UPSC CSE MAINS SOCIOLOGY OPTIONAL PAPER 2

A. Introducing Indian Society:

(i) Perspectives on the study of Indian society:

(a) Indology (GS. Ghurye).
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

1 2014 G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to understand society in India Indology 10 Direct Comp
Write a note on G. S. Ghurye's Indological perspective of
2 2018 Indology 10 Direct Comp
understanding Indian society.
Critically examine G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach to the
3 2022 Indology 20 Direct xxx
understanding of Indian society.

(b) Structural functionalism (M N Srinivas).

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 M.N. Srinivas's concept of westernisation. Westernisation 10 Direct Comp
Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by
2 2017 Critique 10 Direct Comp
M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society.

Elaborate on MN. Srinivas's structural-functionalist approach to the

3 2022 SF 10 Direct Comp
study of Indian society.

(c) Marxist sociology ( A R Desai).

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2016 Salient features of A.R. Desai's Marxist Sociology Features 10 Direct Comp
2 2018 Analyze A. R. Desai's views on India's path of development. Theory 20 Direct Comp

3 2020 Elaborate A. R. Desai's perspective to the study of Indian society. Theory 10 Direct Comp

(ii) Impact of colonial rule on Indian society :

(a) Social background of Indian nationalism.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Gandhi's efforts on communal harmony Gandhi 10 Direct Comp
2 2014 Discuss the social background of lndian nationalism Nationalism 20 Direct xxx
3 2015 Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism. Marxist 20 Direct xxx
Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his
4 2015 Gandhi 20 Direct xxx
Hind Swaraj.

Colonial administrators helped to construct the very traditionalism

5 2020 Administartion 20 Direct xxx
which marked the Indian society as backwards. Comment critically.

6 2022 Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. BG 20 Direct xxx

(b) Modernization of Indian tradition.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Modernization of Indian tradition. Modernization 10 Direct Comp
Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in
2 2015 Modernization 20 Direct xxx
analyzing the social change in India.

Discuss Yogendra Singh's thesis on Modernisation of Indian

3 2016 Modernization 20 Contrmporary xxx
Tradition, and evaluate its applicability in the present day context.

Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in

4 2021 theorizing Modernization 20 Direct xxx
India's modernization.
Critically examine Yogendra Singh's thesis on 'Modernisation of
5 2022 Indian Modernization 20 Direct xxx
Tradition'.
 (c) Protests and movements during the colonial period.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

1 2016 Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period Movement 10 Direct Comp

The main objectives of socio-religious movements during the

2 2017 colonial rule in India were reforming and synthesizing Hinduism. Movement 20 Direct* xxx
Write on any two such important movements

Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in

3 2018 Movement 20 Applied* xxx
colonial India.
Illustrate the contributions of the Tebhaga Movement to the
4 2019 Movement 10 Direct* Comp
peasants struggle in India.

(d) Social reforms

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal
1 2014 Untouchability 10 Direct xxx
of untouchability.
Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social
2 2019 Saints 10 Applied xxx
reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain.
"Banning practice of 'Sati' is attributed to annihilation of a major
3 2020 Reform 10 Applied Comp
social evil in colonial India." Comment.

B. Social Structure:

(i) Rural and Agrarian Social Structure:

(a) The idea of Indian village and village studies-
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 What is the idea of 'Indian village' ? Explain.· Idea 10 Direct xxx
2 2016 Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology Idea 10 Direct Comp
3 2018 Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille's study of Tanjore village. Andre Beteille 10 Direct Comp
Critically examine Dube's contributions to the study of Indian
4 2019 S.C Dube 20 Direct xxx
villages.
5 2020 "Indian rural society is a faction-ridden society." Discuss. village 10 Applied xxx
Critically examine briefly the phrase "Little 'Republics" as used to
6 2021 village 10 Direct Comp
denote India's villages.
7 2022 Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. village 10 Direct xxx

(b) Agrarian social structure -evolution of land tenure system, land reforms.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Describe the impact of land reforms on the peasants of Indian Land Reforms 20 Applied xxx
Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their
2 2016 Land Reforms 10 Applied xxx
effectiveness in curbing rural inequality.
3 2019 Examine the changing initiatives of the land tenure system in India. Tenure system 10 Contemporary xxx

Explain how land reforms brought about desired

4 2022 Land Reforms 20 Direct xxx
Agrarian taransformation.

