Of the following, who has not worked on the functioning of the Jajmani system as a binding force among castes?
(a) W. H. Wiser
(b) K. Ishwaran
(c) M. Opler
(d) D. K. Gough
(e) S. C. Dube

Choose the correct answer below:

Correct option is C

M. Opler

The Jajmani system refers to the traditional socio-economic arrangement in rural India, where specific castes or families perform services for others in exchange for goods or services, maintaining a symbiotic relationship that functions as a binding force among castes. The scholars listed have made contributions to the study of the system's structure and function in caste-based societies:

1. W. H. Wiser: Wiser is known for his work on the Jajmani system and has examined its role in the caste system, particularly in rural settings.
2. K. Ishwaran: Ishwaran studied the functioning of the Jajmani system and its role in maintaining social structure and caste relations.
3. D. K. Gough: Gough has also explored the Jajmani system, looking into its mechanisms and the way it solidifies caste boundaries.
4. S. C. Dube: Dube focused on the Jajmani system as a key aspect of the caste system, examining its importance in maintaining social harmony.

However, M. Opler did not focus specifically on the Jajmani system, which is why he is the correct answer.

Information Booster:

1. The Jajmani system historically ensured the division of labor among various castes, with each caste performing specialized tasks.
2. It played an essential role in the economic interdependence of caste communities, strengthening social cohesion.
3. The system was most prominent in rural settings, where agricultural and artisanal communities maintained a balance of service exchange.
4. Scholars like Wiser, Ishwaran, Gough, and Dube contributed significantly to understanding how this system reinforced social stratification and caste boundaries.
5. The study of the Jajmani system is crucial for understanding caste dynamics, particularly how traditional systems perpetuate social order.
6. The Jajmani system is viewed as an essential part of Indian sociological studies, especially in understanding rural social structures.

Additional Knowledge:

• M. Opler was a sociologist who worked on various aspects of Indian society but was not focused on the Jajmani system as a binding force among castes.
• Scholars like W. H. Wiser, K. Ishwaran, D. K. Gough, and S. C. Dube have made significant contributions to the understanding of how the Jajmani system structured the interactions between different castes.