This book explores the structural features of Indian society, such as caste, tribe, sect, rural-urban relations, sanskritization and untouchability. Based on a wealth of field research as well as archival material, the book

• Interrogates the prevailing thinking in Indian sociology on these structures;
• Studies Indian society from contemporary as well as historical perspectives;
• Analyses caste divisions vis-à-vis caste hierarchy;
• Critically examines the public policies regarding caste-less society, reservations for Backward Classes, and the caste census.

This second edition, with four new chapters, will be a key text for students and scholars of sociology, social anthropology, political science, modern history, development studies and South Asian studies.