PAPER 1 – SOCIOLOGY THE DISCIPLINE

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| “Sociology emerged in Europe and flourished to begin with on social reformist orientation in the U.S.A.” – Comment. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| “Sociology is pre-eminently study of modern societies.” Discuss. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Explain how sociology has emerged as a distinct discipline based on rationality and scientific temper. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| How did the intellectual forces lead to the emergence of sociology ? Discuss. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| How had Enlightenment contributed to the emergence of sociology? 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What aspects of Enlightenment do you think paved way for the emergence of sociology? Elaborate. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Discuss the historical antecedents of the emergence of Sociology as a discipline. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Sociology is the product of European enlightenment and renaissance. Critically examine this statement. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Europe was the first and the only place where modernity emerged. Comment. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| In the context of globalisation, has the scope of sociology been changing in India ? Comment. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| In what way is the scope of sociology unique? Explain.

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Compare and contrast Sociology with Anthropology. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Discuss the nature of Sociology. Highlight its relationship with Social Anthropology. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| How is sociological approach to human actions different from that of psychological approach? 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Discuss – the changing ･equations of discipline of sociology with other social sciences. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| From the viewpoint of growing importance of multidisciplinarity, how do you relate sociology to other social sciences ? 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Delimit the scope of Sociology in relation to other social sciences. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Discuss the relationship between Sociology and Political science. 10

2010 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| ” Sociology without History is rootless and History without Sociology is fruitess.” Elaborate. 30

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Is sociology common sense? Give reasons in support of your argument. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| How is sociology related to common sense ? 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| Do you think that common sense is the starting point of social research? What are its advantages and limitations? Explain.

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1 a ||| What is common sense? How are common knowledge and sociology related to each other? Explain.

POLITICS AND SOCEITY

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss the importance of ‘power elite’ in democracy. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Discuss the changing natures of structure of political elites. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| What according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites ? Discuss. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 7c | Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10 Marks

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| What are the theoretical models of societal power ? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies ? 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.” Comment. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| “Power is not a zero-sum game.” Discuss with reference to Weber’s and Parsons’ views. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Who are the elites ? Discuss their roles in bringing social transformation. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| What according to Pareto, are the basic characteristics of elites ? Discuss. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 7c | Discuss the concept of circulation of elite. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| What are the theoretical models of societal power ? Which one of them is most applicable in advanced industrial societies ? 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| According to Mills, “Elites rule in institutional terms rather than psychological terms.” Comment. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Critically examine the relevance of Vilfredo Pareto’s theory of Circulation of Elites in the present scenario. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What, according to Robert Michels, is the iron law of oligarchy? Do lions and foxes in Vilfredo Pareto’s theory, essentially differ from each other? Substantiate.

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| What would you identify as the similarities and differences in the elite theories of Mosca, Michels and Pareto? Discuss their main/crucial issues.

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Distinguish between Political Parties and Pressure Groups. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Explain how political parties and pressure groups are dialectically related to each other in terms of achieving their goals. 20

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Examine the role of pressure groups in parliamentary democracy. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Discuss the role of pressure groups in strengthening democracy. 10 marks

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Illustrate with examples the role of Pressure groups in the formulation of social policies. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Examine the dynamics of pressure groups in multi-party political system. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| What are pressure groups? Discuss their role in decision-making in democracy. (10M)

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Are pressure groups a threat to or a necessary element of democracy? Explain with suitable illustrations.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Discuss the sociological aspects of movements for separate States. 15

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| What do you understand by democratic federalism? How does it promote decentralization of power in India? 10

2021 ||| Paper 2- 5d ||| Does regionalism essentially lead to decentralization of power ? Substantiate your answer with relevant examples. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| What do you understand by deçentralisation of power? What is its role in strengthening the roots of democracy in India? Elaborate. (20M)

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| “Globalization involves deterritorialization .” Examine with reference to the nation-state.” 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| To what extent does nation building depend on strengthening of pluralities in Indian society ? 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Discuss T. H. Marshall’s views on citizenship. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2- 5b ||| Analyze the issues related to the citizenship in contemporary India. Give suitable illustrations. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Evaluate how do civil society and democracy mutually reinforce each other. 20

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Critically examine the role of civil society in democracy. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Highlight the roles and functions of civil society in a democratic system. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Write a brief note on the Freedom of Press. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Media is the fourth pillar of democracy. Discuss. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss the changing interface between state and civil society in post independent India. l 0

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| What is civil society ? Present a note on civil society engagement with science and technology policy in India. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Discuss the implications of ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’. Do you think that civil society has a role to play here ? Substantiate your answer with example. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| How is civil society useful in deepening the roots of democracy ?

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Democracy needs a vibrant culture of civil society in order to strengthen its foundation of citizenship. Comment. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| How do ‘Civil Society Organizations’ such as ‘NGOs’ and ‘Self-Help Groups’ contribute to grassroot level social changes? Discuss.

2019 ||| Paper 2- 5d ||| Comment on the changing democratic profile of India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Explain democracy as an order of society. What are the factors preventing people’s participation in politics? 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Is social democracy a precondition for political democracy ? Comment. 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Discuss the social bases of political mobilization in Independent India. Has some change occurred in these during the last 60-70 years ?

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| “Ideology is crucial for social transformation in a democracy.” Discuss. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| How is terrorism a new form of asymmetrical warfare ? What are some of the challenges in trying to win the war on terrorism ? 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Do you think that the social media has brought significant changes in the forms of protest? Argue your case.

2013 ||| Paper 1 -5b ||| Define social movement. Elucidate the role of reformist movements in social change. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Explain the conditions under which a collective action transforms into a social movement. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| What is new in ‘new social movements’ ? Elaborate your answer with special reference to India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Are social movements primordial in means and progressive in agenda ? Explain. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Do you agree that social movements are caused by opportunity structures that are generated by media? Why? 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Examine how social movements come to an end. Illustrate with examples. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Underline the role of social media in contemporary social movements and describe its challenges. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| How can you assess the significance of social movements in the digital era? Explain.

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| To what extent revolution replaces the existing order of society? Discuss. 10

2025||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Discuss the social bases of political mobilization in Independent India. Has some change occurred in these during the last 60-70 years ?

RELIEGION AND SOCEITY

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| How is Durkheim’s theory of religion different from Max Weber’s theory of religion? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Are all world religions patriarchal ? Substantiate your answer with examples. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Critically compare the views of E.B. Taylor and Max Muller on Religion. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| What functions does religion perform in a pluralistic society? 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Distinguish between sects and cults with illustrations. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| “Religious pluralism is the order of present-day societies.” Explain by giving suitable examples. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Elaborate on various types of religious practices· prevalent in Indian society. 10

2020 ||| State the reasons for the various religious beliefs and practices in pre-modern societies. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Discuss the growth of religious sects in India. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| What are sects ? Discuss their role in multi-religious societies with empirical examples. 20

2021 ||| What is cult ? Explain the growth of cults in the contemporary world. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Highlight the differences and similarities between totemism and animism.

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Discuss the concept of animism and differentiate it from naturism. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| How do you understand the phenomena of the mushrooming of sects and cults in contemporary society? Discuss the factors responsible for the trend. 20

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| “Science has empirical means to logical ends and religion has non-empirical means to logical ends.” – Comment. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Is religion antithetical to science? Comment. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| What is the nature of relationship between science and religion in modern society? Analyze with suitable examples.

