Introduction India has always been recognized as one of the world’s most culturally diverse societies. Its civilization has evolved through centuries of interaction among different religions, languages, ethnic groups, and traditions. From tribal customs in central India to classical dance forms in the south, from Himalayan spiritual practices to coastal maritime cultures, India represents a…
Introduction Over the past three decades, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation in its urban landscape due to the rapid expansion of Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services. Cities such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, Gurugram, Noida, and Kochi have evolved into major IT hubs, integrating India into the global digital economy. This development has…
Introduction Religion has always occupied an important place in Indian society. From ancient spiritual traditions to everyday social practices, faith has shaped values, identities, and community life. However, religion can manifest in different ways. While religiosity reflects personal faith and spiritual engagement, communalism represents the politicization of religious identity, often leading to social division and…
Introduction India is often described as a civilization rather than merely a nation-state. One of the most enduring characteristics of this civilization is its deep-rooted spirit of tolerance and love. From ancient philosophical traditions to modern constitutional values, Indian society has consistently emphasized coexistence, acceptance of diversity, and compassion toward others. This spirit is not…
Introduction Scheduled Tribes (STs), often referred to as Adivasis, constitute one of India’s most historically marginalized communities. Living primarily in forested, hilly, and remote regions, tribal populations have faced systemic exclusion, land alienation, social discrimination, and economic deprivation for centuries. Colonial forest policies, exploitative intermediaries, and post-independence development projects further intensified their vulnerability. Recognizing this…
Introduction India is globally renowned for its immense cultural diversity. From languages and cuisines to festivals, dress patterns, and social customs, the Indian subcontinent exhibits a complex mosaic of identities. Since Independence, India has been politically organized into states largely based on linguistic considerations. However, cultural realities often transcend administrative boundaries. This raises an important…
Introduction Communalism refers to a social phenomenon in which religious identity becomes the primary basis for political mobilization, social conflict, and group loyalty. In plural societies like India, communalism poses a serious challenge to social harmony and democratic governance. While communal tensions are often portrayed as outcomes of religious differences, a deeper sociological analysis reveals…
Introduction Globalisation is commonly understood as the growing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures across national boundaries. With the rapid flow of goods, ideas, people, and technologies, it is often argued that globalisation promotes cultural homogenization—a process where diverse cultures begin to resemble one another, largely shaped by dominant Western norms, consumerism, and mass media….
Introduction The women’s movement in India has played a significant role in shaping debates on gender equality, legal rights, political representation, and social justice. From campaigns against dowry deaths to demands for equal pay and political empowerment, feminist activism has influenced public policy and social consciousness. However, a persistent critique remains: the mainstream women’s movement…
Introduction Secularism is widely regarded as a foundational principle of modern democratic states, ensuring freedom of religion and equality of all citizens. However, secularism does not carry a single universal meaning. Different societies have shaped it according to their historical experiences, cultural diversity, and political needs. India and the Western world represent two distinct models…