Rural and Peasant Society – Solved PYQs of Sociology – UGC NET

Caste – Tribe Settlements

1. The peasant society is characterised by: (DEC 2015)

(a) Homogeneity
(b) Family labour
(c) Underdog position
(d) Specific division of labour

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

(A) (a), (b), (c)
(B) (a), (b), (d)
(C) (b), (c), (d)
(D) (d), (c), (a)

Correct Answer: (A) (a), (b), (c)

A peasant society refers to a rural agrarian social system in which small cultivators engage primarily in agriculture and maintain a close relationship with the land. Sociologists and anthropologists have studied peasant societies to understand their economic organization, social structure, cultural traditions, and relationship with larger political and economic systems. Scholars such as Robert Redfield and Eric Wolf emphasized that peasants are not isolated communities but are linked to wider social and political structures while maintaining distinctive rural characteristics.

One of the important characteristics of peasant society is homogeneity. Members of peasant communities generally share similar occupations, lifestyles, customs, values, and economic activities. Agriculture forms the central basis of livelihood, resulting in a relatively uniform social and cultural environment compared to highly differentiated urban societies.

Another key feature is the reliance on family labour. Agricultural production in peasant societies is commonly organized around the household, where family members collectively participate in cultivation, harvesting, livestock management, and related activities. The family functions not only as a social unit but also as an economic unit, making family labour a defining characteristic of peasant life.

Peasant groups often occupy an underdog position in the broader social and economic structure. Historically, peasants have had limited access to resources, political power, and economic opportunities. They frequently depend on landlords, traders, moneylenders, or state authorities and may experience exploitation or marginalization within larger systems of stratification. This subordinate position has been highlighted in numerous studies of agrarian societies.

Statement (d), specific division of labour, is not considered a defining feature of peasant society. A highly specialized division of labour is more characteristic of industrial and urban societies, where occupations are differentiated and individuals perform narrowly defined tasks. In peasant communities, economic activities tend to be less specialized, with family members often performing multiple functions related to agricultural production and household maintenance.

The characteristics of homogeneity, family labour, and an underdog position reflect the traditional structure of peasant societies and distinguish them from industrial and urban social formations. For this reason, statements (a), (b), and (c) are correct, making Option (A) the right answer.

2. The structure of middle class in the study villages comprised of: (DEC 2023)

(a) Less wealthy agriculturalists
(b) Artisans
(c) Occupational castes
(d) Lowest order caste

Choose the correct answer:

(A) (a), (b) and (d) only
(B) (a), (b) and (c) only
(C) (b), (c) and (d) only
(D) (a), (c) and (d) only

Correct Answer: (B) (a), (b) and (c) only

The concept of class structure in Indian villages has been extensively examined by rural sociologists and village studies scholars. In many traditional Indian villages, the social and economic hierarchy was not based solely on caste but also on ownership of land, occupation, and economic resources. Village studies revealed the existence of different strata, including upper, middle, and lower groups, each characterized by distinct economic and occupational positions.

The middle class in village society generally consisted of less wealthy agriculturalists, artisans, and various occupational castes. Less wealthy agriculturalists owned or cultivated smaller holdings of land and occupied an intermediate economic position between large landowners and landless labourers. Although they did not possess substantial wealth, they enjoyed a degree of economic independence and social recognition within the village structure.

Artisans formed another important component of the middle stratum. These included traditional craft workers such as carpenters, blacksmiths, potters, weavers, and other skilled workers who provided essential services to the rural economy. Their specialized skills gave them a stable place in village society and distinguished them from the poorest sections of the population.

Similarly, occupational castes associated with specific hereditary services and economic functions often occupied an intermediate position in the village hierarchy. Their role in maintaining the functioning of the rural economy contributed to their inclusion within the middle-level structure of village society.

The lowest order caste, on the other hand, generally belonged to the lowest socio-economic stratum of the village. These groups often faced social exclusion, economic deprivation, and limited access to resources. They were usually classified as part of the lower rather than the middle segment of the village social structure. Because of their disadvantaged position, statement (d) does not belong to the composition of the middle class.