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Define Secularisation. What are its major dimensions in the modern world? 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Examine different understandings of secularisation in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| “Secularism was an outcome of 20th century humanistic radicalism.” Comment on this statement. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Problematise the concept of secularism in the present context. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Write a note on global trends of secularization. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Examine the concept of “Cultural pluralism” in the context of India’s unity in diversity. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| How do you account for the increasing significance of religion in public and personal spheres in the context of secularization thesis in India? 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Do modernization and secularization necessarily go together? Give your views. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Analyse the role of communalism in undermining democracy in India. 15

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Gandhi’s efforts on communal harmony. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| How is religious revivalism different from communalism? Elaborate with suitable examples from the Indian context. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Is religion playing an important role in increasing fundamentalism? Give reasons for your answer. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Elucidate the concepts of ‘majoritarianism’ and ‘minoritarianism’ in accentuating communal tensions in India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Discuss the’ challenges thrown by religious revivalism to a secular nation state . 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Give your comments on the growth of religious revivalism in the present day context. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| What are new religious movements? Elaborate emphasizing their forms and orientations. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| To what extent the Muslim Personal Law Board is in agreement with Islamic feminist agenda? 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| What are the distinct features of Islam as practised in India, and how have they changed over time ? 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Assess the impact of ban on Triple Talak on marriage and divorce among the Muslim community in India. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| What are the basic tenets of Hindu religion? Is Hinduism based on monotheism or polytheism? 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Do you think that the Indian saints have brought about social reform and awareness in Indian society? Explain. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Write a note on ‘cultural pluralism’ in multi-religious society like India. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| How does a multicultural society accommodate diversities of all kinds—ethnic, linguistic, and religious? Discuss its major challenges. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| How do religious communities contribute to the cultural diversity of India? 20M

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Write a critical narrative on the concerns of religious minorities in India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Discuss the problems of religious minorities in India and suggest measures to solve them. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| How do you understand the ‘minority’ question ? Examine the violence and discrimination against the religious minorities in India. 20

SYSTEM OF KINSHIP IN INDIA

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Types of kinship systems in India. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Discuss different forms of kinship system in India. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Discuss the regional variations of kinship system in Indian society. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Broadly compare the kinship system of North and South India. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Compare the North Indian Kinship System with the South Indian Kinship System. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| What, according to Irawati Karve, are the Major difference between North Indian and South Indian Kinship system? 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Discuss the consequences of Across Region marriage on kinship system in modern Indian society. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| Discuss the changing nature of kinship relations in the contemporary world. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| How do you assess the changing patterns in kinship relations in societies today? 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Do you think that family bondings are being affected by the changing kinship patterns in India? Comment

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 4 c ||| What is kinship? Briefly explain G. P. Murdock’s contribution to the study of the kinship system.

2009 ||| Paper 2 – Q8 ||| Discuss the emerging forms of marriage and family with examples from the West and The East . Can there be family without marriage ? Examine. 60

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Analyse the contemporary trends in family with examples. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Examine the emerging trends in marriage and family as a response to the changes in economic and social order. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| How did the emergence of industrial society change the family life in Western Europe? 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Examine the impact of industrialization and urbanization on family structure. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Examine the relationship between the contemporary trends in marriage and changing forms of family. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| What are the new forms of family in developed societies? Discuss. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Discuss the changing dimensions of family structure in urban India. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Analyse the role of market and modern forces in understanding the changing trends in marriage systems in india.

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Give some of the important studies relating to the structural changes in the Indian family system. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Distinguish between family and household as sociological concepts. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Bring out the significance of the difference between family and household. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Clarify the distinction between ‘household’ and ‘family’ and evaluate whether joint families have completely disintegrated. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Distinguish between family and household with reference to the concept of development of the household. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Critically examine the functionalist views on the institution of family. How do those help us in understanding family in the present times? 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss various theoretical perspectives on the family. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Analyze critically David Morgan’s views on family practices. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| What are the ‘basic and irreducible’ functions of the family as proposed by Talcott Parsons? Explain. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| Modern families have not just become nuclear and neo-local, but also heliocentric. How do you explain this trend? 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Analyze household dimensions of family in India. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| What do you understand by institutionalization of ‘live-in relationship’? I 0

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| In the light of judicial intervention on ‘Live-in relationships’, discuss the future of marriage and family in India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Illustrate the importance of “Kanyadaan” and “Kulabadhu” in changing institutions of marriage and family. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Does the institution of marriage continue to be sacred in Indian society ? Comment. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Marriage as an institution has undergone a radical transformation from ‘ritual’ to ‘commercial’ in its outlook. Explain the factors behind this change. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Why is the study of marriage important in Sociology? Analyse the implications of changing marriage patterns for Indian society. 20M

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| How same sex marriages are responsible for population dynamics in India? Discuss. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Discuss the conceptual issues about lineage and descent in India. Give suitable illustrations. 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| How do the rules of descent and alliance in kinship differ from each other? Illustrate. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Define concept of Descent and Alliance. Differentiate between North Indian and South Indian Kinship systems with examples.

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Is patriarchy a universal phenomenon ? Critically examine how does patriarchy affect sexual division of labour in societies. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Define Patriarchy. How does it impact the overall entitlement of a girl child in India? 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| What is patriarchy? How does it affect the child socialization pattern in India? 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Patriarchy as a form of dominance. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| To what extent is patriarchy a cause for the problems of women? Discuss. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Examine ‘ patriarchal bargain ‘ as gendered division of work in contemporary India. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Define patriarchy. How does patriarchy manifest in interpersonal relations ? 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Western patriarchy which surrenders feminine principles is the new development project in India. Do you agree with this view? Why? 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Define patriarchy. Does it have bearings on women’s entitlement in Indian family system ? Explain. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Explain how the pattern of patriarchy is being altered in a family and at the workplace in the present context. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Does women’s education help to eradicate patriarchal discriminations? Reflect with illustrations.

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| How do you understand the relationship between patriarchy and social development ? 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Analyse the gender bias in the present society with examples. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Discuss the material basis of Patriarchy as an ideological system. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Explain the thematic linkages between Patriarchy and Honour Killing in India, citing some recent cases.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Discuss the problems of working women in India. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| What is POSH Act? “Identification of tormentor by women at workplace does not come easily even today”. Examine the statement with substantive examples from India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Explain the implications of feminization of work in the developing societies. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Does “economic empowerment” automatically bring about “substantive empowerment” for women ? Briefly describe the main issues in women empowerment in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| What is the impact of gender division of labour on the development of society? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| What is ‘reserve army of labour’ ? Present the position of feminist scholars on this. 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| What are the possible underlying causes of the spurt of increased violence against women in public spaces in the last decade. ? 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| What are the reasons for the escalation of violence against women in the public domain ? 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| How serious is the problem of trafficking against women and children in India? 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Domestic Violence Act, 2005. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Is male authority absent in matrilineal society? Discuss. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Feminist scholars argue that ‘New media’ is masculine and hence reinforces structural hierarchies rather than reconfiguring them. Comment. 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Comment on the factors behind the changing status of women in urban India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Explain Leela Dube’s concept of “Seed and Earth”. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Discuss the issues relating to the entitlement of transgender in the Indian society. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| What do you understand by LGBTQ ? Comment on the issues concerning their marriage rights. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Is patriarchy a key to understanding different forms of inequalities in Indian society? Elaborate.

