The Indological approach rested on the assumption that historically, Indian society and culture are unique and that this ''contextually’ specificity of Indian social realities could be grasped better through the ''texts''. It may also be viewed that indological approach refers to the historical and comparative method based on Indian texts in the study of Indian, society. Therefore, Indologists use ancient Indian history, epics, religious manuscripts and texts etc. in the study of Indian social institutions. The use of the indological approach during the early formative years of Indian sociology and soda! anthropology is seen in the works of S.V. Ketkar, B.N.Seal and B.K Sarkar. G.S.Ghurye, L.Dumont, KM. Kapadia. and I.Karve who all have tried to explore Hindu social institutions and practices, either with reference to religious texts or through the analysis of contemporary practices.

Major features of Indological perspective of G.S. Ghurye are:

• Study of ancient Indian texts: It involved the close reading and analysis of ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas, Upanishads and Puranas. Ghurye traced the evolution of Indian concepts like karma, dharma and moksha through these texts. He examined how religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism developed in ancient India.
• Analysis of rituals and customs: It included a sociological study of various Indian rituals, customs and festivals. He argued that many rituals originated from ancient Vedic rites but underwent changes over time. Ghurye traced the evolution of customs related to marriage, death and other life-cycle events in Indian society.
• Research on tribes and rural life: It involved extensive field research on India''s tribal and rural populations. He conducted surveys and wrote ethnographic accounts of tribal lifestyle, culture and religion. Ghurye''s holistic study of tribal and village life gave him valuable insights into the roots of Indian civilization.
• Study of caste system: It led to significant research on the origin, evolution and workings of the Indian caste system. Ghurye argued that caste became more rigid over time, especially under foreign rule. He showed how urbanization and modernization affected caste divisions in contemporary India.
• Emphasis on sociological analysis: It involved the application of academic sociological concepts to understanding Indian society and culture. However, Ghurye''s sociological theories were rooted in Indian realities and ethics rather than ideological. Ghurye emphasized empirical research and fieldwork.
• Critical yet sympathetic outlook: It combined objective academic analysis with an underlying respect for Indian traditions and communities. Though critical of social evils, he celebrated India''s pluralism, creativity and diversity of faiths. Ghurye saw the good within the Indian social fabric despite its flaws.
• Opposition to Western notions: It made him critical of some aspects of Westernization in India that threatened Indian values and culture. He rejected the idea that Indian society needed to be restructured completely based on Western norms and theories. Ghurye argued for social reform within the Indian civilizational framework.
• Writing for a wider audience: It motivated him to write on complex Indian subjects in a simple yet accurate style. Using real-life examples and metaphors, Ghurye introduced concepts like varna, jati and dharma to lay readers. His accessible writing made Indological research benefits a wider Indian audience.

The Indological perspective of G.S. Ghurye thus combined the scholarly rigour of an academic analysis of Indian society and culture with an underlying respect for Indian civilizational values. His holistic sociological research gave him valuable insights into Indian communities that motivated his reformist yet sympathetic stance. Ghurye''s writings successfully introduced Indological research to a wider Indian audience in an accessible style.