(ii) Caste System:

(a) Perspectives on the study of caste systems: GS Ghurye, M N Srinivas, Louis Dumont, Andre Beteille.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's views on
1 2013 Ambedkar 20 Direct* xxx
annihilation of caste ?
2 2013 Critically evaluate Louis Dumont's Homo Hierarchicus. Louis D 20 Direct* xxx
 What are the features of M.N. Srinivas' concept of dominant caste ?
3 2013 MNS 10 Contemporary xxx
How effective is it in understanding to day's reality ?
4 2015 Louis Dumont's perspective on Indian caste system Louis D 10 Direct* Comp
How far Srinivas' Sanskritization is modernizing force or
5 2015 traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste MNS 10 Direct* Comp
system?

Discuss Andre Beteille's account of the relationship between caste,

6 2016 Andre Beteille 20 Applied xxx
class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one.

What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled

7 2018 Concepts 20 Direct* xxx
hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations.
8 2019 Write a note on Ghurye's conception of caste in India. Ghurye 10 Direct* Comp
Give an account of Ranajit Guha's approach in studying 'subaltern
9 2019 Guha 20 Direct* xxx
class'.

How do you justify Dumont's deliberate stress on ideology that

10 2020 Louis D 10 Direct* Comp
produced intellectualized account of Indian society?

"Indian caste system is unique and has been unhealthy for the
11 2020 View 20 Applied xxx
growth of sociology of India." How far do you agree with this view?

Discuss Whitehead's contention that caste has potential to displace

12 2020 View 20 Applied xxx
class and colonial contradiction.

Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the "book-

13 2021 view" initially.How did the entry of "field-view" bring about a View 10 Direct* Comp
balance in the study of Indian caste system? Discuss.

What does Dr B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of "Annihilation

14 2021 Ambedkar 10 Direct* Comp
of caste"?
In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view
15 2022 Andre Beteille's conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social Andre Beteille 10 Direct* Comp
structures?

(b) Features of caste system.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste. Impact 15 Applied* xxx
2 2014 Features of caste system Features 10 Direct Comp
3 2015 Is the caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India? Features 20 Contemporary xxx

How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ?

4 2016 How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features Features 20 Direct* xxx
?

Which is more significant, the principle of 'hierarchy' or the

5 2017 Concept 10 Applied Comp
principle of 'difference', in intercaste relations in the present day?

What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the
6 2017 Changes 10 Direct xxx
caste system since independence?

What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of

7 2019 Politics 20 Contemporary xxx
how identities are defined by caste dynamics.

Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious other

8 2021 10 Applied Comp
communities as well. Discuss with examples. Communities

Is Indian society moving from "Hierarchy" towards "differentiation"?

9 2021 Changes 20 Applied xxx
Illustrate your answer with suitable examples.

Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable

10 2022 Changes 20 Direct xxx
illustrations.

(c) Untouchability - forms and perspectives

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Write some of the important social reforms in India for the removal
1 2014 Untouchability 10 Direct xxx
of untouchability.
2 2015 How far Gandhi was trusted by the untouchables? Untouchability 10 Direct Comp
3 2016 Different forms of Dalit assertion Forms 10 Direct Comp
How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms
4 2017 Forms 10 Direct Comp
and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions?
 What, according to you, are the two fundamental axes of social
5 2017 Forms 20 Contemporary xxx
discrimination in Indian society? Are they changing?

Elaborate various forms of Dalit assertions in contemporary India.

6 2018 Impact 20 Contemporary xxx
What are its implications on the Indian political system?

