Social Institutions: Continuity and Change

An ancient social institution unique

An ancient social institution unique to the Indian subcontinent, involving hierarchical division of society. It includes two main aspects: Varna (four

A concept coined by M

A concept coined by M.N. Srinivas referring to the process by which lower or middle castes adopt the ritual, domestic, and social practices of higher

Term used by M

Term used by M.N. Srinivas to describe intermediate castes that gained economic and political power through land reforms after Independence. Examples

Indigenous communities comprising about 8

Indigenous communities comprising about 8.6% of India's population, primarily concentrated in 'middle India' and northeastern states. Traditionally de

The basic social unit that can

The basic social unit that can be nuclear (one set of parents and children) or extended/joint (multiple couples and generations). Indian families show