Abstract
Sociology ought to be totalistic in its orientation as everything human is native to sociology. Given this, an understanding of the nature of sociological research and practice in specific societies provides a necessary input in the pursuit of sociology. Therefore, India, comprising one-sixth of humanity and well-known for its legendary socio-cultural complexity is a particularly appropriate case to be analysed in this context. Colonialism, nationalism and the modern Indian State successively and conjointly shaped Indian society. Having emerged and being practised in a society moulded by contradictory forces, Indian sociology faces several dilemmas. The paper not only lists the major dilemmas but also identifies the crucial elements of the pluralist paradigm which is emerging to cope with these dilemmas. The paradigm is a welcome addition on two counts: it adequately mirrors the complex social reality of India and forms an invaluable input to the practice of sociology, worldwide.
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