Who is Known as the Father of Indian Sociology? Know the Name

Sociology is the study of how people live, interact and form communities. It helps us understand traditions, cultures and social structures. In India, one scholar played a key role in developing sociology as a subject and studying Indian society in detail. His research on caste, religion and urban life shaped modern sociology in the country. He is widely recognized for his contributions to this field.

Father of Indian Sociology

Govind Sadashiv Ghurye is called the Father of Indian Sociology. Born in 1893, he helped start and grow sociology in India. He led the Sociology Department at Bombay University and founded the Indian Sociological Society. His famous book Caste and Race in India is well-known. He trained many students and made sociology popular in India.

Early Life of Govind Sadashiv Ghurye

G.S. Ghurye was born on 12 December 1893 in Malvan, a town in present-day Maharashtra. He belonged to the Saraswat Brahmin Community. He completed his early education in Bombay and Junagadh. Later, he studied Sanskrit at Elphinstone College, Bombay, where he earned his B.A. and M.A. degrees. His excellent academic performance won him the Bhau Daji Prize and the Chancellor’s Gold Medal.

In 1922, he earned a PhD from Cambridge University in England. He was guided by W.H.R. Rivers, a famous archaeologist, but after Rivers’ sudden death, he completed his work under A.C. Haddon.

Personal Life of G.S. Ghurye

Ghurye was married to Sajubai, who came from Vengurla, a town near Malvan. They had two children. His son, Sudhish Ghurye, became a mathematician and statistician, while his daughter, Kumud G. Ghurye, became a barrister.

Career and Contributions of G.S. Ghurye

In 1924, Ghurye became the Head of the Department of Sociology at Bombay University (now the University of Mumbai). The department was originally started by Patrick Geddes in 1919, but by the time Ghurye took over, it was struggling. He worked hard to rebuild it and made it one of the most important sociology departments in India. Because of his efforts, he is considered the real founder of sociology in India.

Founder of Indian Sociological Society

Ghurye played an important role in establishing sociology as a subject in India. He founded the Indian Sociological Society and started its official publication, the Sociological Bulletin. He was also the head of the Bombay Anthropological Society for some years.

Research and Books

Ghurye guided 80 research scholars and wrote 32 books along with many research papers. His most famous book is “Caste and Race in India,” which is considered a classic in sociology.

After his retirement in 1959, he continued working as Professor Emeritus at Bombay University. Several books and research theses were written in his honor, and an award called the “Dr. G.S. Ghurye Award” was instituted.

Famous Students of G.S. Ghurye

Many of Ghurye’s students became famous sociologists and reformers. Some of them include:

• M.N. Sinivas
• Iravati Karve
• A.R. Desai
• M.S. Gore
• Suma Chitnis

Death and Legacy of G.S. Ghurye

Govind Sadashiv Ghurye passed away on 28 December 1983, at the age of 90, in Bombay (now Mumbai).

Ghurye is remembered as the Father of Indian Sociology because of his contributions to sociology and anthropology in India. His work on caste, race, culture and Indian society remains highly respected even today.