Introduction

The book “Sects and Hindu Social Structure” is written by A. M. Shah, a sociologist, and
anthropologist. The book, first published in 1982, is based on Shah's research conducted in a village
in western India. The study is a significant contribution to Indian sociology, which attempts to analyze
the intricate relationship between religion and caste in Indian society. This essay will provide a
detailed summary of the book’s contents, analyzing the author’s arguments and key contributions to
the field of Indian sociology.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Shah begins his book by providing an overview of the structure of Hindu society and how it is based
on the caste system. He discusses the various castes that exist in India and the hierarchical nature of
the caste system. Shah argues that caste is not only an economic or political system but is also a
religious and social system. He discusses the role of religion in Indian society and how it influences
the caste system. Shah asserts that caste is not just a social division but also a religious division, with
each caste having its own religious beliefs and practices. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the
book, introducing the main themes and arguments.

Chapter 2: The Study Area and Research Methods

The second chapter of the book discusses the research methods used by Shah in his study. He
provides a detailed description of the study area, which is a village in Gujarat, western India. The
chapter describes the research design, including the sampling technique used to select the study
participants. Shah also discusses the data collection methods used, which included participant
observation, interviews, and surveys. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the limitations of
the research methods used and the challenges faced during the study.

Chapter 3: The Religious and Social Setting of the Village

Chapter three provides an overview of the religious and social setting of the village. Shah discusses
the various religious groups that exist in the village, including the Hindus, Muslims, and Jains. He
provides a detailed description of the religious practices and beliefs of each group and how they
interact with each other. The chapter also discusses the social structure of the village, including the
various castes that exist and their relationships with each other. Shah argues that the social structure
of the village is closely tied to the religious beliefs and practices of the various groups.

Chapter 4: The Concept of Sect

In chapter four, Shah introduces the concept of sect and discusses its relevance to the study of Hindu
society. He defines sect as a group that is separate from the mainstream and has its own religious
beliefs and practices. Shah argues that the concept of sect is important because it helps to explain
the diversity that exists within the Hindu religion. He also discusses the various types of sects that
exist in Hindu society and how they are different from each other.
Chapter 5: The Swaminarayan Sect

Chapter five focuses on the Swaminarayan sect, which is a religious sect that originated in Gujarat in
the early 19th century. Shah provides a detailed description of the history of the sect, including its
founder and the teachings that form the basis of its beliefs. He also discusses the social and
economic status of the followers of the sect and how it has changed over time. The chapter
concludes with a discussion of the role of the Swaminarayan sect in the village studied by Shah.

Chapter 6: The Relationship between Caste and Sect

Chapter six discusses the relationship between caste and sect in Hindu society. Shah argues that sect
and caste are closely related and that the beliefs and practices of a sect are often linked to the caste
of its followers. He provides several examples from the village studied to illustrate this point. Shah
also discusses the relationship between sect and social mobility, arguing that belonging to a sect can
provide opportunities for social advancement.

Chapter 7: The Swaminarayan Sect and Caste

Chapter seven focuses on the relationship between the Swaminarayan sect and caste. Shah argues
that the Swaminarayan sect is unique because it has followers from all castes, including the so-called
lower castes. He discusses how the sect has been able to attract followers from different castes and
how this has led to changes in the social structure of the village. Shah also discusses the role of the
sect in promoting social equality and how it has challenged the traditional caste hierarchy.

Chapter 8: The Swaminarayan Sect and Social Change

Chapter eight discusses the role of the Swaminarayan sect in promoting social change in the village
studied by Shah. He argues that the sect has played an important role in promoting education and
economic development, particularly among the lower castes. Shah also discusses the role of the sect
in promoting social reform, including the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of gender
equality. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the challenges faced by the sect in promoting
social change and the limitations of its efforts.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

The final chapter of the book summarizes the main arguments and contributions of the study. Shah
argues that the study has shown the complex relationship between religion, caste, and social
structure in Indian society. He discusses the role of sects in promoting social equality and challenging
the traditional caste hierarchy. Shah also highlights the limitations of the study and the need for
further research in this area.

Conclusion

Overall, A. M. Shah’s “Sects and Hindu Social Structure” is a significant contribution to the field of
Indian sociology. The book provides a detailed analysis of the relationship between religion, caste,
and social structure in Indian society, focusing on the Swaminarayan sect as a case study. Shah’s
arguments are supported by extensive research conducted in a village in Gujarat, providing valuable
insights into the complex dynamics of Indian society. The book’s focus on the role of sects in
promoting social change and challenging the traditional caste hierarchy is particularly relevant today,
as India continues to grapple with issues of social inequality and caste-based discrimination.