Which Indian Sociologist critiqued the Eurocentric form of sociology and argued for indigenous sociology and based his arguments on universal humanism?

Correct option is B

R. K. Mukerjee

Among the Indian sociologists listed, Radhakamal Mukerjee (R. K. Mukerjee) is widely recognized for his critique of Eurocentric sociology and his strong advocacy for an indigenous, value-oriented approach to social science, rooted in "universal humanism."

Here's why:

R. K. Mukerjee's (1889-1968) Contribution:

Mukerjee was a pioneer in Indian sociology, deeply influenced by both Western social thought and Indian philosophical traditions.

He strongly argued that Western sociological theories, developed in specific socio-historical contexts, were often inadequate for understanding Indian realities. He felt that the Eurocentric perspective led to a distorted view of non-Western societies.

He advocated for a holistic and interdisciplinary approach that integrated insights from various disciplines (economics, psychology, philosophy, religion) to study social phenomena.

Crucially, his vision for an indigenous sociology was not merely about rejecting Western ideas but about incorporating universal human values and ethical considerations, which he termed "universal humanism." He believed that sociology should not be value-neutral but should strive for human welfare and harmonious social relations, drawing inspiration from Eastern philosophical traditions. His work often focused on values, symbolism, and the spiritual dimensions of social life.

Let's briefly look at why the other options are not the most accurate fit for this specific description:

1. A.R. Desai (1915-1994): A prominent Marxist sociologist in India, Desai focused on the application of Marxist framework to understand Indian society, particularly the state, peasant movements, and nationalism. While he critiqued certain aspects of Indian society, his primary focus was not on arguing for an indigenous sociology based on universal humanism in the way Mukerjee did; rather, he applied a specific (Marxist) theoretical lens.

3. D.P. Mukerji (1894-1961): Another influential Indian sociologist, D.P. Mukerji (often referred to as D.P.) also stressed the importance of studying Indian traditions and cautioned against blind imitation of Western sociological models. He emphasized the "tradition-modernity" dialectic in India. While he argued for a sociology rooted in Indian reality, his emphasis was more on understanding the dynamism of Indian traditions rather than explicitly grounding his arguments in "universal humanism" as R.K. Mukerjee did. His critique of Eurocentrism was also pronounced.

4. D.N. Majumdar (1903-1970): D.N. Majumdar was a prominent anthropologist and sociologist known for his extensive ethnographic fieldwork, particularly on tribal communities in India. His contributions were more in the empirical study of Indian society and culture rather than a broad theoretical critique of Eurocentrism and an advocacy for universal humanism in the same vein as R.K. Mukerjee.

Therefore, R.K. Mukerjee's intellectual project aligns most directly with the description in the question.