What are the various forms of untouchability in India? Critically

7 2021 Forms 10 Direct xxx
examine.
8 2022 Explain different forms of untouchability in India. Forms 10 Direct xxx

(iii) Tribal communities in India:

(a) Definitional problems.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the features that distinguish tribes from the rest of the
1 2013 Features 20 Direct xxx
population ?
What is the nature of religious change among tribal communities?
2 2017 Illustrate with two examples from colonial and post independence Religion 20 Direct xxx
times.
Explain the definitional problems concerning the tribal
3 2020 Problems 10 Direct Comp
communities in India.
Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V.
4 2021 Development 20 Direct xxx
Elwin on tribal development.

(b) Geographical spread.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

(c) Colonial policies and tribes.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

1 2016 Isolationism' as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy Feature 10 Direct Comp

Examine the colonial policy of segregation of tribes under the

2 2020 Policy 20 Direct xxx
Government of India Act, 1935

(d) Issues of integration and autonomy.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Write a note on ethnicity and integration in the context of tribes. Integration 20 Direct* xxx
Analyse the different views on integration and autonomy of tribes
2 2014 Integration 20 Direct* xxx
in India.
Tribal conflicts based on ethnic' differences often camouflage a
3 2014 struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with Tribal Conflict 20 Applied xxx
examples.
4 2015 Verrier Elwin's views on freedom for the tribals Autonomy 10 Direct* Comp
5 2015 Main objectives of Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) Integration 10 Direct* Comp
How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and
6 2016 Both 20 Contemporary Comp
autonomy in modern India ?
Why have we started using another category of tribes called the
7 2017 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) ? Why are they so Integration 10 Contemporary xxx
called?
Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for
8 2019 Autonomy 10 Contemporary Comp
autonomy in India.
Elucidate the challenges of integration for tribal communities in
9 2021 Integration 10 Direct* Comp
India

(iv) Social Classes in India:

 (a) Agrarian class structure.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Andre Beteille's definition of class. CLASS 10 Direct Comp
2 2013 Classes in agrarian society in India. CLASS 10 Direct Comp

(b) Industrial class structure.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

(c) Middle classes in India.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class. Features 15 Direct xxx
Discuss the status of women among the emerging urban middle
2 2014 women 20 Direct xxx
class.
What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle
3 2016 Growth 10 Contemporary xxx
classes in modern India ?
4 2018 Write a note on the changing roles of middle-class women in India. women 10 Direct Comp
How has the New Economic Policy (1991) affected the lifestyle and
5 2018 Policy 20 Applied* xxx
life-chances of new middle class in India?
6 2020 How does Andre Beteille justify 'middle class in India'? Theory 10 Direct xxx
7 2021 Discuss the salient features of 'new middle class' in India. Theory 10 Direct xxx

(v) Systems of Kinship in India:

(a) Lineage and descent in India.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Discuss the conceptual issues about lineage and descent in India.
1 2020 Issue 20 Direct xxx
Give suitable illustrations.

(b) Types of kinship systems.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Types of kinship systems in India Types 10 Direct Comp
2 2015 Broadly compare the kinship system of North and South India. Compare 20 Direct xxx
Compare the North Indian Kinship System with the South Indian
3 2017 Compare 10 Direct xxx
Kinship System.
4 2021 Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. Types 10 Direct Comp
Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship
5 2021 Types 20 Applied xxx
imprints. Discuss the main reasons.

(c) Family and marriage in India.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Give some of the important studies relating to the structural
1 2015 Family 20 Direct* xxx
changes in the Indian family system.

Illustrate the importance of 'Kanyadan' and 'Kulabadhu' in

2 2018 Marriage 10 Applied xxx
changing institutions of marriage and family.

What do you understand by LGBTQ? Comment on the issues

3 2019 Marriage 10 Contemporary xxx
concerning their marriage rights.

