Indological

Model MCQ's Research Methodology

Indological

1. According to G.S. Ghurye, Indology primarily aims to:

(A) Study Indian society through Western frameworks

(B) Analyze Indian society using empirical methods

(D) Study the economic systems of Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye believed that Indian society should be understood through its cultural texts and ancient traditions, emphasizing the uniqueness of Indian society compared to Western frameworks.

2. Who was the first scholar to establish the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784, marking the beginning of Indological studies in India?

(A) Max Müller

(B) G.S. Ghurye

(D) Louis Dumont

Explanation: Sir William Jones established the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 to promote the study of Indian society through an Indological approach, which was foundational for Indology in India.

3. What is the key focus of the Indological approach in studying Indian society?

(A) The study of economic determinism

(B) The analysis of Indian society through its sacred texts and myths

(D) The exploration of Western interpretations of Indian traditions

(B) The analysis of Indian society through its sacred texts and myths

Explanation: Indology emphasizes the study of Indian society through its sacred texts, ancient manuscripts, and myths, which provide insight into its cultural and social structures.

4. Who were some prominent Indian Indologists mentioned by G.S. Ghurye?

(A) Max Müller and James Mill

(B) G.S. Ghurye and Iravati Karve

(D) M.N. Srinivas and S.C. Dube

(B) G.S. Ghurye and Iravati Karve

Explanation: Prominent Indian Indologists like G.S. Ghurye and Iravati Karve were key figures in developing the Indological approach to studying Indian society, alongside other scholars such as B.K. Sarkar and Radhakamal Mukherjee.

5. What is the main criticism of Indology according to M.N. Srinivas?

(A) It overemphasizes empirical research

(B) It relies too much on sacred texts and ignores field studies

(D) It ignores the cultural diversity of Indian society

(B) It relies too much on sacred texts and ignores field studies

Explanation: M.N. Srinivas criticized Indology for being too reliant on sacred texts and not integrating empirical field studies, which he argued was essential for understanding the full complexity of Indian society.

6. According to G.S. Ghurye, which of the following is a characteristic feature of Indian society?

(A) Strict adherence to Western traditions

(B) Egalitarian society with no social hierarchies

(D) Adoption of capitalist economic systems

Explanation: G.S. Ghurye highlighted the caste system, joint family structure, and polytheism as defining features of Indian society, which distinguish it from Western societies.

7. What is the primary focus of the National School of Indology, also known as the Bombay School?

(A) To promote Western interpretations of Indian society

(B) To emphasize the negative aspects of Indian society for reform

(D) To study the role of colonial powers in Indian society

Explanation: The National School of Indology, led by G.S. Ghurye and others, aimed to provide a more positive and sympathetic understanding of Indian culture, countering the negative portrayals by Western scholars.

8. Which of the following best describes G.S. Ghurye’s approach to studying Indian society?

(A) Purely empirical and field-based research

(B) A blend of both empirical and textual methods

(D) Solely based on Western sociological theories

(B) A blend of both empirical and textual methods

Explanation: G.S. Ghurye employed a theoretical pluralist approach, combining both empirical research and the study of sacred texts to understand Indian society.

9. According to G.S. Ghurye, how were Indian tribes traditionally viewed by Western Indologists?

(A) As integral parts of Indian society

(B) As isolated and separate from mainstream society

(D) As urbanized communities

(B) As isolated and separate from mainstream society

Explanation: Western Indologists, such as Verrier Elwin, viewed tribes as isolated from mainstream society, advocating for their isolation, a view that Ghurye strongly opposed. He argued that tribes were, in fact, an integral part of Indian society.

10. What is the key difference between Indology and Orientalism?

(A) Indology focuses on cultural appreciation, while Orientalism promotes colonial ideologies

(B) Indology focuses solely on the economic aspects of Indian society

(D) Indology and Orientalism are essentially the same

(A) Indology focuses on cultural appreciation, while Orientalism promotes colonial ideologies

Explanation: Indology is primarily concerned with understanding Indian society from an Indian perspective, appreciating its culture. Orientalism, on the other hand, often portrays a negative view of the East and justifies colonial practices.

11. How did G.S. Ghurye counter the Western view of the status of women in India?

(A) By asserting that Indian women have always been subjugated

(B) By highlighting the participation of women in public life as seen in the Rigveda

(D) By suggesting that women were equal to men in all respects

(B) By highlighting the participation of women in public life as seen in the Rigveda

Explanation: Ghurye countered the Western narrative by highlighting the active participation of women in public and intellectual domains as seen in texts like the Rigveda, where women like Maitreyi and Ghosha were prominent figures.