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| To what extent have the legal provisions been effective in curbing violence against women in India? Give your argument. (20M)

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Discuss the ‘Chipko movement’ as an example of eco-feminism. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| What are the main features of the second wave of Women’s movement in the Indian context ? 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Despite gains from the women’s movement and state policy of women empowerment, gender equality is far from achieved. Identify two major challenges that prevent this goal from being reached. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Elaborate the “Me Too” Movement and its impact in India. 10

CASTE SYSTEM IN INDIA

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Caste system studies in India have been dominated by the “book-view” initially. How did the entry of “field-view” bring about a balance in the study of Indian caste system ? Discuss. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Write a note on Ghurye’s conception of caste in India. 10 Marks

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| How far Srinivas’s Sanskritization is modernizing force or traditionalizing force in understanding the changes in caste system? 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Explain the concepts of ‘ dominant caste’ and ‘vote bank’, giving examples from specific regions. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Critically evaluate Louis Dumont’s Homo Hierarchicus. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Louis Dumont’s perspective on Indian caste system . 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| How do you justify Dumont’s deliberate stress on ideology that produced intellectualized account of Indian society? 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Contextualize Louis Dumont’s concept of binary opposition with reference to caste system in India. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Which is more significant, the principle of ‘hierarchy’ or the principle of ‘difference’, in intercaste relations in the present day? 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| What do you understand by discrete castes and muddled hierarchies? Substantiate your answer with suitable illustrations. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| What are the changes in the cultural and structural aspects of the caste system since independence ? 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Elaborate on the changing nature of caste system with suitable illustrations. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Analyse the differences between the attributional and interactional approach in studying the caste system. 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Features of caste system. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Is caste system changing, weakening or disintegrating in India? 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| How has B.R. Ambedkar identified the features of caste system ? How is it different from the mainstream treatment of caste features ? 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| “Indian caste system is unique and has been unhealthy for the growth of sociology of India.” How far do you agree with this view? 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Discuss Whitehead’s contention that caste has potential to displace class and colonial contradiction. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Caste-like formations are present in Non-Hindu religious communities as well. Discuss with examples. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| What, according to you, are the factors responsible for the continuance of caste system in India? Explain. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Satya Sodhak movement of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| What are the main features of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s views on annihilation of caste ? 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| What does Dr. B. R. Ambedkar mean by the concept of “Annihilation of caste” ? 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Discuss B.R. Ambedkar as a wise democrat. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Elaborate the concept of constitutional morality as given by B R Ambedkar. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Analyze Gandhi as a moralist, ascetic and man of action through his Hind Swaraj. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| How far Gandhi ji was trusted by the untouchables. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| How have the struggles against untouchability changed their forms and perspectives from Gandhian to Ambedkarite positions? 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| What are the various forms of untouchability in India ? Critically examine. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Explain different forms of untouchability in India. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| What are the different forms of untouchability still practised in India? Discuss with suitable illustrations. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Other Backward Classes. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Give an account of the problems relating to the “creamy layer”. 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Many caste conflicts are between castes which are close to each other on the hierarchical scale.’ Give a sociological explanation for this phenomenon. 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Caste ideology appears to have strengthened democracy .Comment. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Has Caste system hindered democracy and adult franchise in India? Discuss. 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Comment on the increasing significance of caste in politics. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| What is caste politics? Substantiate your answer with examples of how identities are defined by caste dynamics. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| What do you understand by social movement? How has the mobilization by Scheduled Castes helped them in constructing a new identity? 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| What is the Dalit movement ? Examine the issues highlighted by it. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Dynamics of Contemporary Dalit movements. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| What is identity politics ? Discuss the main trends in Dalit movements in India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Bring out the various issues involved in Dalit movements in India. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Examine the role of protest movements in changing the status of Dalits in India. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Different forms of Dalit assertion. 10

2018 ||| (Paper 2 – 7b) ||| Elaborate various form of Dalit assertions in contemporary India. What are its implications on the Indian political system ? . 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Do you think that decades of Dalit political mobilizations and movements have helped in strenghtening indian’s democracy? Substantiate your arguments with facts. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Trace the social and historical origins of Dalit movements in modern India. 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Which measures would you suggest for preventing caste conflicts in India ? Justify your argument.10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| How Dalit movements in India have facilitated their Identity formation? Analyze. 10

SOCIAL THINKERS

KARL MARX

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Analyse the salient features of historical materialism. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Analyse Marxian conception of historical materialism as a critique of Hegelian dialectics. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| What is historical materialism? Examine its relevance in understanding contemporary societies. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1- 2b ||| Highlight the main features of historical materialism as propounded by Marx. How far is this theory relevant in understanding contemporary societies? Explain.

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Evaluate Marx’s ideas on mode of production. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Critically examine the dialectics involved in each mode of production as propounded by Karl Marx. 20

1991 ||| Paper 1 – xx ||| ‘The history of the hitherto existing societies is the history of class struggles.’ Critically comment on this Marxian thesis. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| For Marx, class divisions are outcomes of ‘exploitation’. Discuss. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| How does Marx view social conflict as an essential element in social change ? 20

2012 ||| Paper 1 – xx ||| Sometimes workers do not feel attachment for their work. Marx formed a theory for this situation, discuss that theory. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| According to Marx, how are human beings alienated from their human potential and what does he suggest to change this ? 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Critically assess the Marxian theory of ‘Alienation,. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| According to Marx, capitalism transforms even the personal relationships between men and women. Critically examine with illustrations from the contemporary Indian context. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| What is the Marxist concept of ‘fetishism of commodities’? 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| What characterizes degradation of work in capitalist society according to Marx? 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Critically explain the salient features of ‘alienation’ as propounded by Karl Marx. 10

EMILE DURKHEIM

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Identify the similarities and differences between Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim’s theory of ‘anomie’. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Explain whether Durkheim’s theory of Division of Labour is relevant in the present day context. 10

2002 ||| Paper 1 ||| Examine the nature of social facts as understood by Durkheim. 20

2012 ||| Paper 1 ||| Social fact is to be treated as things. Discuss. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| What are the problems in observing social facts in Durkheim’s views? 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Durkheim argued that society is more than the sum of individual acts. Discuss. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Describe various characteristics of a ‘social fact.’ How is the rate of suicide a social fact according to Durkheim? 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Discuss distinct sociological method adopted by Emile Durkheim in his study of ‘suicide’ . 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Explain Durkheim’s basic arguments on suicide. Can. you analyse high suicide rates of contemporary lndian society with Durkheim”‘s theory ? 20

2012 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| “Show how Durkheim through the study of totemism demonstrates the reality of religion. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| “According to Durkheim, the essence of religion in modern society is the same as religion in primitive society.” Comment. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Elaborate the views of Durkheim on “The Elementary Forms of Religious Life”. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Critically analyse Durkheim’s views on elementary forms of religious life and role of religion. Also discuss the consequences of religious revivalism in ontemporary society. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Give an assessment of Durkheimian notion of ‘sacred’ and ‘ profane’ in sociology of religion. l 0

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| In what way did Durkheim perceive religion as functional to society ? 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Critically examine the relevance of Durkheim’s views on religion in contemporary society. 10

MAX WEBER

1988 ||| Paper 1 ||| In what respects do you think Weber’s conception of sociology differs from that of Durkheim? Which one of the two is more satisfactory? Substantiate your answer. 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Ideal Types’ of Max Weber are mental constructs, they do not correspond to the reality. Give your views. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Which concepts did Weber use to analyse the forms of legitimate domination? 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| How is ‘power’ different from ‘authority’? Discuss various types of authorities as theorized by Max Weber. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Examine the salient features of Weberian bureaucracy. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| How does Weber use the notion of ‘ideal types’ in his theory of bureaucracy? 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Do you agree with Max Weber’s idea that bureaucracy has the potential to become an iron cage? Justify your answer. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Is Weber’s idea of Bureaucracy a product of the historical experiences of Europe? Comment. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Discuss the role of Calvinist ethic in the development of Capitalism.20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Distinguish between fact and value in Weber’s Protestant Ethic and Spirit of Capitalism. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,’ as a critique of Marxism. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| How does Weber’s Verstehen address the objectivity-subjectivity debate in sociology?