Village studies conducted by sociologists such as M. N. Srinivas, S. C. Dube, and André Béteille highlighted the complex relationship between caste, class, and occupation in rural India. Their analyses demonstrated that intermediate village groups commonly included less wealthy cultivators, artisans, and occupational castes, while the lowest-order castes generally remained outside the middle-class category. For this reason, statements (a), (b), and (c) are correct, making Option (B) the right answer.

3. The lower class in the village was comprised of: (DEC 2023)

(a) Lowest order caste
(b) Agricultural laborers
(c) Rich farmers
(d) Marginal farmers

Choose the correct answer:

(A) (a), (b) and (c) only
(B) (a), (c) and (d) only
(C) (a), (b) and (d) only
(D) (b), (c) and (d) only

Correct Answer: (C) (a), (b) and (d) only

The class structure of Indian villages has been a major area of study in rural sociology and village studies. Sociologists have observed that rural society is stratified not only on the basis of caste but also according to land ownership, occupation, income, and access to resources. Within this framework, the lower class generally consists of those groups that possess limited economic resources, occupy a subordinate social position, and depend heavily on wage labour or small-scale cultivation for their livelihood.

The lowest order castes have traditionally formed an important part of the lower class in village society. These groups often faced social exclusion, economic disadvantages, and restricted access to land and other productive resources. Their position in the rural hierarchy was shaped by both caste status and economic deprivation.

Agricultural laborers are another major component of the lower class. They usually do not own sufficient land for cultivation and depend primarily on wage labour in the fields of others. Their economic condition is often insecure because employment opportunities may vary according to agricultural seasons and local economic conditions. Rural studies have consistently identified agricultural labourers as one of the most vulnerable sections of village society.

Marginal farmers also belong to the lower class because they possess very small landholdings that are often insufficient to provide a stable income. These farmers frequently supplement their earnings through wage labour or other occupations. Limited land ownership, low productivity, and financial vulnerability place them closer to the lower strata of the rural class structure.

In contrast, rich farmers occupy a relatively privileged position in village society. They generally own substantial agricultural land, possess greater economic resources, employ labourers, and often exercise considerable influence in local social and political affairs. Their economic strength and social standing place them in the upper rather than the lower class category.

Studies conducted by sociologists such as André Béteille, M. N. Srinivas, and A. R. Desai highlighted the importance of class differentiation, land ownership, and occupational structure in understanding rural stratification. Their analyses show that the lower class in villages is typically composed of the lowest order castes, agricultural labourers, and marginal farmers, making Option (C) the correct answer.

4. The Power Structure of the study villages comprised of those having: (DEC 2023)

(a) Better education and high social status
(b) Urban contact
(c) Neutral attitude
(d) Active participation in village politics

Choose the correct answer:

(A) (a), (c) and (d) only
(B) (a), (b) and (d) only
(C) (b), (c) and (d) only
(D) (a), (b) and (c) only

Correct Answer: (B) (a), (b) and (d) only

The study of power structure in villages has been an important area of inquiry in rural sociology. Village power is not distributed equally among all members of the community. Instead, it tends to be concentrated in the hands of individuals and groups who possess greater social prestige, educational advantages, economic resources, political influence, and wider social connections. Village studies have shown that power operates through both formal institutions such as the Panchayat and informal networks of influence and leadership.

Individuals with better education and high social status often occupy influential positions within the village power structure. Education provides knowledge, communication skills, awareness of governmental programs, and access to administrative systems. High social status, frequently linked to caste position, land ownership, or family reputation, further strengthens an individual’s ability to influence community decisions and mobilize support.

Urban contact is another important source of power in village society. People who maintain connections with towns and cities often have greater exposure to new ideas, government officials, markets, educational institutions, and political networks. Such contacts increase their access to information and resources, enhancing their influence within the village. Rural sociologists have frequently observed that individuals with external linkages play significant roles in local leadership and decision-making processes.