(d) Household dimensions of the family.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Bring out the significance of the difference between family and Household,
1 2016 20 Direct xxx
household. Family
 Clarify the distinction between household' and 'family' and evaluate Household,
2 2017 20 Direct xxx
whether joint families have completely disintegrated. Family

Household,
3 2020 Analyze household dimensions of family in India. 20 Direct xxx
Family

(e) Patriarchy, entitlements and sexual division of labour.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Discuss the problems of working women in India. Women 20 Applied xxx
Define Patriarchy. How does it impact the overall entitlement of a Patriarchy,
2 2014 10 Applied xxx
girl child in India? Entitlements.
What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization
3 2015 Patriarchy. 20 Applied xxx
pattern in India?
4 2016 Patriarchy as a form of dominance Patriarchy. 10 Direct Comp
Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in
5 2016 Status 20 Direct xxx
urban India.
Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in
6 2018 Entitlement 10 Direct* xxx
Indian society.
Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the
7 2018 new development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Patriarchy 20 Applied xxx
Why?
Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women's entitlement in Patriarchy,
8 2019 20 Applied xxx
Indian family system? Explain. Entitlements.

9 2022 Discuss the material basis of patriarchy as an ideological system. Patriarchy 20 Direct xxx

(vi) Religion and Society:

(a) Religious communities in India.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on
1 2015 Hinduism 20 Direct xxx
monotheism or polytheism?
What are the distinct features of Islam as practised in India, and
2 2017 Islam 10 Direct Comp
how have they changed over time?
3 2018 Discuss the growth of religious sects in India. Sects 10 Direct Comp
Elaborate Srinivas's views on religion and society among the
4 2019 Study 10 Direct* Comp
Coorgs.
Write a note on 'cultural pluralism' in multi-religious society like
5 2020 Concept 10 Applied xxx
India.

(b) Problems of religious minorities.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India. Problems 20 Direct xxx
To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement
2 2015 muslim 10 Contemporary xxx
with Islamic feminist agenda?
3 2017 Give an account of the problems relating to the "creamy layer". Creamy layer 10 Direct Comp
Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in
4 2018 Problems 20 Direct xxx
India.
Assess the impact of ban on Triple Talak' on marriage and divorce
5 2018 Muslim 10 Contemporary xxx
among the Muslim community in India.
How do you understand the 'minority' question? Examine the
6 2019 violence and discrimination against the religious minorities in Violence 20 Applied xxx
India.
Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India and suggest
7 2022 Problems 10 Direct xxx
measures to solve them.

C. Social Changes in India:

(i) Visions of Social Change in India:

(a) Idea of development planning and mixed economy.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
 1 2013 Five Year Plans Planning 10 Direct Comp

Human development approach affirms that education and health-

2 2015 care growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this Education 20 Applied xxx
issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society.

3 2018 Analyze A. R. Desai's views on India's path of development. Development 20 Direct xxx

Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed

4 2019 Development 20 Direct xxx
Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects.

What is 'social security? Examine recent security measures adopted

5 2019 Development 10 Contemporary xxx
by the Government in India.
Discuss in detail the main issues of development planning in mixed
6 2020 Development 20 Direct xxx
economy like India.
7 2021 Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India. Development 10 Direct Comp

(b) Constitution, law and social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 How does the new Forest Act affect tribals ? Act 10 Contemporary xxx
2 2014 Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Act 10 Contemporary Comp
3 2022 Discuss law as an important instrument for women's empowerment. Law 10 Direct Comp

(c) Education and social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Discuss the salient features of right to education. Education Policy 15 Direct xxx
2 2015 Important components of National Education Policy in India Education Policy 10 Contemporary Comp
3 2016 Privatization of education and increasing inequalities Privatization 10 Contemporary Comp
4 2016 Empowerment through 'Right to Education' Education Policy 10 Applied Comp
With increase in education and economic development is Indian
5 2018 Secular 10 Applied xxx
society becoming more secular?

Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy

6 2021 Education Policy 20 Direct xxx
and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development.

(ii) Rural and Agrarian transformation in India:

(a) Programmes of rural development, Community Development Programme, cooperatives, poverty alleviation schemes.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Programmes 10 Contemporary Comp
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
2 2016 Programmes 10 Contemporary Comp
for rural development

How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission (2004-

3 2018 Programmes 10 Contemporary xxx
2006) ensure food and nutrition security for the Indian masses?