GH MEAD

2013 ||| Paepr 1 – 3b ||| Critically analyse the contributions of G.H. Mead to ‘symbolic interactionism’. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Using Mead’s theory of symbolic interactionism, discuss the stages in the formation of gender identity. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| “Self and society are twin-born ” Examine the statement of Mead. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Do you think I and Me are central terms in Mead’s work ? 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| According to Mead, “We play a key role in our own socialization.” Explain. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| According to Mead the idea of self develops when the individual becomes self-concious. Explain. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Explain G.H. Mead’s idea of development of ‘self’ through the ‘generalised other.’ 10

TALCOT PARSONS

2010 ||| Paper 1 ||| Write short note on Talcott Parsons’ idea of ‘moving equilibrium’. 10

2010 ||| Paper 1 ||| Write short note on Cybernetic Hierarchy of Control. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Examine the relevance of Parsonian Social System in the present society. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| How is social equilibrium maintained in Parsonian framework? 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Describe the functional prerequisites of social system as given by Talcott Parsons. Examine in the context of a university as a social system . 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| How can Parsons, AGIL framework be used to·analyse key problems in a society ? Discuss . 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Critically analyse Parsons views on society as a social system. 20

2011 ||| Paper 1 – xx ||| Give conceptual meaning of social system. What is cognitive consonance between ‘pattern variables’ and ‘paradigm’. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Critically analyse Talcott Parsons’ conception of ‘ Pattern Variables’. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Analyse the relevance of ‘Pattern variables’ in the study of social change. 10

RK MERTORN

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Using Merton’s concepts of ‘manifest’ and 1atent’ functions, explain the persistence of corruption in Indian society. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Analyze the manifest and latent functions of ‘security of the tenure of bureaucrats’ in the light of Merton’s theory. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| What, according to Merton, is the difference between ‘unanticipated consequences’ and ‘latent functions’ ? Give examples to elaborate. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What are the reactions of R.K. Merton to the functionalism of social anthropologists ? Bring out the limitations of latent functions. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| How could one use Merton’s concept of deviance to understand the traffic problem in urban India? 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| “Anomie is rooted in social structure.” Explain with reference to R.K. Merton’s contribution. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| What is the difference between anomie in Merton and Durkheim ? Explain. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Critically examine how Durkheim and Merton explicate Anomie. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| How, according to Merton, are deviant subcultures generated ? 20

2021 ||| Paper 1- 4c ||| With suitable examples, explain how conformity and deviance coexist in a society as propounded by R.K. Merton. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| How can we use reference group theory to understand fashion in society? 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Can Merton’s reference group theory be relevant in understanding identity making’ in digital world? Explain.

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| ls reference group theory a universally applicable model? Elucidate

THINKERS COMPARISION

2025 ||| Paper – 1 7b ||| How do theories of Marx, Weber and Durkheim differ in understanding religion? Explain.

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Compare Karl Marx with Emile Durkheim with reference to the framework of ‘division of labour’. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Identify the similarities and differences between Marx’s theory of ‘alienation’ and Durkheim’s theory of ‘anomie’. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Describe the main idea of Max Weber’s book, ‘The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,’ as a critique of Marxism. 20

PERSPECTIVES ON STUDY OF INDIAN

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach to understand society in India. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| Write a note on G. S. Ghurye’s Indological perspective of understanding indian society. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Critically examine GS Ghurye’s Indological approach to the understanding of Indian society. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Differentiate between ‘Western’ and ‘Indological’ perspectives on the study of Indian society. Bring out the major aspects of G. S. Ghurye’s contribution to ‘Indological’ approach. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1 e ||| How would you appropriate to characterise G. S. Ghurye as a practitioner of ‘theoretical pluralism’?

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| M.N. Srinivas’s concept of westernisation. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| What are the features of M.N. Srinivas’ concept of dominant caste ? How effective is it in understanding today’s reality ? 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Write a critique of the structural and functional perspective used by M.N. Srinivas in the understanding of Indian society. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Elaborate on MN Srinivas’s structural-functionalist approach to the study of Indian society. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Salient features of A.R. Desai’s Marxist Sociology. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Elaborate A. R. Desai’s perspective to the study of Indian society. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Analyse AR Desai’s views on India’s path of development. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Highlight the significant features of A R Desai’s dialectical perspective to study Indian society.

STRATIFICATION AND MOBILITY

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Discuss the emerging forms of ‘inequalities’ and ‘acute poverty’ as major challenges of social transformation in India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| What is the difference between natural and social inequality ? Give examples from caste and class dlimensions. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| What is affirmative action ? Substantiate theoretical positions on affirmative actions with example. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Is Indian society moving from “Hierarchy” towards “differentiation” ? Illustrate your answer with suitable examples. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Discuss the dimensions of power in the construction and maintenance of social hierarchies in a society. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Distinguish between people being socially excluded and people excluding themselves socially in societies. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| How are Hierarchy and Exclusion the maJor impediments in the transformation of societies ? Discuss. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Explain the inter-linkages between poverty, deprivation and inequality. 15

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| How do caste and class come together in creating the category of extreme poor ? 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Feminization of poverty. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Discuss the relationship between poverty and social exclusion. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Can we equate ‘poverty’ with ‘poor living’? Elaborate your answer. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| How is poverty a form of social exclusion? Illustration in this connection the different dimensions of poverty and social exclusion.

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Compare capability deprivation approach with that of social capital deprivation in understanding chronic poverty. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| What are the Indian government’s schemes launched for poverty alleviation after the United Nation’s Declaration of ‘Sustainable Development Goals – 2015’ ? Briefly describe. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Elucidate the basic premises of Davis’ structural-functional theory of social stratification. How far is it relevant in understanding contemporary Indian society? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Davis and Moore made it clear that social stratification is a functional necessity and also an unconscious device. Discuss. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Evaluate if social stratification is functional for society. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Does the structural-functionalist perspective on social stratification promote a status quo? Give reasons for your answer.

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Social stratification is claimed to contribute to the maintenance of social order and stability in society. Critically assess. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| “According to Max Weber, ‘class’ and ‘status’ are two different dimensions of power.” Discuss. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Critically examine Max Weber’s theory of Social Stratification. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| How do Karl Marx and Max Weber differ in terms of their analysis of social stratification ? 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Differentiate between Marxian and Weberian theories of Social stratification. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| What is Weberian ·critique of Marxist notion of social stratification ? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Compare and contrast the contributions of Marx and Weber on social stratification in capitalist society. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Explain Max Weber’s theory of social stratification. How does Weber’s idea of class differ from that of Marx?

