Contents: Preface. 1. Indian society: unity and diversity. 2. Evolution of Indian society: socio-cultural dimensions. 3. Socio-religious reform movements. 4. National movement: its sociological implications. 5. Tribal life in India. 6. Village and urban communities in India. 7. Kinship, marriage and family. 8. The caste system. 9. The scheduled castes. 10. The scheduled tribes. 11. Other backward classes. 12. Status of women: quest for equality. 13. Dowry system. 14. Social deviance. 15. Population and society in India. 16. State and society. 17. Concepts and processes of social change. 18. Factors of social change. 19. National integration. Index.

"Of all my writings, the present book Indian Social Structure and Change has given me maximum satisfaction. It has reached out to students of various disciplines and pursuits, and has not remained confined to senior school students only. College and university students and those preparing for competitive examinations have equally found it useful. It has a reasonably wide coverage with a focus on 'national integration'. The book is quintessentially interdisciplinary in nature as it brings history into its orbit, and takes sociology to history and other spheres of knowledge. Various chapters have been arranged in a logically sound sequence. Analysis of caste, family, village and urban life, weaker sections, status of women and processes of social change has been presented with up-to-date data and illustrations. It is hoped that the book will be received by students, teachers and people in general with greater significance and usefulness." (jacket)