Highlight the main features of the Inter-linking of Rivers project in

4 2019 Programmes 20 Contemporary xxx
India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture?

Do you think MSP (Minimum Support Price) Scheme for

6 2020 agricultural produce can help in rural development? Elaborate your Programmes 20 Contemporary xxx
response with suitable examples
How can skill development programme induce social change?
7 2020 Programmes 10 Contemporary xxx
Illustrate.
8 2021 Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development. Cooperatives 10 Contemporary Comp

What role do co-operatives play in poverty alleviation in rural

9 2022 Cooperatives 10 Direct Comp
India?

(b) Green revolution and social change.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Green Revolution. GR 10 Direct Comp
 Write a note on the uneven impact of 'Green Revolution' on rural
2 2016 Impact 20 Direct* xxx
society.
Has 'Green Revolution' led to the formation of new power elite in
3 2018 Impact 20 Applied xxx
rural India? Elaborate your answer.
Point out the benefits of 'green chemistry' for agrarian
4 2020 Impact 10 Applied Comp
transformation in India.

(c) Changing modes of production in Indian agriculture .

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agrarian
1 2016 Impact 20 Direct xxx
economy.
Write a short note on 'changing means of production and increased
2 2017 Poverty 10 Direct Comp
rural poverty.'

Is industrial development in India a bane or a boon to agrarian

3 2019 Impact 20 Applied xxx
class structure? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples.

Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in

4 2021 Factors 20 Contemporary xxx
contemporary India.
5 2021 Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. Role 10 Contemporary Comp

Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is

66 2022 Change 10 Contemporary Comp
changing?Justify your answer with illustrations.

(d) Problems of rural labour, bondage, migration.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Give a sociological analysis of the problems of migrant urban poor. Migration 20 Direct xxx
Indebtedness is one of the serious issues leading to farmers'
2 2017 Suicide 20 Appied xxx
suicides.Discuss reasons and suggest solutions.

What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on
3 2018 migration 20 Applied xxx
birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio?

Discuss the dynamics of 'migrant workers in India in the context of

4 2020 Migration 20 Applied xxx
Corona pandemic
Examine whether rural bondage still continues to be a social reality.
5 2022 Bondage 20 Contemporary xxx
Give your argument.
6 2022 Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration. Migration 20 Contemporary xxx

(iii) Industrialization and Urbanisation in India:

(a) Evolution of modern industry in India.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste. Impact 15 Applied* xxx
Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial
2 2014 Impact 20 Applied* xxx
patterns in India.

(b) Growth of urban settlements in India.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
How do you relate the growth of development of metropolis and its
1 2018 Impact 20 Direct xxx
impact on the mental and social life of people in India?
2 2019 Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India. Urbanism 10 Direct Comp
Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in
3 2019 Impact 10 Direct Comp
India.
Elaborate the causes, consequences and other concerns of growth of
4 2020 Causes 20 Direct xxx
urban settlements in India.

(c) Working class: structure, growth, class mobilization.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family
1 2016 Structure 20 Direct xxx
structure.
 2 2021 Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India. Structure 10 Direct xxx

3 2022 Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class. Structure 10 Direct xxx

(d) Informal sector, child labour

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India. Infomal sector 20 Direct xxx
2 2013 Child Labour. CL 10 Direct Comp
Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers in the Informal
3 2014 Impact 10 Direct xxx
sector.
4 2015 Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India Infomal sector 10 Direct Comp
Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the
5 2016 Infomal sector 20 Direct xxx
informal sector of the economy.

Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about
6 2017 Both 10 Applied Comp
and beyond the informal sector? Give reasons.

Do you think that 'demonetization' has accelerated the economic

growth in India? How do you understand the informalization of
7 2019 Infomal sector 20 Contemporary xxx
labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this
context?
Point out the main causes of 'child labour in India. How far the
8 2020 CL 10 Contemporary xxx
State policies have succeeded in its elimination?