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Andre Beteille’s definition of class. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Give an account of Ranajit Guha’s approach in studying ‘subaltern class’. 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| Modernization presupposes class society; however caste, ethnicity and race are still predominant. Explain. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Differentiate between ‘Life-chances’ and ‘Life-style’ with suitable examples. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Analyse the changing nature of caste as a status group. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| What do you understand by gender? How does it shape ‘male’ identity? 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Examine gender, ethnicity and race as major dimensions of social stratification. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| What, according to you, are the two fundamental axes of social discrimination in Indian society ? Are they changing ? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Why is gender a dimension of social stratification ? How does gender intersect other dimensions of inequality based on caste, class, race and ethnicity ? 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| How do sociologists construct gender in their analysis on social inequality? 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Is the social stratification theory gender-blind? Elucidate.10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Do you think that the boundary line between ethnicity and race is blurred? Justify your answer 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| How are open and closed systems of stratification undergoing’ transformation in the emergence of new hierarchical social-order in societies ? 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| “No society can either be absolutely open or absolutely closed.” comment. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| “Vertical mobility brings structural change even in a closed social system.” Comment. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Is social mobility possible in closed systems of stratification ? Illustrate from research work. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Critically assess social mobility in closed and open systems. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Discuss social mobility in open and closed systems. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| What is social mobility? Critically examine the classification of ‘closed’ and ‘open’ models of social stratification. 10

POPULATION DYNAMICS

2014 ||| Paper2 – 3a ||| Give a sociological analysis of the problems of migrant urban poor. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| What are the issues relating to male migration and its impact on birthrate? Does it necessarily result in skewed sex ratio ?. 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Discuss the dynamics of ‘migrant workers’ in India in the context of Corona pandemic. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Elucidate the main problems and challenges faced by the migrant labourers in the recent ‘Lockdown period’. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| What are the sociological reasons and implication of “reverse migration” during the recent pandemic in India ? 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Discuss recent trends in the structure of migration. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| What is reverse migration? Discuss its features , causes and consequences in India.

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| What were the salient features of the India’s Population Policy (2000)? How far its goals have been achieved? 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| What are the demographic projection for the ageing population (60+) for the next decade ? What are the implications for formulating policy for them? 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Discuss the problems of elderly in India. What are the different perspectives to solve their problems? 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 -8c ||| How is ageing becoming an emerging issue in Indian society ? 10

2019 ||| Paper 2- 8a ||| Why has ‘Active aging’ become a glocal goal? Do you agree that the role of elderly care-giving is disproportionately gendered in developing countries? Why? 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Is ‘ageing’ an emerging issue in Indian society ? Discuss the major problems of the old age people in India. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| What is Ageing? Discuss the major problems of aged people in India. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| What are the Private and Public network and support systems operative in Indian society for the aged? Suggest measures to curb down the challenges before care givers of the aged.

2013 ||| Paper 2- 5e ||| Sex Ratio. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Why is it necessary to implement PCPNDT Act in India? 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Differential sex-ratio and its implications. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| What are the causes and solutions for the low female sex-ratio in the DEMARU States of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal and Gujarat ? 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Underline the socio-cultural factors responsible for India’s skewed sex ratio. I 0

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Discuss the nature of regional variations in sex ratio in india, stating reasons thereof

2013 ||| Paper 2- 7c ||| What are the main causes of female mortality in India ? 15

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Trends of lnfant Mortality Rate among females. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2- 5e ||| What are the emerging concerns on women’s reproductive health? 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Discuss the major challenges related to women’s reproductive health in India. What measures would you suggest to overcome these challenges? 20

2015 ||| PaPer 1 – 1e ||| Is sociology a science? Give reasons for your answer. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Is sociology a value-free science? Discuss. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 6 a ||| What is science? Do you think that the methods used in natural sciences can be applied to sociology? Give reasons for your answer.

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Describe the basic postulates of scientific method. How far are these followed in sociological research? 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Does scientific method make Sociology a science ? Iliustrate your answer with Durkheim’s method. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| What are the characteristics of scientific method? Do you think that scienctific method in conducting sociological research is foolproof. Elaborate. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Explain with examples, the explanatory and exploratory designs of social research. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Methodology is a system of rules, principles and procedures, which forms scientific investigation. Comment. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| What is the distinctiveness of the feminist method of social research·? Comment.

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it. 20

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Critically examine the functionalist tradition in Sociology. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Does collapse of functionalism and bankruptcy of Marxism coincide with the rupture of modernity “! Discuss. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Analyze the importance of qualitative method in social research. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Examine epistemological foundations of qualitative methods of social research. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| What are the different dimensions of qualitative method? Do you think that qualitative methods helps to gain a deeper sociological insight? Give reasons for your answer.

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative techniques of data collection with suitable examples from Indian society. 10

2021 ||| Paper1 – 3a ||| How do qualitative and quantitative methods supplement each other in sociological enquiry ? 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| What do you understand by ‘mixed method’? Discuss its strengths and limitations in social research. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Which research technique would be most suitable for the study of consumer behaviour and its social correlates? Explain. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| “The sociological imagination enables us to grasp history and biography and the relationship between the two in a society.” – C W Mills. Explain. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| The difference between information and data in social science is subtle. Comment. 10

SOCIOLOGY AS SCIENCE

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| “Participant observation is the most effective tool for collecting facts.” Comment. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Bring out the significance of Ethnography in social research. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| What are the ethical issues that a researcher faces in making use of participant observation as a method of collecting data? Explain. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| How do you view and assess the increasing trend of digital ethnography and use of visual culture in sociological research? 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Discuss the relevance of historical method in the study of society. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| Suggest measures to minimize the influence of the researcher in the process of collecting data through focus group discussion. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of social survey method in social research. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 -1c ||| Discuss the challenges involved in collecting data through census method. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| In what way biographies could be used to study social life? 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| What are variables? Discuss their role in experimental research. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Illustrate with example the significance of variables in sociological research. 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| What are variables? How do they facilitate research?

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| What is a variable in social research? What are their different types? Elaborate. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Why is random sampling said to have more reliability and validity in research? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 1e ||| Explain the probability sampling strategies with examples. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Explain the different types of non-probability sampling techniques. Bring out the conditions of their usage with appropriate examples. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| What is sampling in the context of social research? Discuss different forms of sampling with their relative advantages and disadvantages.

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| “Hypothesis is a statement of the relationship between two or more variables.” Elucidate by giving example of poverty and illiteracy. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss the importance and sources of hypothesis in social research. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 3c ||| What is hypothesis? Critically evaluate the significance of hypothesis in social research

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| How can one resolve the issue of reliability and validity in the context of sociological research on inequality ? 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| What is Reliability? Explain the different tests available to social science researcher to establish reliability. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| What do you mean by reliability? Discuss the importance of reliability in social science research.

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| Critically examine positivistic approach in sociological studies. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Examine the basic postulates of positivism and post-positivism. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| How far are sociologists justified in using positivist approach to understand social reality ? Explain with suitable illustrations. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| What are the shortfalls of positivistic philosophy that gave to the non positivist methods of studying social reality ? 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| How is objectivity different from value neutrality? Discuss with reference to Weber’s views on methodology. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Examine the problems of maintaining objectivity and value neutrality in social science research. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| Examine Max Weber’s method of maintaining objectivity in social research. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| How does a researcher achieve objectivity in interpretative research ? 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| What is ‘value-free sociology’? Clarify. 10

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| In what way ‘interpretative’ method is different from ‘positivist’ approach in the study of social phenomena? 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 2c ||| Elaborate the main tenets of interpretative perspective in sociology. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| “Non-positivistic methodology is essential for understanding human behaviour.” Discuss. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Discuss the importance of interpretative understanding of social phenomena and explain its limitations. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| Is non-.positivistic methodology scientific ? Illustrate. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 2b ||| Do you think ‘objectivity’ is an over-hyped idea in sociological research? Discuss the merits and demerits of non-positivist methods. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 2a ||| What is positivism? Critically analyze the major arguments against it

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 1a ||| The focal point of Sociology rests on interaction. How do you distinguish it from common sense ? 10

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| How does the dramaturgical perspective enable us to understand everyday life?

