Below is a Notion-compatible, exam-ready note for “Study of Indian Society: Major Perspectives & Thinkers”, structured exactly as UPSC Sociology answers demand.

Study of Indian Society: Major Sociological Perspectives

Indian society has been studied through multiple theoretical perspectives, each highlighting different dimensions of social reality. The three most influential are Indological, Structural-Functional, and Marxist (Dialectical) perspectives.

1. Indological Perspective

(G. S. Ghurye)

Core Idea

Indian society should be understood from within, using classical texts, traditions, customs, and civilizational continuity.

Methodology

• Study of ancient scriptures: Vedas, Smritis, Puranas, Epics
• Use of historical–philological method
• Emphasis on Sanskrit sources and indigenous categories

Key Themes

• Caste as a civilizational institution
• Continuity between ancient and modern India
• Importance of family, kinship, religion, rituals
• Tribal society as part of Hindu social order

Contributions

• Provided an Indian lens to sociology