12. What was G.S. Ghurye’s stance on caste segregation and untouchability in ancient Indian society?

(A) Caste segregation was always present in India from ancient times

(B) Caste segregation was introduced by the Aryans after their arrival

(D) Caste segregation did not exist in ancient India

(B) Caste segregation was introduced by the Aryans after their arrival

Explanation: Ghurye argued that caste segregation, including untouchability, was a later development, introduced by the Aryans, and was not originally a part of Indian society.

13. Which of the following is a criticism of the Indological approach as pointed out by A.R. Desai?

(A) It overemphasizes empirical research

(B) It fails to account for the economic realities of Indian society

(D) It neglects the spiritual aspect of Indian culture

(B) It fails to account for the economic realities of Indian society

Explanation: A.R. Desai criticized the Indological approach for neglecting the economic realities of Indian society, emphasizing that Indian society should be studied through an economic lens rather than through sacred texts alone.

14. According to G.S. Ghurye, which of the following is a feature of Indian society that was maligned by Western Indologists?

(A) Polytheism

(B) The egalitarian nature of the caste system

(D) The modernity of Indian education

(A) Polytheism

Explanation: Ghurye argued that Western Indologists often misrepresented Indian polytheism, portraying it negatively while ignoring its complexity and significance in the Indian cultural framework.

15. What was G.S. Ghurye's view on the role of sadhus in Indian society?

(A) They were responsible for many social evils

(B) They had a positive role and were key contributors during crises

(D) They had no significant role in societal matters

(B) They had a positive role and were key contributors during crises

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized the positive contributions of Indian sadhus, citing examples like Rishi Dadhichi’s sacrifice to support his argument that sadhus had a historically constructive role in Indian society.

16. In the context of G.S. Ghurye’s work, what does the term "indigenous Indology" refer to?

(A) The study of Indian society through Western texts

(B) An approach that draws from Indian traditions and texts rather than Western frameworks

(D) Analyzing the economic systems of Indian society

(B) An approach that draws from Indian traditions and texts rather than Western frameworks

Explanation: Ghurye’s "indigenous Indology" focused on studying Indian society through its own cultural and historical texts, rather than relying on Western perspectives or frameworks.

17. Which methodological approach did G.S. Ghurye blend in his study of Indian society?

(A) Purely empirical fieldwork

(B) Textual and empirical methods

(D) Social conflict theory

(B) Textual and empirical methods

Explanation: Ghurye blended textual analysis with empirical methods in his study of Indian society, acknowledging the importance of both sacred texts and fieldwork in understanding social structures.

18. What is the major critique of Indology presented by M.N. Srinivas?

(A) It overemphasizes Western viewpoints

(B) It ignores empirical research and field studies

(D) It relies too much on modern economic analysis

(B) It ignores empirical research and field studies

Explanation: M.N. Srinivas criticized the Indological approach for being overly focused on textual analysis, without incorporating sufficient empirical research or fieldwork to understand the real dynamics of Indian society.

19. How did G.S. Ghurye view the caste system in ancient India?

(A) As a permanent and unchangeable feature of Indian society

(B) As a recent introduction by colonial rulers

(D) As a sign of Indian society’s inherent inequality

Explanation: Ghurye argued that caste segregation and untouchability were not inherent in early Indian society but were introduced by the Aryans later in history.

20. What was the primary purpose of the Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal established by Sir William Jones in 1784?

(A) To promote the study of Indian economy

(B) To understand Indian society from an Indian perspective

(D) To establish a Western understanding of Indian traditions

(B) To understand Indian society from an Indian perspective

Explanation: The Royal Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded by Sir William Jones, aimed to understand Indian society through Indian texts and perspectives, marking a significant start to Indological studies in India.

21. Which term describes the process where lower castes in Indian society imitate the customs of higher castes for social mobility?

(A) Sanskritization

(B) Westernization

(D) Urbanization

(A) Sanskritization

Explanation: Sanskritization refers to the process where lower castes in India adopt the customs, rituals, and practices of higher castes in an attempt to gain social mobility and higher social status.

22. Who was the key figure in promoting nationalist Indology in India, countering Western perspectives on Indian culture?

(A) M.N. Srinivas

(B) G.S. Ghurye

(D) Max Müller

(B) G.S. Ghurye

Explanation: G.S. Ghurye was a prominent figure in the nationalist school of Indology, using ancient texts to challenge and counter the negative portrayal of Indian society by Western Indologists.

23. According to G.S. Ghurye, which social system did the British Indologists often exaggerate in their accounts of Indian society?

(A) Caste hierarchy

(B) Agrarian economy

(D) Democratic governance

(A) Caste hierarchy

Explanation: Ghurye argued that Western Indologists exaggerated the caste hierarchy, portraying it as a deeply entrenched and unchanging system, which did not reflect the evolving social realities of India.