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Phenomenological perspectives in sociology reject many of the assumptions of positivism. Comment. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Examine ethnomethodological and phenomenological perspectives as critique of positivism. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Do you think ethnomethodology helps us in getting reliable and valid data? Justify your answer. 10

IMPACT OF COLONIAL RULE ON INDIAN SOCIETY

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Discuss the social background of lndian nationalism. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Examine the social background of growth of Indian nationalism. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Discuss Marxist approach to the analysis of Indian nationalism. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Modernization of findian traditions. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Discuss Yogendra Singh’s thesis on Modernisation of Indian Tradition, and evaluate its applicability in the present day context. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Discuss in detail the major contribution of Prof. Yogendra Singh in theorizing India’s modernization. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Critically examine Yogendra Singh’s thesis on “Modernisation of Indian Tradition”. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Discuss the paradigm of modernization of Indian tradition in analyzing social change in India. 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Examine the dialectical relation between tradition and modernity in the study of social change. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| What is Cultural Revivalism ? Give some examples from performing arts, language dissemination and arts and crafts in recent times. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 6c ||| How to little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary indian society? 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1b ||| Justify that the Indian traditions are modernizing. Also discuss its contributing factors 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 3b ||| Do you think that new economic reforms of British rule have disrupted the old economic system of India? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Are tradition and modernity antithetical to each other? Comment. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Anti-Brahmanical movements during the colonial period. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| The main objectives of socio-religious movements during the colonial rule in India were reforming and synthesizing Hinduism. Write on any two such important movements. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Examine sociological dynamics of Champaran Peasant Movement in colonial India. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Illustrate the contribution of the Tebhaga Movement to the peasants struggle in India. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Highlight the major contributions of the reform movements in pre independent India. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Write some of the important social reforms in India for·the removal of untouchability. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| “Banning practice of ‘Sati’ is attributed to annihilation of a major social evil in colonial India.” Comment. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Colonial administrators helped to construct the very traditionalism which marked the Indian society as ‘backward’. Comment critically. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 1c ||| According to you, which social reform movement has played the most effective role in uplifting the status of women? Explain.

TRIBAL COMMUNITIES IN INDIA

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| What are the features that distinguish tribes from the rest of the population ? 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| What is the nature of religious change among tribal communities ? Illustrate with two examples from colonial and post independence times. 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Explain the definitional problems concerning the tribal communities in India. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| What are the definitional problems involved in identifying tribes in India? Discuss the main obstacles to tribal development in India. 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Isolationism’ as a dominant feature of colonial tribal policy. 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| How did Colonial Policies for the tribes affected their socio-economic conditions in India? Discuss. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Examine the colonial policy of segregation of tribes under the Government of India Act, 1935. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| How does the new Forest Act affect tribals ? 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Analyse the different views on integration and autonomy of tribes in India. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Verrier Elwin’s views on freedom for the tribals. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| How is the tribal question related with the issues of integration and autonomy in modern India ? 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Discuss the main features of the debate between G. S. Ghurye and V. Elwin on tribal development. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Comment on the growing assertion of tribal community for autonomy in India. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Elucidate the challanes of integration for tribal communities in India. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Analyse the perspectives of Isolation, Assimilation and Integration in understanding the trajectories of Indian tribal development.

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Main objective of Tribal sub plan (TSP). 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Why have we started using another category of tribes called the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) ? Why are they so called? 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Write a note on ethnicity and integration in the context of tribes. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| What are the major concerns of ethic identity and religious identity in India? 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| What are the factors accounting for the resurgence of ethnic identity movements in India ? 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Explain the issues relating to ethnicity and sub-ethnicity. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Explain the growing salience of ethnicity in the contemporary world with illustrations. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Rising ‘ethnocentricism’ is leading to conflict in our society. Assess this statement with appropriate reasons. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Analyse the nature of transition from ideology to identity politics in India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Define ethnicity. Discuss the factors responsible for the growth of ethnic movements in India. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Tribal conflicts based on ethnic’ differences often camouflage a struggle for political and economic advantage.’ Substantiate with examples. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| What is ethno-nationalism? Examine the critical factors responsible for tribal discontent in India. 20

RURAL AND AGRARIAN SOCIAL STRUCTURE

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| What is the idea of ‘Indian village’ ? Explain. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Critically examine briefly the phrase “Little Republics” as used to denote India’s villages. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Significance of Village Studies in Indian Sociology. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Discuss the challenges during village studies in India. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 1a ||| Elaborate Srinivas’s views on religion and society among the Coorgs. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Discuss Andre Beteille’s account of the relationship between caste, class and power as a change from symmetrical to asymmetrical one. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| In the context of the changing Indian society, how do you view Andre Beteille’s conceptions of harmonic and disharmonic social structures? 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Give a critical analysis of Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Do you agree with the view of Andre Beteille that Indian’s villages are representative of Indian society’s basic civilizational values? Present a sociological overview 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 2a ||| Critically examine Dube’s contributions to the study of Indian villages. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| The decade of 1950s was the golden period of village studies in indian sociology. Explain the statement. 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Who is said to be the pioneer of village studies in India? Illustratively describe contributions of some Indian sociologists on village studies. How their approaches are distinct from each other? 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Describe the impact of land reforms on the peasants of Indian society. 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Analyse the major components of Land Reform Acts. Show their effectiveness in curbing rural inequality. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 1c ||| Examine the changing initiatives of the land tenure system in India. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Explain how land reforms brought about desired agrarian transformations. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Discuss the main features of Land reforms in post-independence India. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Identify different forms of inequalities associated with agrarian social structure in India. 20

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| ‘The transfer of land from cultivating to the non-cultivating owners is bringing about transformation in Indian society.’ Justify your answer by giving suitable illustrations. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Classes in agrarian society in India. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Jyotirao Phule as an agrarian radical. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Is industrial development in India a bane or a born to agrarian class structure ? Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Do you agree that the agrarian class structure in India is changing ? Justify your answer with Illustrations. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Explain the limitations and impact of globalization in situating the changing agrarian class structure in india. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| What, according to Andre Beteille are the problems of agrarian class structure in India? Analyse. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for rural development. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| How do the recommendations of Swaminathan Commission (2004-2006) ensure food and nutrition security of the Indian masses ? 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Discuss the challenges in Implementing the Rural Development Programmes in India. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Highlight the main features of the ‘Inter-linking of Rivers’ project in India. What could be its probable advantages to Indian agriculture? 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| What is ‘social security’? Examine recent security measures adopted by the Government in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| “Indian rural society is a faction-ridden society.” Discuss. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Do you think MSP (Minimum Support Price) Scheme for agricultural produce can help in rural development? Elaborate your response with suitable examples. 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Give an account of the consequences and remedies of chronic malnutrition in India. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Comment on the role of co-operatives in rural development. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| What role do co-operativess play in poverty alleviation in rural India? 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Discuss the phenomenon of rural-urban continuum with suitable examples. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Discuss the challeneges faced by the cooperative movements in india. Suggest measures to strengthen the movememt at the grass root level. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Green Revolution. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Write a note on the uneven impact of ‘Green Revolution’ on rural society. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Has Green Revolution led to formation of new Power elite in rural India? Elaborate your answer. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Critique the victory narratives of Green revoution in the context of Indian society. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Bring out the impact of the declining significance of the agranian economy. 20

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 5B |||’ Bring out various factors responsible for declining of village Industries in India. 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Write a short note on ‘changing means of production and increased rural poverty.’ 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Agrarian class structure has been undergoing changes due to modern forces.’ Critically examine. 20

