SOCIOLOGY OF AGRARIAN SOCIETY PAPER 5B

(SEM V-IA 1 ASSIGNMENT)

Topic : Book Review (Caste,Class and Power:Changing pattern of stratification in

a Tanjore Village by Andrea betille)

Name : Qureshi Adiba

Class : T.Y.B.A

Roll no : A21912

Date : 25 Aug 2023

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 BOOK REVIEW

Caste, Class and Power: Changing Pattern of Stratification in a Tanjore Village by Andre
Beteille; Oxford University Press, 1966; pp 238, Rs-18.

This book is the revised version of the doctoral thesis submitted by Andre Beteille at the
University of Delhi. Andre Beteille is a prominent sociologist known for his work on Indian
society. “Caste, Class, and Power” is likely to provide insights into the complex dynamics of
caste, class, and power in India.

"Caste, Class and Power," presents a micro-study based on the extensive field work which was
conducted largely in the village of Sripuram (fictitiously called) over a period of about ten
months in 1961 and 1962. Sripuram is located in the District of Tanjore, adjacent to Thiruvaiyar
and at a distance of about eight miles from Tanjore town.

In his book, author presents a detailed analysis of social structure and dynamics of a village in
terms of the interaction between three main role frames of three different role frameworks,
namely "Caste, Class and Power”. He then shows the changes that are taking place within each
of the role matrix and the changes that have been taking place in correlation between each other
of role matrices. Thus the author deals separately with all the different role frames, within his
conceptual framework and avoids the confusing role relationships.

In “Caste, Class and Power,” Andre Beteille discusses the complex interactions between caste
and class in India’s social structure. He examines how caste and class intersect, coexist, and
impact power dynamics within society. Beteille raises questions about the role of caste and class
in shaping social hierarchies, economic disparities, and political influence. He also explores how
changes in the Indian economy and society are influencing these dynamics.

Here author mainly describes and attempts to show that prior to the nineteenth century the
traditional structure of the village (Sripuram), the cleavages "Caste, Class and Power," run along
the parallel grooves. Brahmins were at the top of the social and political pyramid.They were

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mostly landlords and constituted traditional elites, enjoys dominance in both economic and
political sphere. The middle one in the hierarchy of status Non-Brahmins usually consisted of
tenant farmers or small scale landowners, there caste status coincide with their class (economic)
status and have very less political power. The lowest in the hierarchy of status were Adi-
Dravidas (untouchables), who were agricultural labourers with no political presence. A villager’s
caste determines their class and power status, and the caste itself was assigned by birth.
However, this is not a case at present. Due to the impact of external influences (Modernization
and Westernisation) the dynamics of the closed social system of a village is changing and
relatively becoming more open. It has acquired much more complex and dynamic character, now
there is more tendency for these cleavages "Caste, Class and Power," to cut across each other

In an introduction author gives a detailed description of the cultural structure of a village and
deals with the phenomenon “Caste, Class and Power”. Also gives detailed account on three
major caste in a village Brahmins, Non-Brahmin and Adi-Dravidas.

Second chapter is all about the physical structure of sripuram. First, he gives brief information
about the location of a village, and second, a more detailed analysis of its internal arrangements-
and examine how these arrangements relates to the changing pattern of stratification.

In the third chapter author deals with the caste system and its structure. At first he started the
discussion by telling why he choose to use the word “caste” instead Jati,Varna, and
kulam,etc.After that gives a detailed description about the historical background and origin of
caste system in Indian society.He discusses all the three major castes -Brahmin,Non-Brahmin
and Adi-Dravidas in detail with their interrelations and also he deals in great discussion about
segmentation among Brahmins and among Non-Brahmins and Adi-Dravidas together.

The fourth and fifth chapter of the book deals with the organisation of production, agrarian
relations and distribution of power which were traditionally subsumed within the caste structure.
In fourth chapter author examines the agrarian legislation, other external economic influences
and tell us how does a village class has attained a far greater autonomy in relation to caste.In the
latter part he starts with a discussion of political process, power structure, panchayat raj, political
parties, etc. in terms of their linkage with caste system and how these interlinkages are
weakening day by day.

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Finally, in the last and most remarkable written chapter author pull the threads of his arguments
and shows the intersections between caste and class systems in India, examining how they
impact power dynamics and social hierarchies. The conclusion also touch on the challenges and
prospects for addressing issues related to caste and class inequalities.

This study represents most illuminating analysis about the caste system in south Indian state of
Madras and it’s relationship with social class and political power.It is based on observation and
investigation and additionally, it is a model of ethnographic and theoretical analysis. Here author
talks about the qualitative research and data but I think the book lacks rich and intensive case
studies which are primarily require for qualitative research rather it present a common
comparision between the phenomenon of “Caste, Class and Power,” at two different time periods
(intervals).

Personally I like Beteille’s writing style-he writes very well, usage of vocabulary, terminology,
local Indian words and general arguments which are reported, especially about the Brahmin
subcastes are lucidly presented .That has enhanced the flavour and value of the book.Many local
words have been used constantly, like agarharam,kallas,nanja,panja,etc, but the meaning of these
words is explained sometimes, sometimes not. Perhaps a glossary to these words would have
enhanced the quality of the book even more.