24. What is the core idea behind the Nationalist school of Indology?

(A) To support the colonial view of Indian society

(B) To create a more sympathetic and positive portrayal of Indian culture

(D) To focus solely on economic factors in Indian society

(B) To create a more sympathetic and positive portrayal of Indian culture

Explanation: The Nationalist school of Indology, led by figures like G.S. Ghurye, aimed to offer a positive and sympathetic portrayal of Indian culture, countering the negative views put forth by colonial scholars.

25. Which of the following scholars was NOT part of the Nationalist school of Indology?

(A) G.S. Ghurye

(B) B.K. Sarkar

(D) Iravati Karve

Explanation: Max Müller was a Western scholar and a key figure in Orientalism, which was in contrast to the Nationalist school of Indology, led by Indian scholars like G.S. Ghurye and B.K. Sarkar.

26. G.S. Ghurye's concept of "Cultural Particularism" refers to:

(A) The idea that each society has a unique culture that cannot be understood through Western frameworks

(B) The universal application of Western social theories

(D) The notion that cultural norms and values are irrelevant to social studies

(A) The idea that each society has a unique culture that cannot be understood through Western frameworks

Explanation: "Cultural Particularism" is the view that each culture is unique and cannot be accurately understood using the same tools or frameworks that were developed for studying Western societies.

27. Which of the following is a significant critique of the Indological approach according to Yogendra Singh?

(A) It emphasizes the use of modern economic tools

(B) It lacks empirical verification and relies on non-observable evidence

(D) It overemphasizes conflict and inequality

(B) It lacks empirical verification and relies on non-observable evidence

Explanation: Yogendra Singh criticized Indology for relying on non-empirical, non-observable evidence, particularly sacred texts, instead of focusing on observable facts and empirical research.

28. Which aspect of Indian society did Western Indologists often criticize in their accounts of Indian society?

(A) The complexity of Indian caste system

(B) The role of democracy in Indian politics

(D) The relationship between India and colonial powers

(A) The complexity of Indian caste system

Explanation: Western Indologists often criticized the complexity and hierarchical nature of the caste system, portraying it as a system of oppression and exploitation, though Ghurye contested these portrayals.

29. G.S. Ghurye's view on the status of women in India is best described as:

(A) A total dismissal of any contributions made by women

(B) A recognition of the historical participation of women in intellectual and public life

(D) A call for the complete removal of women from public life

(B) A recognition of the historical participation of women in intellectual and public life

Explanation: Ghurye acknowledged the historical contributions of women, such as intellectuals in the Rigveda, countering the notion that women in India were always subjugated.

30. According to G.S. Ghurye, how does the concept of "tribes" differ in Indian society?

(A) Tribes are isolated from the main society and should remain so

(B) Tribes are backward Hindus and should be assimilated into Hindu society

(D) Tribes are unrelated to the caste system in India

(B) Tribes are backward Hindus and should be assimilated into Hindu society

Explanation: Ghurye argued that tribes were not isolated but were part of Indian society, and advocated for their assimilation into the Hindu fold, as opposed to the policy of isolation advocated by Western Indologists like Verrier Elwin.

31. G.S. Ghurye's stance on the Jajmani system was that:

(A) It was a backward and exploitative system

(B) It is a model for modern economic systems

(D) It should be abolished for modernization

Explanation: Ghurye saw the Jajmani system as a means of mutual interdependence among various castes in traditional Indian society, where each caste provided services to others in exchange for goods and services.

41. According to G.S. Ghurye, the caste system in India was:

(A) Always rigid and hierarchical

(B) A colonial invention

(D) A system that did not affect social relations in India

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system was originally more fluid, and its rigidity was introduced over time due to the influence of the Aryans and later colonial forces.

42. What does G.S. Ghurye’s work primarily seek to counter in terms of Western scholarship?

(A) The belief that Indian culture was primitive and backward

(B) The view that all castes in India were isolated from one another

(D) The idea that Indian economy was never influenced by Western colonization

(A) The belief that Indian culture was primitive and backward

Explanation: Ghurye’s work sought to counter the Western portrayal of Indian society and culture as primitive, highlighting its complexity and the positive aspects of its traditions.

43. In G.S. Ghurye's view, which of the following is a key feature of Indian society’s spiritual framework?

(A) Monotheism

(B) Polytheism and tolerance towards diverse religious practices

(D) Complete separation between religion and society

(B) Polytheism and tolerance towards diverse religious practices

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized the importance of polytheism and the tolerance of diverse religious practices within Indian society, reflecting its pluralistic spiritual traditions.

44. G.S. Ghurye’s perspective on the role of women in Indian society was to:

(A) Reinforce the view that they have always been subjugated and oppressed

(B) Highlight their contributions to intellectual and public life in ancient India

(D) Ignore the social roles of women in Indian society

(B) Highlight their contributions to intellectual and public life in ancient India

Explanation: Ghurye highlighted the contributions of women in intellectual and public spheres, citing figures such as Maitreyi and Ghosha, as examples of women in leadership and philosophical roles in ancient India.