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Point out the benefits of ‘green chemistry’ for agrarian transformation in India. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Examine the factors responsible for the rural unrest in contemporary India. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Examine wheather rural bondage still continues to be a social reality. Give your argument. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 1e ||| Despite the efforts of the government, bonded labour still continues in India. Discuss. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Bring out the main features of farmers’ movements in Modern India. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Discuss the main features of farmers’ movements in independent India. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 3a ||| Indebtedness is one of the serious issues leading to farmers’ suicides. Discuss reasons and suggest solutions. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Explain the dynamics of neo-farmers’ movement in contemporary India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Are the contemporary farmers’ movements in India changing their course? Discuss. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| What is your assessment about the recent farmers’ movement in India? Elaborate. 10

VISION OF SOCIAL CHANGE IN INDIA

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Critically examine the cultural theories of social change with suitable examples. 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| Examine any two theories of social change in detail. 20

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| Illustrate the conflicts and tensions experienced by societies undergoing social change. 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 -5e ||| Explain the relevance of the idea of ‘cultural lag’ in understanding social change. 10

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Is the theory of cultural lag vaiid in present times ? Discuss. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Do you think Talcott Parsons gave an adequate theory of social change ? Justify your answer. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Trace the trajectory of development perspectives on social change. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Discuss various theories of social change. Explain the limitations of unilinear theory of social change. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| “Social change can be brought about through development.” Illustrate from the contemporary situation of India. 20

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| “Social conflict is both a cause and a consequence of social change.” Explain. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Assess the role of mass media as an agent of social change. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| How can skill development programme induce social change? Illustrate. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Are traditional social institutions getting weakened as agents of social change in the contemporary society? Substantiate. 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| According to Durkheim, “The major function of education is the transmission of society’s 17 norms and values.” Discuss.

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Discuss some of the striking issues of development induced imbalances that need urgent attention. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Write a short essay on the Latin American perspective on ‘dependency’. 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Critique A.G. Frank’s ‘development of underdevelopment’. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Critically examine the contribution of dependency theories in understanding the present global scenario. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 7c ||| Assess critically A. G. Frank’s ‘theory of development of underdevelopment’. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Critically examine the World-Systems theory of Immanuel Wallerstein in terms of development and dependency of various nations. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 5d ||| Examine the social dimensions of displacement induced by development. 10

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Rural landless labourers and development induced displacement. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Effect of displacement through development on the rural landless and marginal farmers . 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Discuss development-induced displacement in the context of tribal uprising in India. Substantiate your answer with any one detailed illustration from India. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| The problem of displacement is inherent in the idea of development. Analyze the statement critically. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Citing some case studies , expand the concept of “Development induced Displacement.

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Has reduction of green cover affected ecological degradation leading to global warming? Elaborate your answer with illustration. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Critically examine the dialectics between “development and environment”. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Examine the relevance of corporate social responsibility in a world marked by increasing environmental crises.

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| What is sustainable development? How can sustainability be achieved in India where livelihood needs conflict with environmental protection ?

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Discuss the various forms of environmental movements waged in lndia. · 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Evaluate the nature and scope of anthropogenic influence on climate in India and also analyze the environmental movements arising out of it. 20

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Discuss how “environmentalism” can be explained with new social movements approach. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| In the face of rising global climatic concerns, how do you contextualize the relevance of Chipko movement and its Gandhian tone? Answer analytically. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Analyse the trilogy between environmental movement, development and tribal identity. 20

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 8 a ||| Is it possible to have sustainable development in India? Cite major environmental issues and suggest a few measures to achieve the sustainability. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Five Year Plans. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Human development approach affirms that education and healthcare growth are more important than economic growth. Discuss this issue in the light of post-liberalized Indian society. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Examine the importance of Development Planning in Indian Mixed Economy, and analyze its problems and prospects. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Analyze the idea of developmental planning in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Discuss in detail the main issues of development planning in mixed economy like India. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Critically examine the relevance of development planning in India. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Discuss law as an important instrument for Women’s empowerment. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 3b ||| Do you think that the constitutional provisions for women have led to their uplift? Give reasons for your answer.

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| In what respects have the constitutional provisions changed the socio-economic and political conditions of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India? Critically examine. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Discuss the salient features of right to education. 15

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| Education is often viewed as an agency of social change. However in reality it could also reinforce inequalities and conservatism. Discuss. 20

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| “Education helps in perpetuating social and economic inequalities.” Critically examine the statement. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Instead of promoting equality in scoiety, the present system of education itself has contributed to increased socio-economic disparities. Comment. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Impact of privatisation on educational disparities. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Privatization of education and increasing inequalities. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Comment on the critical issues of commercialization of higher education in India. 10

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Important components of National Education Policy in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| How does the New Education Policy, 2020 aim to eradicate disparities in the system of education in India? 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| Explain the sociological significance of the New Education Policy and its thrust on vocationalization and skill development. 20

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Highlight the salient featurs of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| “Education is a major source of social mobility in contemporary society.” Explain. 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| According to Durkheim, “The major function of education is the transmission of society’s norms and values.” Discuss. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| Explain the concept of social mobility. Describe with suitable illustrations how education and social mobility are related to each other. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Schooling does not ensure upward mobility of all members of the society. Discuss with reference to class societies. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Write a note on Education and Equality in India. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Assess the role of the state in promoting education of girl child. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| With increase in education and economic development is Indian society becoming more secular? 10

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| Discuss the issues of access and exclusion in higher education in India. 10

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||”Educational development is the only Panacea for country’s all ills and evils.” Critically examine the above statement with reference to NEP-2020. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| Education is a key to social development. Elucidate. 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 5e || To what extent can education and skill development be an agent of social change? Critically analyze. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Examine science and technology as agents of social change. 10

2017 ||| Critically analyse the role of science and technology in bringing about social change. 20

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| How is the increasing use of technology changing the status of women in Indian society? 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 4a ||| Is humanity at the mercy of Nature, Science and Technology ? Comment in the light of pandemic situation. 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Technology has accelerated the process of development and dependency. Discuss. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 8b ||| Describe the role of Science and Technology in enabling us to face the challenges triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 8a ||| Discuss the role of social media in communal polarisation. Suggest ways to combat it. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2- 5e ||| Discuss the role of technology in agrarian change in India. 10

2022 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| Sociologists argue for democratization of science and technology for inclusive development. Comment. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 8c ||| Examine the role of science and technology in addressing age-old taboos and superstitions 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Analyse the sociological interconnectedness between social media and mass mobilization in india.

