The book titled 'Homo-Hierarchicus on the Indian Caste System' is written by ?

Correct option is A

• Louis Dumont was a French anthropologist and sociologist who is widely recognized for his work on the Indian caste system.
• The book "Homo-Hierarchicus: The Caste System and Its Implications" was published in 1966.
• In this work, Dumont examines the Indian caste system as a form of social hierarchy and explores the deep-rooted social, cultural, and religious significance of caste in India. He argues that caste is not just a social system, but a hierarchical system that shapes the very worldview of Indian society.

Information Booster 

1. Key Concepts in "Homo-Hierarchicus":

   • Hierarchy: Dumont argues that the caste system in India is structured in a hierarchical manner, where individuals and groups are ranked based on their ritual purity and social status.
   • Holism: He emphasizes that caste is not only a social structure but a worldview in which every individual’s place is determined by their role in maintaining social harmony.
   • Independence of Caste: The caste system, according to Dumont, is distinct from Western concepts of social class, where economic factors play a larger role in defining social position.

2. Dumont's Contribution to Indian Sociology:

   • Dumont's work in Indian sociology and anthropology laid the foundation for the structural-functional analysis of caste.
   • His theories of hierarchy and purity were instrumental in shaping modern understandings of caste and its role in shaping Indian society and culture.

3. Criticism and Influence:

   • Dumont’s ideas have been critically examined by many scholars, particularly for being too idealized and not sufficiently considering the economic and material dimensions of caste.
   • However, his work remains highly influential in understanding the symbolic and ritualistic aspects of the caste system.

Other Options:-

 Nicholas Dirks
Nicholas Dirks is another prominent scholar who has written extensively on the Indian caste system, particularly in his book The Hollow Crown: Ethnohistory of an Indian Kingdom and Castes of Mind, but he is not the author of Homo-Hierarchicus.

Kancha Ilaiah 
Kancha Ilaiah is a Dalit scholar and activist known for his critique of the caste system in India, particularly through books like Why I am Not a Hindu and The Dalit Panther Movement. He is not the author of Homo-Hierarchicus.

Gerald Berreman 
Gerald Berreman is known for his work on the caste system and anthropology in India, but he did not write Homo-Hierarchicus. His work focuses more on social movements and the roles of castes in various regions of India.