Active participation in village politics is also a key feature of the village power structure. Those who engage in local elections, Panchayat affairs, political parties, and community organizations often acquire authority and influence over village matters. Political involvement enables individuals to shape policies, distribute benefits, and build support networks, making them central figures in local power relations.

In contrast, a neutral attitude is not generally associated with power and leadership. Individuals who remain politically and socially neutral are less likely to influence village decisions or occupy dominant positions within the power structure. Power typically rests with those who actively participate in social and political activities rather than with those who remain detached from them.

Village studies conducted by sociologists such as M. N. Srinivas, S. C. Dube, and André Béteille demonstrated that leadership and power in rural India are closely connected with education, social status, external contacts, and political participation. These factors enable certain individuals and groups to exercise influence over community affairs, making statements (a), (b), and (d) correct and Option (B) the right answer.

5. In what way two villages are similar to each other? (DEC 2023)

(a) In caste and religious structure
(b) Both religious groups divided in caste / caste-like structures
(c) Both the villages had almost same settlement pattern
(d) Both the villages had a dominant caste

Choose the correct answer:
(A) (a), (b) and (d) only
(B) (a), (b) and (c) only
(C) (b), (c) and (d) only
(D) (a), (c) and (d) only

Correct Answer: (A) (a), (b) and (d) only

This question is based on the comparative village studies discussed in Indian rural sociology, particularly the analysis of villages with different religious compositions but similar social organizational features. The two villages were found to be similar in their caste structure and religious organization, as social stratification existed in both communities. Even where one village had a predominantly Hindu population and the other had a predominantly Muslim population, social divisions resembling caste hierarchies were present. This supports statement (a).

Statement (b) is also correct because both religious communities were internally divided into caste or caste-like groups. In Indian society, social stratification has historically influenced not only Hindus but also other religious communities such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs. Among Muslims, distinctions based on status groups such as Ashraf, Ajlaf, and Arzal have often been noted by sociologists, creating structures comparable to caste divisions.

Statement (d) is correct because both villages possessed a dominant caste, a concept developed by M. N. Srinivas. A dominant caste is one that enjoys numerical strength, economic resources, political influence, and social prestige within a village. Such groups often play a central role in local decision-making, leadership, and control over village institutions.

Statement (c) is incorrect because the two villages did not share an almost identical settlement pattern. Settlement patterns are influenced by factors such as geography, history, religious composition, land ownership, and occupational distribution. The villages under study differed in their physical layout and residential arrangements, making this statement inaccurate.

The question highlights important themes in rural sociology, including social stratification, dominant caste, village power structure, and the persistence of caste-like divisions across different religious communities in India. These themes have been central to the works of scholars such as M. N. Srinivas, S. C. Dube, and Andre Béteille, who examined the relationship between caste, power, and social organization in Indian villages.

6. The Peasant class in the village has following characteristics. (DEC 2023)

(a) High status
(b) Make up a “dominant caste”
(c) High income
(d) Landlessness

Choose the correct answer:
(A) (a), (b) and (c) only
(B) (a), (b) and (d) only
(C) (b), (c) and (d) only
(D) (a), (c) and (d) only

Correct Answer: (A) (a), (b) and (c) only

The peasant class in rural society generally consists of cultivators who own or control agricultural land and are directly engaged in farming activities. In sociological studies of Indian villages, peasants are often distinguished from agricultural labourers because they possess land and derive their livelihood primarily from cultivation. As land ownership has historically been a major source of wealth, prestige, and authority in rural areas, peasants frequently enjoy a relatively high social status within the village structure. This makes statement (a) correct.

Statement (b) is also correct because prosperous peasant groups often constitute a dominant caste, a concept associated with M. N. Srinivas. A dominant caste is characterized by numerical strength, ownership of substantial land resources, economic power, and influence in local politics and community affairs. Many peasant castes in different regions of India, such as Jats, Patidars, Vokkaligas, Marathas, and Reddys, have historically exercised significant control over village institutions and decision-making processes.