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 5e ||| Critically examine the roles of science and technology in social change. What is your opinion on their increasing trend in ‘online’ education and teaching? 10

INDUSTRIALIZATION AND URBANIZATION

2014 ||| Paper 1 – 5b ||| What are the distinctive features of social organization of work in slave society? How is it different from feudal society? 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Distinguish between the social organization of work in feudal society and in capitalist society. 10

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Describe the differing principles of work organization in feudal and capitalist societies. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Describe the nature of social organization of work in industrial society. 10

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Trace the changing nature of organisation of work in capitalist society over the years. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Discuss the nature of social organisation of work in capitalist society with reference to the Limits of the·working day;. 20

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Distinguish between formal and informal sectors in India. 20

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Discuss the impact of globalisation on the workers in the Informal sector. 10

2016 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| “Globalization has pushed the labour into informal organization of work.” Substantiate your answer with suitable examples. 20

2015 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Issues relating to the informal labour market in urban India. 10

2015 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| The increasing importance of the tertiary sector has weakened the formal organization of work in recent times. Examine the statement . 20

2017 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| What do you understand by ‘informalisation of labour’ ? Write your answer with special reference to India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 3a ||| Capitalism has brought increasing informalisation of work in society. Substantiate your answer. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| How do you view the growth of informal sector in India? 10 marks

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| What is ‘informal labour’ ? Discuss the need for and challenges in regulating informal labour in the post-industrial society. 20

2020 ||| Paper 1 – 6a ||| Discuss the new labour codes and their impact on formal and informal labour in India. 20

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 5a ||| Explain the emerging challenges in establishing gender equality in the informal sector. 10

2021 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| How has the idea of ‘Work From Home’ forced us to redefine the formal and informal organisation of work ? 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Critically analyze the sociological significance of informal sector in the economy of developing societies. 10

2013 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| Examine the social impact of globalization on labour and society. 20

2018 ||| Paper 1 – 7b ||| What is Iabour commitment ? Diseuss it with reference to studies of manufacturing industry. 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Do you think that ‘demonetization’ has accelerated the economic growth in India? How do you understand the in formalization of labour, underemployment and gender discrimination in this context? 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 7a ||| Explain how economic globalization has brought changes in the patterns of employment in the 21st century. 20

2023 ||| Paper 1 – 8a ||| What is Taylorism? Analyze its merits and demerits. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 4b ||| Define the concept of ‘gig’ economy and discuss its impact on the labour market and workers’ social security net. 20

2024 ||| Paper 1 – 4c ||| Critically assess the impact of technological advancement and automation on the nature of work and employment. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Is there a connection between labor migration and informal sector? Explain your answer with reference to Indian context.

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Do you think that forced displacement of labourers has caused their deprivation and resultant inequalities during the recent past years? Elaborate. 20

2012 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Discuss the factors which contributed to industrial modernization in India. What are the salient features of new industrial class structure? 20

2025 ||| Papaer 1 – 4b ||| “Industrial class structure is a function of social structure of Indian society.” Do you agree with this statement? Analyze.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 4b ||| Examine the influence of industrialisation on caste . 15

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Examine the impact of heritage tourism on urban socio-spatial patterns in India. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 6a ||| How do you relate the growth of development of metropolis and its impact on the mental and social life of people in india? 20

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Elaborate urbanism as a way of life in India. 10

2019 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Elucidate the concerns of growing urban displacement dynamics in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Elaborate the causes, consequences and other concerns of growth of urban settlements in India. 20

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 8b ||| Urban settlements in India tend to replicate its rural caste-kinship imprints. Discuss the main reasons. 20

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 5a ||| Examine with suitable examples the recent trends in the growth of-urban settlements in India.

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 6b ||| Discuss the trend of urbanization in India. Do you think that Industrialization is the only precondition of urbanization? Give you arguments. 20

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 7b ||| Discuss the changing nature of the problems of working class in the informal sector of the economy. 20

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Discuss the changing nature of Industrial working class. 10

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 1b ||| Discuss the changes taking place in the industrial class structure in India.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Child Labour. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 8c ||| Point out the main causes of ‘child labour’ in India. How far the State policies have succeeded in its elimination? 10

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 5d ||| Do you agree that the issue of child labour raises questions about and beyond the informal sector? Give reasons. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 5b ||| Construct a sociological narrative on the increasing trend of child abuse in India. 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| What actionable measures would you suggest to curb the recurrent child labor menance in india?

2025 ||| Paper 2 – 5e ||| Do you think that law has been able to abolish child labour in India? Comment. 10

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Write an analytical note on slums in cities. 15

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 7a ||| Write a detailed note on the effects of growing slums in urban areas. 20

2017 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Compare the pressing problems of a dalit poor family living in an urban slum with a similar type of family living in a rural setting. 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 6c ||| Write a note on Basic Services to Urban Poor (BSUP) and Integrated Housing and Slum Development (IHSD) programmes provided for the urban poor. 10

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Urban slums are sites of social exclusion – explain. 10

2022 ||| Paper 2 – 7c ||| Discuss different form of deprivation associated with slums. 10 marks

2024 ||| Paper 2 – 5c ||| Are slum the manifestations of industrialisation and urbanisation in India? Explain.

2013 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| Discuss the salient features of Indian middle class. 15

2014 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| Discuss the status of women among the emerging urban middle class. 20

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 1d ||| Write a note on the changing role of middle class women in India. 10

2016 ||| Paper 2 – 4c ||| What accounts for the growth and consolidation of the middle classes in modern India ? 10

2018 ||| Paper 2 – 4a ||| How has the New Economic Policy (1991) afffected the lifestyle and life chances of new middle class in India ? 20

2019 ||| Paper 1 – 1d ||| Present a sociological review on the ‘new middle class’. 10 Marks

2021 ||| Paper 2 – 2c ||| Discuss the salient features of ‘new middle class’ in India. 10

2020 ||| Paper 2 – 3c ||| How does Andre Beteille justify ‘middle class in India’? 10

2023 ||| Paper 2 – 2b ||| Elaborate the salient features and role of middle class in India’s democracy and development. 20

2025 ||| Paper 2- 3c ||| Describe the main features of Indian new middle class. How is it different from the old middle class? 10

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 6b ||| What do you understand by gender-based domestic division of labour? Is it undergoing a change in the wake of increasing participation of women in formal employment? Clarify your answer with illustrations. 20

2025 ||| Paper 1 – 5c ||| Do you think that the formal workspaces are free of gender bias? Argue your case. 10

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📥 Download Sociology Optional 2014 Paper 2 PDF

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UPSC Sociology Optional PYQ 2013 PDF Download

📥 Download Sociology Optional 2013 Paper 1 PDF

📥 Download Sociology Optional 2013 Paper 2 PDF

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How to Use Sociology Optional PYQs Effectively?

Merely downloading Sociology Optional Previous Year Question Papers is not enough. Aspirants should:

1. Categorize Questions Topic-wise

Divide questions according to the UPSC Sociology syllabus:

• Sociological Thinkers
• Research Methods
• Stratification
• Social Change
• Religion
• Family and Kinship
• Political Sociology
• Indian Society
• Caste
• Tribal Communities
• Social Movements

2. Identify Repeated Themes

Many questions are repeated directly or indirectly. Themes such as caste, social change, Marx, Weber, Durkheim, globalization, social movements, and rural development appear regularly.

3. Practice Answer Writing

Write answers within UPSC word limits and time constraints. Compare your answers with model solutions and improve presentation.

4. Create PYQ Notes

Maintain a separate notebook containing important Sociology Optional PYQs arranged topic-wise.

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Benefits of Solving UPSC Sociology Optional Previous Year Question Papers

Students who regularly practice Sociology Optional PYQs often experience:

• Better conceptual clarity
• Improved answer structure
• Faster question interpretation
• Enhanced revision efficiency
• Higher confidence during Mains examination

PYQs act as a roadmap to understanding what UPSC expects from Sociology Optional aspirants.

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Conclusion

If you are serious about scoring high marks in UPSC Sociology Optional, downloading and analyzing Previous Year Question Papers is non-negotiable. This collection of UPSC Sociology Optional PYQs PDF provides year-wise access to Paper 1 and Paper 2 questions, helping aspirants prepare systematically and strategically.

Bookmark this page and keep revisiting it for updated UPSC Sociology Optional Previous Year Question Papers PDF downloads, answer-writing resources, topic-wise PYQ analysis, Sociology notes, thinker-based questions, and UPSC Sociology preparation strategies.

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