000			01700nam a2200217Ia 4500
999			_c230098 _d230098
005			20220106203021.0
008			200208s9999 xx 000 0 und d
020			_a9780415586221
082			_a302.3 SHA
100			_aShah, A.M
245		0	_aStructure of Indian society : Then and Now
260			_aLondon
260			_bRoultedge
260			_c2010
300			_a237p.
365			_b9000
365			_dRS
520			_aThis book has a collection of ten articles written during 1982–2007 and an exhaustive introduction on the structural features of Indian society, that is, the enduring social groups, institutions and processes, such as caste, tribe, sect, rural-urban relations, etc. The book views Indian society in contemporary as well as historical perspective, based on a wealth of field research as well as archival material. The book focuses on the significance of village studies in transforming the understanding of Indian society and also shows how urban centres have been useful in shaping society. Taking a critical look at the prevailing thinking on various structures and institutions, the author uses insights derived from his comprehensive studies of kinship, marriage, religion, and grassroots politics in advancing their studies. He points out the strengths and weaknesses of these structures and institutions and the direction in which they are changing with respect to modern time. Finally, the book provides information on important issues like policy of reservations, the reliability of censuses and surveys of castes and tribes, removal of untouchability, growth of organized religion and secularization.
650			_aSociology-indian
942			_cB _2ddc