45. What did G.S. Ghurye suggest about the concept of "untouchability" in Indian society?

(A) It was a deep-rooted practice since the earliest times

(B) It was introduced by colonial rulers

(D) It was a myth created by Western scholars

Explanation: Ghurye argued that untouchability was not inherent to ancient Indian society but was a practice introduced by the Aryans during their settlement in India, further solidified by later developments in Indian history.

46. In G.S. Ghurye's opinion, how did Western Indologists view Indian tribal societies?

(A) As an essential part of the larger Indian social structure

(B) As separate and isolated from mainstream Indian society

(D) As perfect examples of egalitarianism

(B) As separate and isolated from mainstream Indian society

Explanation: Western Indologists, like Verrier Elwin, often viewed Indian tribal societies as separate and isolated from the larger social fabric of India, a view that Ghurye contested, arguing that tribes were an integral part of Indian society.

47. G.S. Ghurye's concept of “assimilation” of tribes suggests:

(A) Tribes should remain isolated from mainstream society

(B) Tribes should be gradually integrated into Hindu society

(D) Tribes should abandon all traditional practices

(B) Tribes should be gradually integrated into Hindu society

Explanation: Ghurye proposed the “assimilation” of tribes into the broader Hindu society, which he believed was a more suitable approach than isolation, as tribes were historically connected to mainstream Indian society.

48. G.S. Ghurye’s work is often regarded as pioneering in the development of:

(A) Marxist sociology in India

(B) Theoretical sociology in Western contexts

(D) Feminist sociology in India

Explanation: Ghurye is often regarded as a pioneer in the field of Indian sociology, combining an Indological approach with sociological methods to offer an in-depth understanding of Indian society.

49. According to G.S. Ghurye, the origins of caste system in India can be traced back to:

(A) The Aryan invasion and their religious practices

(B) The British colonial era

(D) The religious teachings of Buddha

(A) The Aryan invasion and their religious practices

Explanation: Ghurye believed that the caste system's rigidities were introduced by the Aryans, who brought with them their religious practices and social hierarchies, which evolved over time.

50. G.S. Ghurye’s approach to understanding Indian society was largely based on:

(A) Empirical fieldwork and statistical analysis

(B) Sacred texts and cultural traditions

(D) The political economy of colonialism

(B) Sacred texts and cultural traditions

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized the importance of sacred texts, such as the Vedas, and cultural traditions as key sources for understanding the structure and dynamics of Indian society.

51. Which of the following did G.S. Ghurye emphasize in his study of the caste system in India?

(A) The caste system is purely a creation of British colonialism

(B) Caste was a flexible system that evolved over time due to various cultural influences

(D) The caste system was inherently hierarchical and unchangeable from the beginning

(B) Caste was a flexible system that evolved over time due to various cultural influences

Explanation: Ghurye believed that the caste system was not rigid from its inception but evolved over time due to various cultural and historical influences, including those of the Aryans.

52. G.S. Ghurye's analysis of the joint family system in India can be best summarized as:

(A) A system that is inherently oppressive to women

(B) A system that provides social stability and cohesion

(D) A system that has been completely replaced by nuclear families

(B) A system that provides social stability and cohesion

Explanation: Ghurye viewed the joint family system as a crucial aspect of Indian society that contributed to social stability and cohesion, supporting extended kin networks and mutual support.

53. In G.S. Ghurye's view, the emergence of "untouchability" in Indian society is primarily linked to:

(A) The arrival of colonial rule and British policies

(B) The Aryan invasion and the subsequent development of caste-based discrimination

(D) The social customs that existed in the Vedic period

(B) The Aryan invasion and the subsequent development of caste-based discrimination

Explanation: Ghurye argued that untouchability and caste-based discrimination were introduced by the Aryans during their settlement in India, evolving over time into a rigid social structure.

54. How did G.S. Ghurye challenge the Western portrayal of Indian tribes?

(A) By emphasizing the isolation of tribes from mainstream society

(B) By suggesting that tribes were isolated due to colonial policies

(D) By ignoring the role of tribes in Indian culture

Explanation: Ghurye challenged the Western view of tribes as isolated by arguing that tribes were part of the larger Indian social structure and should be assimilated into Hindu society, rather than isolated.

55. G.S. Ghurye's critique of Western Indologists' approach to the caste system focused on:

(A) The idea that caste and untouchability were always part of Indian society

(B) Their failure to recognize caste as a fluid and evolving system

(D) Their focus on economic structures rather than social dynamics

(B) Their failure to recognize caste as a fluid and evolving system

Explanation: Ghurye criticized Western Indologists for portraying the caste system as a rigid and unchanging feature of Indian society, failing to recognize its evolving nature influenced by cultural and historical forces.

