Sociologist Andre Beteille, Padma Bhushan Awardee and Scholar of Caste, Dies at 91

Indian Sociology Bids Farewell to a Titan: Andre Beteille Passes Away at 91

The world of Indian academia lost one of its most distinguished voices with the passing of renowned sociologist and public intellectual  Andre Beteille  in Delhi. He was 91. His death concludes a remarkable six-decade career that fundamentally shaped the study of  social stratification, caste, class, and liberal democracy  in India, leaving an indelible legacy for scholars and students.

A Life Dedicated to Scholarship
Beteille had been unwell for some time and passed away peacefully. Born in 1934 in West Bengal to a  French father and an Indian mother , he completed his higher education at the  University of Calcutta . He later moved to Delhi, where he spent the core of his career, ultimately serving as  Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Delhi  from 2003 until his passing. He was known for his  rigorous empirical methodology , which uniquely bridged sociology with  economics, political science, and law .

Foundational Works and National Honour
Andre Beteille's scholarship produced several cornerstone texts for the social sciences. His most celebrated work,  “Caste, Class and Power: Changing Patterns of Stratification in a Tanjore Village” (1965) , based on extensive fieldwork in Tamil Nadu, remains a seminal study. Other influential books include  “Society and Politics in India”  and  “The Idea of Natural Inequality and Other Essays” . In recognition of his monumental contribution to  literature and education , he was honoured with the  Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2005 .

An Intellectual Anchor Remembered
News of his passing prompted widespread tributes from across the intellectual spectrum. Historian  Ramachandra Guha  described him as a  “moral and intellectual anchor for three generations of scholars.” Ashoka University , where he served as Chancellor from 2014 to 2017, noted his pivotal role in shaping its academic foundations. The tributes unanimously highlighted his steadfast commitment to  liberal values, constitutional democracy, and cultural pluralism , principles that guided both his academic and public life.

Exam-Focused Important Facts:

• Field & Focus:  Pioneering  Indian sociologist  known for empirical studies on  caste, class, and social inequality .

• Seminal Work:  Author of the classic  “Caste, Class and Power” , a study based on fieldwork in  Tanjore, Tamil Nadu .

• Award:  Recipient of the  Padma Bhushan (2005)  for his contributions to Literature & Education.

• Academic Position:  Served as  Professor Emeritus at the University of Delhi .

• Methodology:  Renowned for an  interdisciplinary approach , integrating law, economics, and political science with sociology.