9 2022 How do you view the growth of informal sector in India? Infomal sector 10 Contemporary Comp

(e) Slums and deprivation in urban areas.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Write an analytical note on slums in cilies. Slum 15 Direct xxx
2 2016 Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas. Slum 20 Direct xxx

Compare the pressing problems of a dalit poor family living in an

3 2017 Slum 10 Direct xxx
urban slum with a similar type of family living in a rural setting.

Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated

4 2018 Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programmes provided for Programmes 10 Contemporary xxx
the urban poor.
5 2021 Urban slums are sites of social exclusion - explain. Slum 10 Direct Comp
6 2022 Discuss different forms of deprivation associated with slums. Slum 10 Direct xxx

(iv) Politics and Society:

(a) Nation, democracy and citizenship.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2015 Discuss B. R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat. Ambedkar 20 Direct* xxx
2 2016 Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics. Politics 10 Contemporary xxx
To what extent does nation building depend on strengthening of
3 2017 Nation 20 Applied xxx
pluralities in Indian society?
Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B. R.
4 2018 Ambedkar 10 Direct* Comp
Ambedkar.
Has caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India?
5 2018 Democracy 20 Applied xxx
Discuss.
What is ethno-nationalism? Examine the critical factors responsible
6 2019 Nation 20 Direct* xxx
for tribal discontent in India
7 2019 Comment on the changing democratic profile of India. Democracy 10 Contemporary Comp
Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India.
8 2020 Citizenship 10 Contemporary Comp
Give suitable illustrations.
Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy?
9 2021 Democracy 10 Applied xxx
Comment.
 (b) Political parties, pressure groups , social and political elite.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Who are the elites ? Discuss their roles in bringing social
1 2014 Elites 10 Direct xxx
transformation.
2 2015 Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press. Pressure Groups 10 Direct xxx
Explain the concepts of 'dominant caste and 'vote bank', giving
3 2017 Election 20 Applied xxx
examples from specific regions.
4 2018 Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss. Pressure Groups 10 Direct Comp
Has 'Green Revolution' led to the formation of new power elite in
5 2018 elites 20 Applied xxx
rural India? Elaborate your answer.
Discuss the implications of Swachha Bharat Abhiyan'. Do you think
6 2019 that civil society has a role to play here? Substantiate your answer Civil Society 20 Applied xxx
with examples.

7 2022 Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy. Pressure Groups 10 Direct Comp

8 2022 Discuss the changing nature of structure of political elites. Elites 10 Direct xxx

(c) Regionalism and decentralization of power.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it
1 2020 Decentralization 10 Direct Comp
promote decentralization of power in India?

Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power? Regionalism ,

2 2021 10 Applied Comp
Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. Decentralization

(d) Secularization
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
With increase in education and economic development is Indian
1 2018 Secular 10 Applied xxx
society becoming more secular?
"Secularism was an outcome of 20th century humanistic radicalism."
2 2020 Theory 10 Direct Comp
Comment on this statement.

3 2022 Examine different understandings of secularisation in India. Secular 10 Direct Comp

(v) Social Movements in Modern India:

(a) Peasants and farmers movements.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Bring out the main features of farmers' movements in Modem India. Farmers 20 Direct xxx
2 2015 Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical Farmers 10 Direct Comp
Discuss the main features of farmers' movements in Independent
3 2015 Farmers 20 Direct xxx
India.
Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers' movement in contemporary
4 2018 Farmers 10 Direct Comp
India.
Illustrate the contributions of the Tebhaga Movement to the
5 2019 Peasant 10 Direct Comp
peasants struggle in India.
Are the contemporary farmers' movements in India changing their
6 2020 Farmers 10 Contemporary Comp
course? Discuss.

(b) Women’s movement.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. Phule 10 Direct Comp
What are the main features of the second wave of Women's
2 2014 Features 20 Direct xxx
movement in the Indian context ?
Discuss the impact of post-1970 feminist movement on Indian
3 2015 Impact 20 Direct xxx
middle class.