56. G.S. Ghurye’s understanding of Indian social structure included an emphasis on:

(A) The uniformity of social institutions across India

(B) The importance of the caste system, religion, and family in maintaining social order

(D) The need for Western social models in understanding Indian culture

(B) The importance of the caste system, religion, and family in maintaining social order

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized the interconnectedness of caste, religion, and the family system in maintaining the social order of Indian society, focusing on the cultural and structural aspects of these institutions.

57. According to G.S. Ghurye, the role of sadhus (holy men) in Indian society was primarily to:

(A) Maintain the orthodox spiritual practices and prevent social change

(B) Act as a hindrance to the progress of Indian society

(D) Promote the isolation of certain social groups

Explanation: Ghurye viewed sadhus as playing a vital role in Indian society, especially during times of crisis, providing spiritual leadership and guidance to the people.

58. In his critique of Western Indology, G.S. Ghurye argued that:

(A) Western scholars ignored the cultural richness and spiritual depth of Indian society

(B) Western scholars provided an overly sympathetic portrayal of Indian society

(D) Western approaches were more effective in understanding Indian culture

(A) Western scholars ignored the cultural richness and spiritual depth of Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye criticized Western Indologists for focusing on the negative aspects of Indian society, such as caste segregation, while overlooking the richness and spiritual depth of its culture.

59. How did G.S. Ghurye's approach to understanding the tribe and caste distinction in India differ from other Western scholars?

(A) He saw tribes as completely separate and isolated from Hindu society

(B) He viewed tribes as part of the larger Hindu social fabric, to be integrated into the Hindu fold

(D) He believed that tribes should reject Hindu traditions and embrace modernity

(B) He viewed tribes as part of the larger Hindu social fabric, to be integrated into the Hindu fold

Explanation: Ghurye rejected the idea of tribal isolation and argued that tribes were part of the larger Hindu social structure and should be integrated into it, as opposed to being kept separate.

60. G.S. Ghurye believed that the primary focus of Indology should be:

(A) A scientific analysis of India’s economy

(B) Understanding the social and cultural aspects of Indian society through texts and rituals

(D) Discarding traditional Indian practices for modernization

(B) Understanding the social and cultural aspects of Indian society through texts and rituals

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized understanding the social and cultural dimensions of Indian society through the study of its sacred texts, rituals, and traditions, viewing these as key to understanding its social structures.

61. According to G.S. Ghurye, which of the following best describes the caste system in India?

(A) A static and unchangeable system that exists in all Indian societies

(B) A system that was completely reformed during British rule

(D) A concept that is unique to Indian society and cannot be compared to other societies

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system was not a rigid, static institution but one that evolved over time due to various historical and cultural influences, including the arrival of the Aryans and later colonial impacts.

62. G.S. Ghurye's Indological approach can be best described as:

(A) A purely Western method of understanding non-Western societies

(B) An approach that combines sociological methods with the study of Indian culture through texts

(D) An approach based solely on fieldwork and empirical studies

(B) An approach that combines sociological methods with the study of Indian culture through texts

Explanation: Ghurye's Indological approach combined sociological analysis with an in-depth study of Indian texts, including scriptures and cultural traditions, to understand the unique features of Indian society.

63. G.S. Ghurye’s critique of Western Indologists emphasized their tendency to:

(A) Present a sympathetic view of Indian traditions

(B) Understand Indian society through empirical, field-based research

(D) Overlook the role of modernity in Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye critiqued Western Indologists for focusing on the negative aspects of Indian society, such as caste discrimination and untouchability, while neglecting the cultural richness and spiritual depth of India.

64. G.S. Ghurye's concept of "Nationalist Indology" primarily sought to:

(A) Deny the existence of caste and untouchability in India

(B) Challenge Western portrayals of Indian society as primitive and backward

(D) Promote British colonial interests in Indian culture

(B) Challenge Western portrayals of Indian society as primitive and backward

Explanation: Nationalist Indology, as promoted by Ghurye, aimed to counter Western criticisms and portrayals of India as a backward and primitive society by offering a more positive and culturally informed perspective.

65. G.S. Ghurye believed that the position of women in ancient Indian society was:

(A) Always subjugated and inferior

(B) Dominated by patriarchy, with no opportunities for social mobility

(D) Irrelevant to the study of Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized that in ancient Indian society, women participated in intellectual and public life, citing figures like Maitreyi and Ghosha as examples of women with important roles in society.