“Caste, Class and Power,” thematic focus of the study gives book its strengths, but also, it’s
weaknesses, to some extent.Its main strengths are, first, the clarity of the detailed analysis and
description about three caste and agrarian relations, and the interrelationship between them.
Secondly, the study effectively demonstrates the interplay between caste, class, and power,
showcasing how these social structures intersect and shape individuals’ lives But there are certain
obvious limitations. One his study is focus on a single village, which may limit the
generalizability of his findings.It may not fully capture the diversity and complexities of rural
India as a whole. Another he,primarily focuses on the structural aspects of social life, paying less
attention to individual agency and resistance.The study’s reliance on interviews and observations
may introduce biases or limitations in capturing the nuances of social interactions and power
dynamics within the village.

My major criticism about the author’s analysis of the book arises from the fact that it’s coverage
of all three caste is uneven, because it gives fuller picture of the Brahmins, their world wide

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views, ideas and opinions than of Non-Brahmin and Adi-Dravidas whose values and opinions
are discussed little. This unevenness reflected in the study because of the author’s preference to
live with Brahmins and behaves in the way acceptable to them.Therefore he has restricted access
to the lower caste because they taught him as one of the Brahmins from north India and were not
able to communicate freely and convincingly.Even in his discussion on the caste structure, author
characterised the caste system as segmentary system,here he deals in great discussion about
segmentation among Brahmins on one hand and among Non-Brahmin and Adi-Dravidas as a
whole on another hand.Another fact that he selected to study on a type of village which contains
agarharam (typically resident streets of Brahmins) that are not generally recognised in every
Indian villages.All these factors shows author’s inclination more towards the Brahmins.

Beteille’s study on caste is reflexive, distinctive, dynamic and analytical, as against Ghurye,
Dumont, and Srinivas sociology of caste. Dumont considers caste as a sacred cow driven by the
universal superiority of Brahmins, dominating in ritual sphere or in the status hereby. Srinivas
considers that sanskritic behaviour of life is mostly solicited by ethnic group of people in Indian
society. So Dumont and Srinivas along with Ghurye, explicitly or implicitly speak that
Brahminic superiority and sanskritic exclusivity.

Andre Beteille tries to study caste beyond these perspectives. According to author caste is an
objective reality. Its role and structural character should be studied in empirical perspective, His
understanding of caste comes out of the field data, collected from village of Tanjore district of
Tamil Nadu. In this village three major caste groups are present Brahmins, Non Brahmins and
Adi-Dravidas. Between Brahmins and Adi-Dravidas a huge cultural symbolic an relational gap is
found. Beteille finds out that Dumont’ ‘theory of hierarchy’ carries relative significance to
understand the disharmonic relationship between Brahmins and Adi-Dravidas, These two castes
are placed in two extreme position of caste hierarchy. He empathises with M.N, Srinivas to
understand the life of non Brahmin in the secular sphere of caste hierarchy. His sociology of
caste criticise Srinivas, Dumont and Ghurye on the ground that Brahminic exclusivity and
superiority is not a matter of fact. It is evident from his study of sripuram. This study of
segmentation of caste is largely influenced by the writings of his teacher and old friend Evans
Pritchard, who in his study of Neurs talk about Segmentation of tribe.

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In his discussion about the segmentary model of a village. Here he deals in great discussion
about the Segmentation of Brahmins on one hand than of Non-Brahmin and Adi-Dravidas on
another. In his study based on south Indian politics author fused the two caste Non-Brahmin and
Adi-Dravidas together which may be not applicable to the other caste complexes in different
parts of India.

Conclusion

Andre Beteille’s study of Tanjore village offers a comprehensive analysis of the social structure
and dynamics in rural India. His examination of caste, kinship, economic relations, and power
dynamics provides valuable insights into the lives of individuals within the village. While the
study has its strengths, such as empirical grounding and a comprehensive analysis, it also has
limitations in terms of generalizability and the focus on structural aspects. Nonetheless, Beteille’s
study remains a significant contribution to the field, shedding light on the enduring influence of
caste and its intersection with other social structures in shaping rural society.

To quote the concluding line of the book” An attempt has been made here to provide an
analytical scheme for the study of social change in India”.One questions arises that Does this
model is truly dynamic in nature? However I think this study is rather a comparative study of
same society at two different time periods.It is a comparative static scheme and study.

References:

Andre Beteille’s perspective on Caste System

https://player.uacdn.net/lesson-raw/3OTOTUWE6FIYJFJIRLCR/pdf/6416791385.pdf

Caste, Class and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification in a …

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290347594_Caste_Class_and_Power_Changing_Patter
ns_of_Stratification_in_a_Tanjore_Village

Caste, class, and power; changing patterns of stratification in a …

https://archive.org/details/casteclasspower00bete

Conclusion Caste, Class and Power – Oxford Academic

https://academic.oup.com/book/27563/chapter/197572079

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Essay on Caste, Class and Power – Your Article Library
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/essay/essay-on-caste-class-and-power/47380

https://www.rajras.in/andre-beteille-on-caste/