Understanding the Author of 'Caste and Race in India'

The question asks about the author of the significant book titled 'Caste and Race in India'. This book is a foundational text in the study of Indian society, particularly focusing on its complex caste system and the relationship between caste and race.

Let's look at the options provided:

• A. R. Desai
• G. S. Ghurye
• Louis Dumont
• None of the above

To identify the author of 'Caste and Race in India', we need to recall key figures in Indian sociology and their major works.

G. S. Ghurye (Govind Sadashiv Ghurye) is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of sociology in India. He established the first formal department of sociology in Mumbai (then Bombay). His research covered a wide range of topics, including caste, tribe, race, religion, family, and even the sociology of conflict. 'Caste and Race in India' is one of his most famous and influential books, first published in 1932.

Let's consider the other options:

• A. R. Desai was another prominent Indian sociologist, known for his Marxist approach to studying Indian society. His notable works include 'Social Background of Indian Nationalism' and 'Rural Sociology in India'.
• Louis Dumont was a French anthropologist known for his structuralist approach, particularly his study of the caste system in India as presented in his book 'Homo Hierarchicus: The Caste System and Its Implications'.

Based on the authorship of 'Caste and Race in India', the correct answer is G. S. Ghurye.

Therefore, the individual who wrote the book 'Caste and Race in India' is G. S. Ghurye.

Revision Table: Key Information on Indian Sociologists

Additional Information on G. S. Ghurye and 'Caste and Race in India'

G. S. Ghurye's work 'Caste and Race in India' explores the origins and characteristics of the caste system in India. Ghurye's approach was influenced by both Indology (the study of Indian languages, literature, and history) and comparative sociology. In this book, he discussed various theories about the origin of caste, including the racial theory which linked caste divisions to racial differences between incoming Aryans and indigenous populations. He also examined the features of the caste system, such as endogamy, hierarchy, occupational specialization, and restrictions on commensality and social interaction. The book remains a critical text for understanding the historical and sociological dimensions of caste in India.