BSOC-102 SOLVED

ASSIGNMENT 2022-23 IN
ENGLISH
 BSOC-102: SOCIOLOGY OF INDIA- I
Tutor Marked Assignments
Course Code: BSOC-102
Assignment Code: ASST/TMA / 2022-2023
Total Marks: 100
There are three Sections in the Assignment. You must answer all questions in the Sections.
Assignment A
Answer the following in about 500 words each.
1. Who are the Indologists? Discuss their contribution to the understanding of Indian society.
20
Ans. Indologists are scholars who study the culture, history, languages, and religions of India
and the Indian subcontinent. They have made significant contributions to the understanding of
Indian society through their research and scholarship in various fields such as archaeology,
anthropology, history, religion, philosophy, literature, and linguistics.
Indologists have studied ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, and the
Mahabharata, and have provided valuable insights into the religious, philosophical, and cultural
practices of ancient India. They have also studied the history and archaeology of India and have
contributed to our understanding of the development of Indian civilization and the rise and fall
of various dynasties and empires.
Indologists have also studied the languages of India, including Sanskrit and Pali, and have
provided important insights into the linguistic structure and development of these languages.
They have also studied the modern languages of India and their relationship to the languages of
the past.
Indologists have also made significant contributions to the study of Indian art and architecture.
They have studied the various architectural styles and art forms, such as the rock-cut caves and
temples of ancient India and have provided valuable insights into the religious and cultural
significance of these structures. Indologists have also studied the development of Indian
painting and sculpture and have provided important insights into the artistic traditions of
ancient and medieval India.
Another important area of study for Indologists is Indian religion and philosophy. They have
studied the various religious and philosophical traditions of India, such as Hinduism, Buddhism,
Jainism, and Sikhism, and have provided important insights into the beliefs, practices, and
history of these religions. They have also studied the various philosophical systems of ancient
and medieval India, such as Vedanta, Nyaya, and Yoga, and have provided valuable insights into
the intellectual history of the Indian subcontinent.
Additionally, Indologists have also studied the social and economic aspects of Indian society.
They have studied the caste system and its impact on Indian society and have provided valuable
insights into the social structure of ancient and medieval India. They also have studied the
economic systems and trade networks of ancient India and have provided important insights
into the economic history of the subcontinent.
In summary, Indologists have made significant contributions to the understanding of Indian
society through their research and scholarship in various fields such as archaeology,
anthropology, history, religion, philosophy, literature, and linguistics. They have provided
valuable insights into the culture, history, and social structure of India and the Indian
subcontinent, which help us to better understand and appreciate the rich and complex
civilization of India.

2. Describe the different types of industries in India with examples. 20

Ans. India has a diverse and rapidly growing economy, with a variety of industries that
contribute to its GDP. Some of the main types of industries in India include:
Agriculture: India is one of the world's largest producers of crops such as rice, wheat,
sugarcane, and cotton. The agriculture industry also includes animal husbandry, fisheries, and
forestry.
Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry in India includes a wide range of products such as
textiles, leather goods, chemicals, machinery, and transportation equipment. India has a
growing automotive industry, and companies like Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra and
Mahindra, and Ashok Leyland are some of the major players in this sector.
Services: The services sector in India is one of the fastest-growing sectors and it includes
industries such as information technology, business process outsourcing, finance, healthcare,
and hospitality. India is one of the world's largest providers of IT services and companies like
Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys, and Wipro are some of the major players in this sector.
Construction: The construction industry in India includes infrastructure development such as
roads, bridges, airports, and ports. The construction sector also includes housing, commercial
buildings, and industrial buildings. Some of the major companies in this sector include Larsen &
Toubro, Reliance Infrastructure, and DLF.
Energy: India has a growing energy sector, and it includes industries such as oil and gas, power
generation, and renewable energy. Some of the major companies in this sector include ONGC,
Reliance Industries, and Tata Power.
Mining: India has a rich variety of minerals, and it is one of the world's leading producers of
coal, iron ore, bauxite, and other minerals. Some of the major companies in this sector include
Coal India, NMDC, and Vedanta Resources.
Pharmaceuticals: India is a major player in the global pharmaceutical industry and is known for
its high-quality, low-cost generic drugs. The country has a strong tradition in Ayurveda and
other traditional forms of medicine, and the industry is growing rapidly. Some of the major
companies in this sector include Cipla, Sun Pharmaceuticals, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories.
Media and entertainment: The media and entertainment sector in India is one of the fastest-
growing sectors and it includes industries such as television, film, music, and digital media. India
has a large film industry, also known as Bollywood and it is one of the largest in the world in
terms of the number of films produced. Major companies in this sector include Zee
Entertainment, STAR India, and Balaji Telefilms.
Retail: The retail sector in India is one of the fastest-growing sectors, and it includes a wide
range of products such as clothing, electronics, and food. The retail sector in India has been
growing rapidly in recent years, and companies like Reliance Retail, Future Retail, and Avenue
Supermarts are some of the major players in this sector.
Tourism: India is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and the industry is
growing rapidly. The tourism industry in India includes industries such as hotels, restaurants,
and travel agencies. Some of the major companies in this sector include Taj Hotels, Oberoi
Hotels, and Thomas Cook.
These are just some of the examples of the different types of industries in India. The country's
economy is diverse and constantly changing, with new industries and companies emerging all
the time. The Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives to promote
the growth of these industries, such as Make in India and Skill India, which aim to increase the
competitiveness of Indian industries and promote job creation.

