NCERT Class 11 Sociology Understanding Society: Chapter 5 — UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY
This chapter introduces the foundational figures of Indian sociology, highlighting the unique challenges and questions they faced in establishing the discipline within the Indian context. It discusses how Western sociology, born from modernity, needed adaptation in a colonized India. The chapter explores the emergence of Indian sociology and social anthropology, noting that pioneers like L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy often entered the field 'by accident.' Iyer, initially a clerk and teacher, became a key figure in ethnographic surveys and establishing anthropology departments. Roy, a lawyer, became an expert on the tribal peoples of Chhotanagpur. Their work shaped sociology to address India's specific historical and social realities, contributing significantly to its development as a sovereign nation.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 11 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| Book | Understanding Society |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 5 minutes |
| Word count | 841 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify the historical context of sociology's emergence in India.
- Recognize the unique challenges faced by early Indian sociologists.
- Understand the contributions of pioneers like L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy.
- Appreciate the adaptation of sociological thought to the Indian social and historical context.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Discipline | A branch of knowledge studied or taught in a university, college, or school. |
| Sociological | Relating to sociology or the study of society. |
| Anthropology | The study of human societies and cultures and their development. |
| Modernity | The condition of being modern; characteristics of the present age. |
| Colonial subjugation | The act of bringing under the control of a distant country or power. |
| Sovereign | Possessing supreme or ultimate power. |
| Ethnographic | Relating to the scientific description of peoples and cultures. |
| Pioneers | People who are the first to explore or settle a new country or area. |
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Practice questions
- When did formal university teaching of sociology begin in India? Answer: Formal university teaching of sociology began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.
- Name two other universities that started sociology programs in the 1920s. Answer: Calcutta and Lucknow universities started sociology programs in the 1920s.
- What was a key difference in India's experience of modernity compared to the West? Answer: India's experience of modernity was closely intertwined with colonial subjugation.
- Who was L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and what was his contribution? Answer: L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer was an early pioneer of social anthropology in India who assisted with ethnographic surveys and helped set up the first post-graduate anthropology department in India.
- Who was Sarat Chandra Roy and what region did he focus on? Answer: Sarat Chandra Roy was a lawyer and an 'accidental anthropologist' who became an authority on the tribal peoples of the Chhotanagpur region.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Sociology as a discipline was established in Europe approximately how long ago?
Explanation: The text states that the discipline of sociology was established only about a century ago in the European context.
Q2. Formal university teaching of sociology in India began at which university?
Explanation: The chapter explicitly mentions that formal university teaching of sociology began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.
Q3. What significant difference is noted in India's experience of modernity?
Explanation: The text highlights that India's first experience of modernity was closely intertwined with the experience of colonial subjugation.
Q4. L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer began his career in which role?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer began his career as a clerk.
Q5. Sarat Chandra Roy, an early anthropologist, was originally trained as a:
Explanation: Sarat Chandra Roy had taken his law degree and was practising law before becoming deeply interested in anthropology.
Q6. The Chhotanagpur region is currently part of which Indian state?
Explanation: The text states that Sarat Chandra Roy became an authority on the tribal peoples of the Chhotanagpur region (present day Jharkhand).
Frequently asked questions
When was sociology formally taught at the university level in India?
Formal university teaching of sociology in India began in 1919 at the University of Bombay.
What were some of the unique questions faced by Indian sociologists?
Indian sociologists had to consider sociology's role in a colonized nation experiencing modernity, and how to study ancient civilizations with 'primitive' societies within them.
Who was L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer?
L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer was a pioneer of social anthropology in India, known for his work on ethnographic surveys and establishing postgraduate anthropology departments.
What area did Sarat Chandra Roy specialize in?
Sarat Chandra Roy specialized in the study of the culture and society of the tribal peoples of the Chhotanagpur region.
How did the experience of colonialism affect the development of sociology in India?
The first experience of modernity in India was closely intertwined with colonial subjugation, posing unique questions for sociological inquiry.
Were early Indian sociologists formally trained in the discipline?
Many early Indian sociologists, like L.K. Ananthakrishna Iyer and Sarat Chandra Roy, became involved in the discipline 'by accident' and were often self-taught or had backgrounds in other fields like law or teaching.
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NCERT Class 11 Sociology — Understanding Society — Chapter 5 — UNDERSTANDING SOCIETY. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.