NCERT Class 12 Sociology Social Change and Development in India: Chapter 4 — Change and Development in Rural Society
This chapter, 'Change and Development in Rural Society,' from the NCERT Class 12 Sociology textbook, focuses on India's predominantly rural society. It highlights agriculture as the primary livelihood and a significant source of property for the majority, emphasizing its role as a way of life deeply intertwined with cultural practices and festivals like Pongal and Bihu, which celebrate harvest seasons. The chapter also discusses the diversity in agricultural practices across regions, influencing distinct regional cultures and social structures. Furthermore, it touches upon the role of various artisans and specialists like potters, carpenters, and priests in the rural economy, noting a decline in their numbers since the colonial era due to the influx of manufactured goods. Understanding these agrarian connections is crucial for grasping social and cultural changes in India.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Sociology |
| Book | Social Change and Development in India |
| Chapter | Chapter 4 — Change and Development in Rural Society |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 363 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the predominantly rural nature of Indian society.
- Recognize agriculture as a primary livelihood and its cultural significance.
- Identify various artisans and specialists supporting rural life.
- Analyze the impact of historical changes on rural occupations.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Urbanisation | The process by which towns and cities are formed and become larger as more people begin living and working in central areas. |
| Agrarian | Concerning the cultivation of land or the structure of farming. |
| Livelihood | A means of securing the necessities of life. |
| Artisans | A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand. |
| Colonial period | The period during which a country or territory is controlled by another country. |
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Practice questions
- What percentage of India's population lived in rural areas according to the 2011 Census? Answer: 69 per cent.
- Name two New Year festivals in India that celebrate the harvest season. Answer: Pongal (Tamil Nadu) and Bihu (Assam) are two examples.
- Besides agriculture, what other sources of livelihood exist in rural India? Answer: Various artisans (potters, carpenters, weavers, etc.) and specialists (story-tellers, priests, etc.) support rural life and livelihoods.
Practice MCQs
Q1. According to the 2011 Census, what was the approximate percentage of India's population living in rural areas?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that 69 per cent of India's people lived in rural areas according to the 2011 Census.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a harvest festival in the text?
Explanation: Pongal, Bihu, and Ugadi are mentioned as harvest festivals. Diwali is not listed in this context.
Q3. The chapter suggests that agriculture is not just a livelihood but also:
Explanation: The text states, 'Nor is agriculture just a form of livelihood. It is also a way of life.'
Q4. Which group of people's numbers have been steadily lessening since the colonial period due to the influx of manufactured goods?
Explanation: The chapter mentions that the numbers of artisans like potters, carpenters, and weavers have been lessening since the colonial period because manufactured goods replaced hand-made products.
Q5. The chapter emphasizes the close connection between agriculture and:
Explanation: The text states, 'There is a close connection between agriculture and culture' and that 'both the culture and social structure in rural India are closely bound up with agricultural and the agrarian way of life.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the main characteristic of Indian society discussed in the chapter?
The chapter highlights that Indian society is primarily a rural society, although urbanization is growing.
Why is agricultural land considered important in India?
Agricultural land is the most important productive resource for a great many Indians and is also the most important form of property.
How are festivals in India related to agriculture?
Many New Year festivals in different regions, such as Pongal and Bihu, celebrate the main harvest season and herald the beginning of a new agricultural season.
What kind of specialists and craftspersons supported rural life besides farmers?
Rural life supported specialists and craftspersons like story-tellers, astrologers, priests, water-distributors, oil-pressers, potters, carpenters, weavers, ironsmiths, and goldsmiths.
What has led to a decline in the number of rural artisans?
The influx of manufactured goods, replacing hand-made products, has led to a steady decline in the numbers of artisans since the colonial period.
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NCERT Class 12 Sociology — Social Change and Development in India — Chapter 4 — Change and Development in Rural Society. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.