Assignment B
Answer the following questions in about 250 words each.
3. Compare the Missionary perspective with that of the Orientalist and the Indologists. 10
Ans. The Missionary perspective, Orientalist perspective, and Indologist perspective are all
different ways of looking at Indian society and culture, and they each have their own distinct
characteristics.
The missionary perspective is primarily concerned with converting people to Christianity and
spreading Western values. Missionaries in India often saw Indian society and culture as
"heathen" and "backward," and they sought to "civilize" and "modernize" the people. They
often criticized traditional Indian customs and beliefs and promoted Western education and
Christianity as the way to progress.
The Orientalist perspective is primarily concerned with studying and understanding the culture,
society, and history of the "Orient" (generally meaning the Middle East and Asia). Orientalists in
India often saw Indian society and culture as exotic, mysterious and "Oriental" in contrast to
the "Occidental" or Western culture. They focused on understanding the culture, language, and
history of India, but it was often through a lens of exoticism and exoticizing the culture.
The Indologist perspective, on the other hand, is primarily concerned with studying and
understanding Indian society and culture from an academic and scholarly perspective.
Indologists focus on understanding the culture, language, and history of India, without imposing
any particular value system or agenda. They tend to be more interested in understanding and
explaining the complexities of Indian society and culture, rather than judging it.
In summary, the Missionary perspective is heavily influenced by religious and cultural
conversion, the Orientalist perspective by an exoticization and an outsider view, and the
Indologist perspective by a scholarly, impartial, and academic approach.

4. Who are the subalterns and when did the subaltern studies emerge in India? 10
Ans. The term "subaltern" refers to people who are socially, economically, and politically
marginalized or oppressed. The term is used to describe groups such as lower castes, tribals,
and peasants in India who have been historically excluded from power and representation.
The Subaltern Studies is a school of historiography that emerged in India in the 1980s. It was
founded by a group of scholars who sought to challenge the dominant perspectives in Indian
historiography, which they felt privileged the perspectives of the elite and ignored the
experiences and perspectives of the subaltern classes. The group sought to bring attention to
the history and culture of marginalized groups in India, and to critique the ways in which these
groups have been represented in the past.
The Subaltern Studies group was initially led by the historian Ranajit Guha and later by Gayatri
Chakravorty Spivak, Dipesh Chakrabarty, Partha Chatterjee, Gyanendra Pandey, and others.
They sought to uncover the hidden histories and cultures of the subaltern classes, and to
challenge the dominant narratives of Indian history. They also sought to examine the ways in
which the subaltern classes have been affected by colonialism and imperialism, and the ways in
which they have resisted these forces.
The Subaltern Studies group has had a significant impact on the study of Indian history and
society, and their work continues to be influential in the field of South Asian studies. They have
also inspired similar movements in other countries, such as the study of subaltern groups in
Latin America and Africa.
5. How does the informal economy differ from the formal economy? Explain 10
Ans. The informal economy refers to economic activities that are not regulated or protected by
the government. This can include self-employment, street vending, and small-scale businesses
that operate outside of the legal framework. These activities are often not taxed, and workers
in the informal economy may not have access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement
plans.
The formal economy, on the other hand, refers to economic activities that are regulated and
protected by the government. This includes large businesses and corporations, as well as formal
small businesses that operate within the legal framework and pay taxes. Workers in the formal
economy generally have access to benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, and their
wages and working conditions are protected by labor laws.
Another key difference between the informal and formal economy is the level of productivity
and efficiency. The formal economy is often more productive and efficient, as businesses in the
formal economy have access to capital, technology, and other resources that can help them to
grow and expand. They also have access to markets, which can help them to reach a larger
customer base.
In contrast, businesses in the informal economy often lack access to these resources, which can
limit their growth and expansion. They also often operate in informal markets, which may not
be as stable or predictable as formal markets. This can make it more difficult for businesses in
the informal economy to plan for the future and grow over time.
Additionally, the informal economy is often associated with poverty and unemployment, as
workers in the informal economy may not have access to stable or well-paying jobs. This can
lead to a cycle of poverty, where individuals are unable to access the resources and
opportunities they need to improve their economic situation.