66. According to G.S. Ghurye, the caste system was introduced by the Aryans as a way to:

(A) Establish a racially segregated society

(B) Protect the lower castes from exploitation

(D) Promote economic equality among all Indian social classes

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system was introduced by the Aryans to create a hierarchical social structure based on occupation and ritual purity, which became increasingly rigid over time.

67. G.S. Ghurye’s "Indological" approach primarily rejects which of the following methods for understanding Indian society?

(A) The study of Indian texts and sacred writings

(B) The use of empirical research and field studies

(D) The use of Western sociological frameworks

Explanation: Ghurye’s approach rejected the application of Western sociological frameworks to Indian society, advocating instead for an understanding based on Indian cultural texts and traditions.

68. G.S. Ghurye emphasized the importance of understanding Indian society through its:

(A) Economic development and industrialization

(B) Political institutions and modern governance systems

(D) Technological advancements and modernization

Explanation: Ghurye focused on the social structures, rituals, and cultural practices that define Indian society, particularly those rooted in religious and traditional practices.

69. G.S. Ghurye's critique of Western Indologists often centered around their:

(A) Tendency to idealize the Indian past

(B) Over-reliance on historical documents and records

(D) Unwillingness to explore the impact of colonialism on Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye critiqued Western Indologists for presenting a one-sided and often negative portrayal of Indian society, focusing primarily on its weaknesses, such as caste segregation, and ignoring its cultural and spiritual strengths.

70. G.S. Ghurye’s Indological approach primarily seeks to understand Indian society by:

(A) Focusing on its material and economic conditions

(B) Studying its sacred texts and mythological traditions

(D) Focusing on its colonial history and Western influences

(B) Studying its sacred texts and mythological traditions

Explanation: Ghurye’s Indological approach emphasizes studying Indian society through its sacred texts, such as the Vedas and Upanishads, and its mythological traditions, which provide insights into its social and cultural structures.

71. According to G.S. Ghurye, the central aim of Indology is to:

(A) Critique the influence of colonial powers on Indian society

(B) Understand Indian society through a Western lens

(D) Understand Indian society and culture from an indigenous perspective

Explanation: Ghurye’s Indological approach emphasizes understanding Indian society and culture from within, using its own cultural texts, traditions, and practices rather than applying foreign or Western frameworks.

72. G.S. Ghurye criticized Western scholars for viewing Indian society as:

(A) A product of its colonial history

(B) A society that lacked any form of social structure

(D) Primitive and stagnant, needing Western intervention for reform

Explanation: Ghurye criticized Western scholars for viewing Indian society as backward and stagnant, often portraying it as in need of Western intervention to progress, neglecting the complexity and richness of Indian culture.

73. What does G.S. Ghurye's "text view" refer to in the study of Indian society?

(A) Studying Indian society solely through the lens of modern textbooks

(B) Analyzing Indian society based on empirical fieldwork

(D) A comprehensive study of India's legal and political systems

Explanation: Ghurye’s "text view" refers to the approach of studying Indian society primarily through its sacred texts, scriptures, and ancient writings, rather than relying solely on empirical or field-based methods.

74. According to G.S. Ghurye, the caste system was a product of:

(A) Ancient religious beliefs and the arrival of the Aryans

(B) British colonial policies

(D) Hindu modernity and the spread of industrialism

(A) Ancient religious beliefs and the arrival of the Aryans

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system was shaped by ancient religious beliefs and became more rigid with the arrival of the Aryans, who introduced social hierarchies based on occupation and ritual purity.

75. G.S. Ghurye’s view on the status of women in ancient India was that:

(A) Women were always oppressed and lacked agency

(B) Women were initially equal to men but their position declined with time

(D) Women were confined to the home and isolated from public life

(B) Women were initially equal to men but their position declined with time

Explanation: Ghurye argued that women in ancient India had significant roles in intellectual and public life, but their status declined over time, particularly with the rise of patriarchy in later periods.

76. G.S. Ghurye's critique of the Western view of Indian society often focused on their tendency to:

(A) Overemphasize the role of economic structures

(B) Neglect the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Indian life

(D) Ignore the role of colonialism in shaping Indian society

(B) Neglect the spiritual and cultural dimensions of Indian life

Explanation: Ghurye critiqued Western scholars for focusing too much on the negative aspects of Indian society, such as caste discrimination, while overlooking the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of India.

77. According to G.S. Ghurye, the joint family system in India is characterized by:

(A) Complete independence of individual family members

(B) A high degree of social mobility and individual freedom

(D) The absence of any hierarchy or seniority within the family structure

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized that the joint family system was characterized by interdependence among its members, which provided social stability and allowed for mutual support, particularly in traditional Indian society.

