understanding of rural sociology and agrarian relations in India.

The correct answer is - Option 2

Key Points

• Disability studies - Anita Ghai
  • Anita Ghai is a prominent figure in the field of Disability studies in India.
  • She has extensively worked on the social and cultural aspects of disability.
• Subaltern studies - Partha Chatterjee
  • Partha Chatterjee is a key scholar in the Subaltern Studies group.
  • He has contributed significantly to understanding the history and politics of marginalized communities in India.
• Kinship studies - A. C. Mayer
  • A. C. Mayer is known for his work in Kinship studies.
  • His research focuses on the social structures and relationships within kinship systems.
• Caste studies - G. S. Ghurye
  • G. S. Ghurye is a pioneering sociologist in the field of Caste studies in India.
  • He has provided in-depth analysis of the caste system and its implications on Indian society.

Additional Information

• Disability studies
  • Focuses on the social model of disability, which contrasts with the medical model by emphasizing the societal barriers faced by disabled individuals.
  • Key themes include accessibility, inclusion, and rights.
• Subaltern studies
  • Originated in the 1980s as a critical response to colonial historiography.
  • Seeks to recover the voices of the marginalized and challenge dominant power structures.
• Kinship studies
  • Examines the relationships and roles within family structures.
  • Studies the cultural and social significance of kinship systems in different societies.
• Caste studies
  • Explores the hierarchical structure and social implications of the caste system in India.
  • Analyzes how caste influences social identity and mobility.

The correct answer is - B, C, A only

Key Points

• Annihilation of Caste
  • Ambedkar strongly advocated for the eradication of caste in Indian society.
  • He believed that caste system was a major hindrance to social equality and justice.
• Encouraging Inter Caste Marriages
  • Ambedkar promoted inter caste marriages as a means to break down caste barriers.
  • He saw it as a crucial step towards social integration and harmony.
• Hindu Social Order with the Place of Individual
  • Ambedkar analyzed the Hindu social order and its implications on the individual's position in society.
  • He critiqued the inequities and discrimination ingrained within the social hierarchy.

Additional Information

• Priesthood by a Single Caste
  • Ambedkar opposed the monopoly of priesthood by a single caste.
  • He advocated for equal religious rights and opportunities for all castes.
• Legitimacy of Sacred Texts
  • Ambedkar was critical of the Hindu sacred texts that justified the caste system.
  • He argued for a reinterpretation or rejection of those texts that perpetuated social injustice.

The correct answer is - A, D, B, E only

Key Points

• Radha Kamal Mukerjee's Perspective on Civilisation
  • Radha Kamal Mukerjee argues that civilisation has a spiritual dimension.
  • This perspective is explained through several key points:
  • Human beings scaling transcendental heights (Option A)
    • This implies that humans are progressively reaching higher levels of spiritual and existential understanding.
  • People's search for unity, wholeness, and transcendence (Option B)
    • This highlights the inherent human quest for a deeper connection and a holistic experience of life.
  • Human beings overcoming the constraints of biogenic and existential levels (Option D)
    • This suggests that individuals strive to surpass basic biological and existential limitations to achieve a higher state of being.
  • People's deep involvement in the endurance of art and myth (Option E)
    • This reflects the importance of cultural and artistic expressions in sustaining the spiritual dimensions of civilisation.

Additional Information

• Radha Kamal Mukerjee's Contributions
  • He is known for his work in sociology and his comprehensive approach to understanding civilisation.
  • His theories often integrate both social and spiritual dimensions to provide a holistic view of human progress.
• Other Related Theories
  • Comparative perspectives in sociology, which consider both material and non-material aspects of civilisation.
  • Philosophical approaches to transcendence and spirituality in the context of societal development.

The correct answer is - Retards the process of sanskritisation

Key Points

• Retards the process of sanskritisation
  • Sanskritisation is a process in which lower castes imitate the rituals and lifestyles of the higher castes to elevate their social status.
  • Westernisation, as defined by M. N. Srinivas, involves the adoption of Western lifestyles and values, which does not necessarily influence or retard the process of sanskritisation.
  • The focus of westernisation is more on modernisation and less on traditional caste-based practices.

Additional Information

• Establishment of scientific technology
  • Westernisation has significantly influenced the establishment and spread of scientific and technological advancements in India.
  • The introduction of Western education and scientific methods played a crucial role in modernising India's infrastructure and industry.
• Rise of nationalism
  • Western ideas of democracy, liberty, and equality inspired Indian intellectuals and leaders, leading to the rise of nationalism.
  • Exposure to Western political thought encouraged the fight for independence and a unified national identity.
• Lessening of caste rigidity
  • Westernisation contributed to the questioning of traditional social structures, including the rigid caste system.
  • Western education and reformist movements promoted the idea of social equality and mobility.

The correct answer is - (A) - (III), (B) - (IV), (C) - (I), (D) - (II)

Key Points

• M. N. Srinivas - (III)
  • Sanskritisation is a concept introduced by M. N. Srinivas, an eminent Indian sociologist. It refers to the process by which a lower caste, tribe, or other group changes its customs, rituals, ideology, and way of life in the direction of a high, and frequently, twice-born caste.
• Andre Beteille - (IV)
  • Andre Beteille is known for his extensive work in the field of sociology, particularly his study of the village of Sripuram. His work focused on the social structure, caste system, and inequality in Indian society.
• Yogendra Singh - (I)
  • Yogendra Singh is known for his work, "Modernisation of Indian Tradition," which explores the process of modernization and its impact on Indian society and culture.
• Kaka Kalelkar Commission - (II)
  • The Kaka Kalelkar Commission, also known as the First Backward Classes Commission, was set up in 1953 under the chairmanship of Kaka Kalelkar to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes in India and recommend measures for their advancement.

Additional Information

• Modernisation of Indian Tradition
  • This concept was extensively studied by Yogendra Singh. It involves the transformation of Indian society from traditional to modern, examining the changes in social structures, cultural norms, and values.
• Backward Class
  • The term refers to socially and educationally disadvantaged groups in India. The Kaka Kalelkar Commission was pivotal in identifying and recommending policies for the upliftment of these classes.
• Sanskritisation
  • Introduced by M. N. Srinivas, it describes the process by which lower castes emulate the rituals, customs, and practices of higher castes to elevate their social status.
• Sripuram
  • Andre Beteille conducted a significant sociological study in the village of Sripuram, focusing on caste dynamics, social structure, and inequality.