Despite gains from the women's movement and state policy of

4 2017 women empowerment, gender equality is far from achieved. Identify Challenges 20 Applied xxx
two major challenges that prevent this goal from being reached.
 5 2018 Elaborate the 'Me Too' Movement and its impact in India. Impact 10 Contemporary Comp

Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity

6 2019 Cause 10 Applied xxx
structures that are generated by media? Why?

Does "economic empowerment" automatically bring about

7 2021 "substantive empowerment" for women? Briefly describe the main Issue 10 Applied xxx
issues in women empowerment in India.

(c) Backward classes & Dalit movement.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Other Backward Classes. OBC 10 Direct Comp
2 2013 What is the Dalit movement ? Examine the issues highlighted by it. Dalit 20 Applied xxx
3 2014 Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements Dalit 10 Direct Comp
What is identity politics? Discuss the main trends in Dalit
4 2021 Dalit 20 Contemporary xxx
movements in India.

5 2022 Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India. Dalit 20 Direct xxx

(d) Environmental movements.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Discuss the 'Chipko movement' as an example of eco-feminism. Women 20 Applied xxx
Discuss the various forms of environmental movements waged in
2 2016 Evm 10 Direct xxx
lndia.
Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on
3 2020 climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements Evm 20 Applied xxx
arising out of it.

(e) Ethnicity and Identity movements.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

What are the major concerns of ethnic identity and religious
1 2015 Ethnic, Religious 20 Applied xxx
identity in India?
What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic
2 2016 Ethnic identity 10 Direct xxx
identity movements in India ?
Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of
3 2022 Ethnicity 20 Direct xxx
ethnic movements in India.

(vi) Population Dynamics:

(a) Population size, growth, composition and distribution.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT

(b) Components of population growth: birth, death, migration.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on
1 2018 Sex Ratio. 20 Applied xxx
birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio?

What are the sociological reasons and implication of "reverse

2 2021 Migration 20 Contemporary xxx
migration" during the recent pandemic in India?

(c) Population policy and family planning.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
What were the salient features of the India's Population Policy
1 2020 Policy 20 Contemporary xxx
(2000)? How far its goals have been achieved?

(d) Emerging issues: ageing, sex ratios, child and infant mortality, reproductive health.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2013 Sex Ratio. Sex Ratio. 10 Direct Comp
2 2013 What are the main causes of female mortality in India ? Mortality 15 Direct xxx
3 2014 Trends of lnfant Mortality Rate among females Mortality 10 Contemporary Comp
What are the demographic projection for the ageing population
4 2014 (60+) for the next decade ? What are the implications for Ageing 20 Contemporary xxx
formulating policy for them?
Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different
5 2015 Ageing 10 Contemporary xxx
perspectives to solve their problems?
6 2015 Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India? Mortality 10 Contemporary xxx
7 2016 Differential sex-ratio and its implications Sex Ratio. 10 Direct Comp
8 2016 How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society ? Ageing 10 Contemporary xxx
Reproductive
9 2017 What are the emerging concerns on women's reproductive health? 10 Contemporary Comp
health

What are the causes and solutions for the low female sex-ratio in the
10 2017 Sex Ratio. 10 Contemporary xxx
DEMARU States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Gujarat?

Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child

11 2018 Child abuse 10 Direct Comp
abuse in India.

What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on
12 2018 Sex Ratio. 20 Applied xxx
birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio?

Why has 'active aging' become a global goal? Do you agree that the
13 2019 role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in Ageing 20 Contemporary xxx
developing countries?
Is 'ageing' an emerging issue in Indian society? Discuss the major
14 2021 Ageing 20 Direct xxx
problems of the old age people in India.
Underline the socio-cultural factors responsible for India's skewed
15 2021 Sex Ratio. 10 Direct xxx
sex-ratio.
Reproductive
16 2022 Explain Leela Dube's concept of "Seed and Earth". 10 Direct Comp
health

(vii) Challenges of Social Transformation:

(a) Crisis of development: displacement, environmental problems and sustainability.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Rural landless labourers and development induced displacement Displacement 10 Direct* Comp
Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless
2 2015 Displacement 10 Direct* Comp
and marginal farmers.
Discuss some of the striking issues of development induced
3 2017 Development 20 Direct* Comp
imbalances that need urgent attention.
Discuss development-induced displacement in the context of tribal
4 2018 uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed Displacement 20 Applied xxx
illustration from India.
Discuss the challenges in implementing the Rural Development
5 2019 Development 10 Direct* Comp
Programmes in India
Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in
6 2019 Displacement 10 Direct Comp
India.

Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation

7 2019 Environment 10 Direct xxx
leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration.

Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on

8 2020 climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements Environment 20 Applied xxx
arising out of it.
The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development.
9 2021 Displacement 20 Direct xxx
Analyze the statement critically.
Critically examine the dialectics between 'development and
10 2022 Environment 20 Applied xxx
environment'.
 (b) Poverty, deprivation and inequalities.
Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and
1 2013 All 15 Applied xxx
inequality.
How do caste and class come together in creatirig the category of
2 2014 Poverty 10 Applied xxx
extreme poor ?
3 2015 Feminization of poverty Poverty 10 Applied Comp
Discuss the emerging forms of 'inequalities' and 'acute poverty' as Inequalities ,
4 2016 20 Direct xxx
major challenges of social transformation in India. Poverty

Write a short note on 'changing means of production and increased

5 2017 Poverty 10 Direct Comp
rural poverty.'
Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic
6 2020 Malnutrition 10 Direct Comp
malnutrition in India.

(c) Violence against women.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Domestic Violence Act, 2005 Act 10 Contemporary Comp
What are the possible underlying causes of the spurt of increased
2 2014 Cause 20 Contemporary xxx
violence against women in public spaces in the last decade?

How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and

3 2015 Trafficking 10 Contemporary xxx
children in India?
What are the reasons for the escalation of violence against women
4 2017 Violence 10 Contemporary Comp
in the public domain?

What is POSH Act? "Identification of tormentor by women at

5 2019 workplace does not come easily even today." Examine the statement Harrsment 20 Contemporary xxx
with substantive examples from India.

(d) Caste conflicts.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each
1 2014 other on the hierarchical scale.' Give a sociological explanation for Caste Conflict 20 Applied xxx
this phenomenon.

(e) Ethnic conflicts, communalism, religious revivalism.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in
1 2013 Communalism 15 Applied xxx
·India.
Tribal conflicts based on ethnic' differences often camouflage a
2 2014 struggle for political and economic advantage.' Substantiate with Tribal Conflict 20 Applied xxx
examples.

Elucidate the concepts of 'majoritarianism' and 'minoritarianism' in

3 2015 Communalism 20 Applied xxx
accentuating communal tensions in India.

4 2017 Explain the issues relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity. Ethnicity 10 Direct xxx

What is Cultural Revivalism? Give some examples from performing Cultural

5 2017 20 Contemporary xxx
arts, language dissemination and arts and craits in recent times. Revivalism

Rising 'ethnocentricism' is leading to conflict in our society. Assess

6 2021 Ethnicity 20 Contemporary xxx
this statement with appropriate reasons.
Discuss the role of social media in communal polarization. Suggest
7 2021 Communalism 20 Direct xxx
ways to combat it.

(f) Illiteracy and disparities in education.

Q.No. YEAR QUESTION THEME MARKS REMARKS ATTEMPT
1 2014 Impact of privatisation on educational disparities Disparities 10 Direct Comp
2 2016 Privatization of education and increasing inequalities Privatization 10 Contemporary Comp
3 2017 Write a note on Education and Equality in India. Equality 10 Direct Comp
4 2018 Assess the role of the State in promoting education of girl child. Disparities 10 Contemporary Comp
Comment on the critical issues of commercialization of higher
5 2019 Privatization 10 Contemporary Comp
education in India

How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate

6 2020 Policy 10 Contemporary Comp
disparities in the system of education in India?

"Instead of promoting equality in society, the present system of

7 2022 education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic Disparities 20 Contemporary xxx
disparities." Comment.