78. G.S. Ghurye’s Nationalist Indology sought to:

(A) Uphold British colonial views of Indian society

(B) Promote a reformation of Indian society through Western ideas

(D) Ignore the influence of Western colonialism on Indian culture

Explanation: Ghurye’s Nationalist Indology sought to provide a more accurate and positive portrayal of Indian society, countering the Western view that often misrepresented Indian culture as backward and primitive.

79. G.S. Ghurye’s perspective on the relationship between tribes and mainstream Indian society was that:

(A) Tribes are entirely separate and should remain isolated from mainstream society

(B) Tribes are inferior to the mainstream Hindu society and should be assimilated

(D) Tribes have no significant cultural or social connections with Hindu society

Explanation: Ghurye believed that tribes were an integral part of Indian society and should be assimilated into the broader Hindu fold, rather than being isolated as separate entities.

80. According to G.S. Ghurye, Indology as a discipline is primarily concerned with:

(A) Political analysis of Indian governance

(B) The study of Indian society using Western theoretical frameworks

(D) The application of economic theories to understand social structures in India

Explanation: Indology, as defined by Ghurye, involves a systematic study of Indian society and culture through its own cultural, social, and spiritual traditions, relying on indigenous perspectives rather than Western theoretical frameworks.

81. G.S. Ghurye believed that the caste system in India could not be understood through:

(A) Hindu sacred texts

(B) The study of rituals alone

(D) The history of ancient India

Explanation: Ghurye argued that Western sociological theories could not fully explain the caste system in India, as they did not account for the unique cultural, historical, and religious factors shaping Indian society.

82. According to G.S. Ghurye, the concept of "Sanskritization" refers to:

(A) The process of lower castes adopting the customs of higher castes to improve their social status

(B) The forced conversion of indigenous tribes to Hinduism

(D) The elimination of caste distinctions through cultural reforms

(A) The process of lower castes adopting the customs of higher castes to improve their social status

Explanation: "Sanskritization" refers to the process through which lower castes in India adopt the customs, rituals, and behaviors of higher castes, typically as a means to gain social mobility and improve their status.

83. G.S. Ghurye’s critique of Western approaches to studying Indian society included a rejection of:

(A) The idea that caste segregation was introduced during British rule

(B) The notion that Western values and institutions could improve Indian society

(D) The recognition of Indian spiritual practices

(B) The notion that Western values and institutions could improve Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye rejected the idea that Western values and institutions could be used to "improve" Indian society. He argued that Indian society should be understood on its own terms, rather than through Western frameworks or ideals.

84. According to G.S. Ghurye, Indian society was characterized by a high degree of:

(A) Social mobility and fluidity

(B) Economic equality across castes

(D) Political centralization and uniformity

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized that Indian society was marked by religious and cultural pluralism, with a variety of social practices, beliefs, and traditions coexisting within the broader social framework.

85. What was G.S. Ghurye's view on the relationship between the caste system and the concept of "untouchability"?

(A) Untouchability existed as a separate social category unrelated to caste

(B) Untouchability was introduced by British colonialism and had no roots in Indian culture

(D) Untouchability was an integral and permanent feature of Indian society from its inception

Explanation: Ghurye believed that untouchability was not an original or intrinsic part of the caste system but developed over time as an extreme form of caste segregation, particularly with the Aryan arrival and later societal developments.

86. G.S. Ghurye emphasized the role of which of the following in understanding Indian society?

(A) The study of modern economic systems

(B) The analysis of colonial impacts and their aftermath

(D) The development of political ideologies

Explanation: Ghurye emphasized that to understand Indian society, one must focus on its traditions, myths, and cultural practices, which provide deep insights into its social structure and values.

87. G.S. Ghurye's interpretation of the role of tribes in Indian society was that:

(A) Tribes were completely separate and unconnected to the mainstream society

(B) Tribes were backward and should be isolated from mainstream society

(D) Tribes were in conflict with the mainstream caste system

Explanation: Ghurye viewed tribes as integral parts of Indian society and advocated for their integration into the broader Hindu social fold, rejecting the isolationist policies promoted by some Western scholars.

88. Which of the following best describes G.S. Ghurye's methodology in studying Indian society?

(A) Relying solely on fieldwork and empirical studies

(B) A blend of empirical fieldwork with the study of cultural and sacred texts

(D) A purely theoretical approach based on Western sociological concepts

(B) A blend of empirical fieldwork with the study of cultural and sacred texts

Explanation: Ghurye’s methodology was unique in blending empirical fieldwork with the study of sacred texts, cultural traditions, and historical documents to understand Indian society comprehensively.

89. G.S. Ghurye’s analysis of the caste system suggested that it was not:

(A) A fixed and unchangeable social structure

(B) A central feature of Hindu religion

(D) A tool for social mobility

(A) A fixed and unchangeable social structure

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system was not a fixed and unchangeable system, but one that evolved over time, influenced by various historical, cultural, and social factors.

