Correct option is B
Introduction:
The sociological study of caste in India has evolved from structural-functionalist perspectives to more contemporary analyses of power, politics, and identity. To arrange these specific works chronologically, we look at the publication timeline of some of the most influential sociologists in the field, such as G.S. Ghurye, M.N. Srinivas, and Louis Dumont.
Information Booster:
The correct chronological order of the studies is as follows:
Caste and Class in India (1950) – G.S. Ghurye (Originally published as Caste and Race in India in 1932, but the "Caste and Class" title version became prominent in 1950).
Caste in Modern India and Other Essays (1962) – M.N. Srinivas.
Caste, Class and Power (1965) – André Béteille.
Homo Hierarchicus (1966/1970) – Louis Dumont (French edition 1966; English translation 1970).
Caste in Contemporary India (2014) – Surinder S. Jodhka.
Additional Knowledge:
To better understand the evolution of these studies, here is a summary of their core contributions:
| Book Title | Author | Key Focus |
| Caste and Class in India | G.S. Ghurye | Often called the "father of Indian sociology," Ghurye provided a historical and comparative perspective on the features of the caste system. |
| Caste in Modern India | M.N. Srinivas | Introduced concepts like Sanskritization and Dominant Caste, focusing on social mobility within a rigid structure. |
| Caste, Class and Power | André Béteille | Studied a village in Tanjore to show how the traditional overlap between caste and class was beginning to "detach" due to political changes. |
| Homo Hierarchicus | Louis Dumont | Argued that the caste system is based on a religious ideology of "pure" vs. "impure," rather than just economic or political power. |
| Caste in Contemporary India | Surinder S. Jodhka | Examines how caste functions in the 21st century, particularly its relationship with the market, neoliberalism, and modern politics. |