Statement (c) is correct because ownership of productive agricultural land generally provides peasants with a relatively higher income compared to landless labourers. While income levels may vary depending on the size of holdings, irrigation facilities, technology, and market conditions, the peasant class is typically placed above agricultural workers in the rural economic hierarchy. Their economic position often allows them to invest in farming, education, and local political activities.

Statement (d) is incorrect because landlessness is not a characteristic of the peasant class. Landlessness is commonly associated with agricultural labourers, sharecroppers without ownership rights, or other rural workers who depend on wage labour for survival. The defining feature of peasants is their connection to land ownership or effective control over land used for cultivation. Rural sociologists such as A. R. Desai, Daniel Thorner, and M. N. Srinivas have emphasized the importance of land ownership, economic resources, and caste status in understanding the position of peasants within the agrarian social structure of India.

7. Match List-I with List-II: (AUG 2024)

List–I (Type of Societies)
A. Hunting and Gathering Societies
B. Agrarian Societies
C. Pastoral Societies
D. Traditional Societies or Civilization

List–II (Features)
I. Distinct inequalities; ruled by chiefs or warrior kings; based on domestication and subsistence livelihood
II. Based on agriculture; distinct government apparatus headed by a king
III. Few inequalities; differences of rank limited by age and gender
IV. Stronger inequalities; ruled by chiefs; based on small rural communities

Choose the correct answer:
(A) A–II, B–I, C–IV, D–III
(B) A–II, B–IV, C–III, D–I
(C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II
(D) A–IV, B–I, C–II, D–III

Correct Answer: (C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II

The classification of societies into hunting and gathering, pastoral, agrarian, and traditional civilizations is commonly discussed in sociology, particularly in the works of Anthony Giddens and other scholars studying social evolution and social organization. Hunting and gathering societies are characterized by a simple economic structure based on the collection of naturally available food and hunting of animals. These societies generally exhibit few social inequalities, and differences in status are largely determined by age and gender rather than wealth or political power. This matches A–III.

Pastoral societies depend primarily on the domestication and herding of animals for their livelihood. Since livestock represents an important source of wealth, these societies tend to develop more pronounced social inequalities than hunting and gathering groups. Political authority is often concentrated in the hands of chiefs or warrior leaders, and subsistence is closely linked to animal domestication. This corresponds to C–I.

Agrarian societies are based on settled agriculture and the use of simple farming technologies. They are usually organized around small rural communities and display stronger social inequalities than pastoral societies. Political authority is often exercised by local chiefs, landlords, or village elites who control land and resources. This feature matches B–IV.

Traditional societies or civilizations represent a more advanced stage of social development characterized by large populations, urban centers, writing systems, organized religion, and a distinct governmental apparatus headed by kings or rulers. Agriculture remains the economic foundation, but administration, taxation, and political institutions become much more complex. This corresponds to D–II.

This classification reflects the gradual transformation of human societies from relatively egalitarian groups to more complex forms marked by increasing specialization, political organization, economic differentiation, and social stratification. The distinctions among these societies help sociologists understand the historical development of social inequality, political authority, economic systems, and the emergence of complex civilizations across different regions of the world.

7. Match List-I with List-II: (AUG 2024)

List–I (Type of Societies)
A. Hunting and Gathering Societies
B. Agrarian Societies
C. Pastoral Societies
D. Traditional Societies or Civilization

List–II (Features)
I. Distinct inequalities; ruled by chiefs or warrior kings; based on domestication and subsistence livelihood
II. Based on agriculture; distinct government apparatus headed by a king
III. Few inequalities; differences of rank limited by age and gender
IV. Stronger inequalities; ruled by chiefs; based on small rural communities

Choose the correct answer:
(A) A–II, B–I, C–IV, D–III
(B) A–II, B–IV, C–III, D–I
(C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II
(D) A–IV, B–I, C–II, D–III

Correct Answer: (C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II

The classification of societies into hunting and gathering, pastoral, agrarian, and traditional civilizations is commonly discussed in sociology, particularly in the works of Anthony Giddens and other scholars studying social evolution and social organization. Hunting and gathering societies are characterized by a simple economic structure based on the collection of naturally available food and hunting of animals. These societies generally exhibit few social inequalities, and differences in status are largely determined by age and gender rather than wealth or political power. This matches A–III.