90. G.S. Ghurye’s critique of Western Indologists focused on their tendency to:

(A) View Indian society through the lens of its sacred texts only

(B) Ignore the religious and spiritual practices of the indigenous population

(D) Represent Indian society as completely homogeneous and unified

Explanation: Ghurye criticized Western Indologists for emphasizing economic factors to the exclusion of cultural and spiritual elements, which are crucial to understanding the complexity of Indian society.

91. G.S. Ghurye’s criticism of Western interpretations of the caste system in India included:

(A) The caste system was an inherent feature of Hinduism from the beginning

(B) The caste system was a direct result of colonial rule

(D) The caste system was a universally accepted social structure in ancient times

Explanation: Ghurye argued that Western scholars misrepresented the caste system as rigid and unchanging, neglecting its historical evolution and the various factors that influenced its development over time.

92. According to G.S. Ghurye, the status of women in ancient India was:

(A) Always subordinate to men in all aspects of life

(B) Equal to men in intellectual and social spheres during the Vedic period

(D) Improved significantly during the colonial period

(B) Equal to men in intellectual and social spheres during the Vedic period

Explanation: Ghurye believed that women had significant roles in intellectual and public life during the Vedic period, as seen in the contributions of female scholars like Maitreyi and Ghosha.

93. In G.S. Ghurye’s view, the key to understanding Indian society lies in:

(A) Analyzing the modern economic and industrial systems

(B) The study of Indian scriptures, rituals, and cultural practices

(D) The understanding of colonial economic structures and their impact

(B) The study of Indian scriptures, rituals, and cultural practices

Explanation: Ghurye believed that understanding Indian society required focusing on its spiritual and cultural dimensions, particularly through the study of its sacred texts, rituals, and practices.

94. G.S. Ghurye’s critique of the "Westernization" of India argued that:

(A) Westernization was beneficial for Indian society and culture

(B) Indian society could never evolve without embracing Western ideas

(D) Indian society was inherently incapable of modernization

Explanation: Ghurye critiqued the Westernization of India for disregarding its unique cultural and social traditions, arguing that India should evolve based on its own historical and cultural context rather than simply adopting Western models.

95. G.S. Ghurye’s contribution to the study of Indian sociology was particularly in:

(A) Developing a Marxist approach to the study of Indian society

(B) Introducing empirical fieldwork and sociological data analysis

(D) Advocating for a purely economic analysis of Indian society

Explanation: Ghurye’s major contribution was combining traditional Indological methods with sociological frameworks, thus allowing for a deeper understanding of Indian society's cultural and social structures.

96. In G.S. Ghurye’s perspective, the concept of "assimilation" refers to:

(A) The complete removal of tribal communities from Indian society

(B) The integration of tribal communities into mainstream Hindu society

(D) The rejection of the caste system in favor of social equality

(B) The integration of tribal communities into mainstream Hindu society

Explanation: Ghurye advocated for the "assimilation" of tribal communities into the larger Hindu social structure, in contrast to the policy of isolation suggested by some Western scholars.

97. G.S. Ghurye’s methodology for studying Indian society included:

(A) A purely theoretical approach with no empirical evidence

(B) Reliance on ancient texts and mythologies while ignoring empirical research

(D) The use of Western sociological methods without regard for Indian context

Explanation: Ghurye’s methodology integrated empirical fieldwork with the analysis of sacred texts and cultural practices, allowing him to study Indian society from both historical and contemporary perspectives.

98. G.S. Ghurye believed that the role of "sadhus" in Indian society was to:

(A) Promote materialism and modernization

(B) Lead the fight for political independence from colonial rule

(D) Enforce rigid social hierarchies and caste distinctions

Explanation: Ghurye recognized sadhus as important spiritual figures who provided guidance and support during times of crisis, both in times of personal hardship and broader social challenges.

99. G.S. Ghurye’s analysis of the caste system suggested that:

(A) Caste is a purely economic system without any religious or cultural significance

(B) Caste is a social institution that evolved with time, influenced by cultural and religious factors

(D) The caste system was not relevant to understanding Indian society

(B) Caste is a social institution that evolved with time, influenced by cultural and religious factors

Explanation: Ghurye argued that the caste system evolved over time, shaped by cultural, religious, and historical factors, rather than being an intrinsic or unchanging feature of Indian society.

100. G.S. Ghurye’s "Indological" approach to the study of Indian society places a strong emphasis on:

(A) Western interpretations and models of social structure

(B) A purely materialistic analysis of society’s economic foundations

(D) The application of modern scientific methods to cultural studies

Explanation: Ghurye’s Indological approach emphasizes the importance of understanding Indian society through its own cultural lenses—its texts, traditions, rituals, and spiritual practices—rather than imposing external theoretical frameworks.

Indological

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