Latest News
EDITORIALS & ARTICLES
Explain Dumont’s binary opposition as the ideological basis of Hindu society.
The view of "pollution and purity" (Dumont’s binary opposition) as the ideological basis of Hindu society, particularly in the context of the caste system, is associated with the work of Louis Dumont, a French anthropologist. Dumont''s influential work "Homo Hierarchicus: The Caste System and Its Implications" (1966) examined the caste system in India and the concept of hierarchy and purity within Hindu society. He proposed that the caste system could be understood through the lens of hierarchy, purity, and pollution. He suggested that the caste system is deeply rooted in the idea that some individuals or groups are considered pure (or "clean") while others are regarded as polluted (or "unclean"). This concept of purity and pollution is not limited to physical cleanliness but extends to social, moral, and ritual aspects as well.
GET OUR FULL SET STUDY MATERIALS FOR SOCIOLOGY Optional Paper @ https://crackingiasbooks.com/product/sociology-full-set-4-volumes/
- Purity vs. Pollution:The fundamental binary opposition in Dumont’s analysis is between purity and pollution. This dichotomy forms the basis of the caste hierarchy, with Brahmins at the top representing the purest category and untouchables at the bottom representing the most polluted.
- Hierarchical Ranking:The opposition of pure and impure creates a hierarchical system where castes are ranked based on their relative purity. This ranking extends beyond individuals to occupations, foods, and even materials (e.g., silk being purer than cotton).
- Separation and Interdependence:The binary opposition leads to physical and social separation between castes, particularly between the pure and the impure. However, this separation also creates a system of interdependence, as seen in the jajmani system.
- Status vs. Power:Dumont argues for a distinction between ritual status and secular power. In his view, Brahmins hold the highest ritual status despite not wielding political power, which is held by Kshatriyas.
- Ideology over Materiality:Dumont emphasizes that the caste system is primarily ideological, based on religious values rather than economic or political factors.
-
- Critics argue that Dumont’s binary opposition oversimplifies the complexities of the caste system and provides a Brahmanical view.
- Gerald Berreman criticized Dumont’s separation of status and power, arguing that they are often two sides of the same coin.
- McKim Marriott described “Homo Hierarchicus” as a speculative sketch based on textual ideology rather than empirical reality.
Dumont’s binary opposition thus provides a structured yet controversial framework for understanding caste. Despite criticisms of oversimplification, it remains influential, spurring ongoing debates and research into India’s complex social hierarchy.
POSTED ON 03-06-2025 BY ADMIN
Next previous 
General Studies
Political Science and International Relations
Some Reference Essays
List of previous year essay topics (1997-2019)
IAS GOOGLE is googled by the team of Raja Sir’s Cracking IAS Academy. Sources include The Hindu, Indian Express, pib.nic.in, Down To Earth, Economic Times, Vigyan Prasar, AIR and the like. IAS GOOGLE has been prepared in pace with emerging UPSC Trends.