Pastoral societies depend primarily on the domestication and herding of animals for their livelihood. Since livestock represents an important source of wealth, these societies tend to develop more pronounced social inequalities than hunting and gathering groups. Political authority is often concentrated in the hands of chiefs or warrior leaders, and subsistence is closely linked to animal domestication. This corresponds to C–I.

Agrarian societies are based on settled agriculture and the use of simple farming technologies. They are usually organized around small rural communities and display stronger social inequalities than pastoral societies. Political authority is often exercised by local chiefs, landlords, or village elites who control land and resources. This feature matches B–IV.

Traditional societies or civilizations represent a more advanced stage of social development characterized by large populations, urban centers, writing systems, organized religion, and a distinct governmental apparatus headed by kings or rulers. Agriculture remains the economic foundation, but administration, taxation, and political institutions become much more complex. This corresponds to D–II.

This classification reflects the gradual transformation of human societies from relatively egalitarian groups to more complex forms marked by increasing specialization, political organization, economic differentiation, and social stratification. The distinctions among these societies help sociologists understand the historical development of social inequality, political authority, economic systems, and the emergence of complex civilizations across different regions of the world.

7. Match List-I with List-II: (AUG 2024)

List–I (Type of Societies)
A. Hunting and Gathering Societies
B. Agrarian Societies
C. Pastoral Societies
D. Traditional Societies or Civilization

List–II (Features)
I. Distinct inequalities; ruled by chiefs or warrior kings; based on domestication and subsistence livelihood
II. Based on agriculture; distinct government apparatus headed by a king
III. Few inequalities; differences of rank limited by age and gender
IV. Stronger inequalities; ruled by chiefs; based on small rural communities

Choose the correct answer:
(A) A–II, B–I, C–IV, D–III
(B) A–II, B–IV, C–III, D–I
(C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II
(D) A–IV, B–I, C–II, D–III

Correct Answer: (C) A–III, B–IV, C–I, D–II

The classification of societies into hunting and gathering, pastoral, agrarian, and traditional civilizations is commonly discussed in sociology, particularly in the works of Anthony Giddens and other scholars studying social evolution and social organization. Hunting and gathering societies are characterized by a simple economic structure based on the collection of naturally available food and hunting of animals. These societies generally exhibit few social inequalities, and differences in status are largely determined by age and gender rather than wealth or political power. This matches A–III.

Pastoral societies depend primarily on the domestication and herding of animals for their livelihood. Since livestock represents an important source of wealth, these societies tend to develop more pronounced social inequalities than hunting and gathering groups. Political authority is often concentrated in the hands of chiefs or warrior leaders, and subsistence is closely linked to animal domestication. This corresponds to C–I.

Agrarian societies are based on settled agriculture and the use of simple farming technologies. They are usually organized around small rural communities and display stronger social inequalities than pastoral societies. Political authority is often exercised by local chiefs, landlords, or village elites who control land and resources. This feature matches B–IV.

Traditional societies or civilizations represent a more advanced stage of social development characterized by large populations, urban centers, writing systems, organized religion, and a distinct governmental apparatus headed by kings or rulers. Agriculture remains the economic foundation, but administration, taxation, and political institutions become much more complex. This corresponds to D–II.

This classification reflects the gradual transformation of human societies from relatively egalitarian groups to more complex forms marked by increasing specialization, political organization, economic differentiation, and social stratification. The distinctions among these societies help sociologists understand the historical development of social inequality, political authority, economic systems, and the emergence of complex civilizations across different regions of the world.