Assignment C
Write a note on the following in about 100 words each.
6. What is jajmani system? 6
Ans. The jajmani system is a traditional system of economic and social relations that is found in
rural areas of India. Under this system, a village is divided into different castes, and each caste
has a specific role and responsibility in the community.
At the center of the jajmani system are the landholding castes, who are responsible for
providing land and other resources to the other castes in the village. In exchange for these
resources, the other castes provide services to the landholding castes, such as farming,
craftsmanship, and other labor.
The jajmani system is based on a system of reciprocal obligations, where each caste provides
something of value to the others. The system is highly ritualistic, with many customs and
traditions that govern the relationships between the different castes.

7. Define the concept of tribe. 6

Ans. A tribe is a social group made up of people who have a common culture, language, or
identity. Tribes can be defined by their shared beliefs, customs, and traditions. They may also
have a shared history or geographic location. The concept of a tribe is often used to describe
indigenous or traditional societies but can also be applied to modern groups such as
communities, gangs, or even online groups with a shared identity.
In addition to the shared culture, language, or identity, tribes also often have a strong sense of
community and belonging. They may have social, economic, or political structures in place to
govern and organize the group. Tribes can also have spiritual or religious beliefs that are an
important part of their identity and daily lives. In some cases, tribes have a specific territory or
homeland that they consider to be sacred and defend it from external threats. And tribes are
the basic unit of social organization in many traditional societies, serving as a source of identity,
security, and support for its members.

8. Discuss briefly the impact of globalization on tribes in India. 6

Ans. Globalization has had a significant impact on tribes in India, both positive and negative. On
one hand, globalization has brought increased access to education, healthcare, and economic
opportunities for many tribal communities. It has also exposed tribes to new ideas, cultures,
and technologies. On the other hand, globalization has also led to the erosion of traditional
cultures and ways of life for many tribes. The increased economic development and migration
brought by globalization has often led to the displacement of tribes from their ancestral lands,
and the loss of their resources and livelihoods. Additionally, globalization has also led to the
commercialization of tribal cultures, with traditional art and crafts being produced for the
global market, often at the expense of the artisans themselves. The impact of globalization on
tribes in India is thus complex and multifaceted, with both positive and negative effects on the
communities.
9. How does Emile Durkheim describe the relation between religion and society? 6
Ans. Emile Durkheim, a French sociologist, believed that religion plays a crucial role in the
functioning of society. He argued that religion is a way for individuals to understand and make
sense of their social world. He saw religion as a social institution that creates a sense of
cohesion and solidarity among members of society by providing them with shared beliefs,
values, and rituals.
Durkheim argued that religion creates a sense of "collective consciousness" among members of
a society, which unifies them and gives them a sense of shared identity. He believed that this
collective consciousness is reflected in the shared beliefs and practices of a society's religious
institutions.
Durkheim also believed that religion serves an important social function by providing a sense of
moral order and regulation in society. He argued that religion creates a sense of moral
authority and helps to reinforce social norms and values.
10. List the four types of economy based on the way scarce resources are distributed in
society 6
Ans. There are several ways in which the concept of economy can be classified, but one
commonly used categorization system is based on the way scarce resources are distributed in
society. These four types of economy are:
Traditional economy: This type of economy is characterized by the fact that resources are
distributed and allocated according to long-standing customs and traditions. In a traditional
economy, there is little or no economic growth, and resources are allocated based on familial,
religious, or communal ties.

Command economy: A command economy is characterized by the centralized control of

resources by a government or other authority. Resources are allocated based on government
directives rather than market forces. This type of economy is typically seen in socialist or
communist countries.