Question

Who has propounded the concept of dominant caste ?

• A. R. Indra
• B. S. C. Dube
• C. A. R. Desai
• D. M. N. Srinivas

Hint:

Associate key concepts of Indian sociology with their proponents. The most important pairing is M. N. Srinivas → Sanskritization, Westernization, and Dominant Caste.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the sociologist who introduced the concept of 'dominant caste' to analyze the power structure in rural India.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The concept of the dominant caste was propounded by the eminent Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas. He first introduced this concept in his essay 'The Social System of a Mysore Village' (1955).
According to Srinivas, a caste is considered dominant when it possesses several attributes, including:
- Numerical strength in the local area.
- Significant economic power (primarily land ownership).
- Political power.
- A relatively high ritual status in the local caste hierarchy.
This concept became a powerful tool for understanding rural social dynamics and power relations.
Step 3: Final Answer:
M. N. Srinivas propounded the concept of dominant caste.