Irawati Karve | Indian Sociological Thinkers

Introduction

Irawati Karve was a pioneering Indian sociologist, anthropologist, and educator known for her profound contributions to the fields of sociology and anthropology in India. Irawati Karve was born on December 15, 1905, into a Chitpavan Brahmin family. She attended Huzurpaga boarding school in Pune and then studied philosophy at Fergusson College. She completed her master's in sociology from Bombay University under G.S. Ghurye. Post her marriage to Dinkar Dhondo Karve, she pursued further studies in Germany, earning a doctorate from the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute of Anthropology, Human Heredity, and Eugenics.

Career

Karve's academic journey included administrative roles at SNDT Women's University in Bombay and later at Deccan College in Pune as a Reader in sociology. She was the first Indian female anthropologist and played a significant role in founding the department of anthropology at Poona University (now the University of Pune). Karve wrote in both Marathi and English and was known for her interdisciplinary approach, combining aspects of anthropology, anthropometry, serology, Indology, and paleontology.

Major Works

Irawati Karve's major works offer a comprehensive understanding of Indian social structures, particularly focusing on kinship, caste, and the sociocultural interpretation of Indian epics:

• "Kinship Organization in India" (1953): In this seminal work, Karve presents a detailed analysis of the kinship patterns across various Indian social institutions. She explores the intricacies of family relations, marriage practices, and lineage systems, providing a comprehensive understanding of the diversity and complexity of kinship arrangements in India. Karve's study stands out for its extensive coverage and deep insight into the kinship structures that form the backbone of Indian society.
• "Hindu Society: An Interpretation" (1961): This book delves into the understanding of the Indian caste system, religion, and kinship. Karve provides an interpretive analysis of the social hierarchy and the functioning of caste and religion within the broader context of Indian society. She examines the interplay between these elements and their impact on social relations, offering a critical perspective on the structural and functional aspects of Hindu society.
• "Yuganta": In "Yuganta," Karve offers a unique reinterpretation of the characters from the Mahabharata, one of the major Indian epics. Rather than viewing the epic through a mythological lens, she approaches it from a historical perspective, providing a fresh take on its characters and events. This approach allows her to explore the human dimensions and societal implications of the epic's narratives. Her critical analysis of the characters, particularly in terms of their actions and motivations, sheds new light on this ancient text. The book's insightful perspectives earned Karve the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 1968.

Despite facing challenges in her career, including limited recognition in academic circles outside Maharashtra and criticisms regarding her methodologies, Karve's work remains influential. Her interdisciplinary approach and writings on kinship, caste, and Indian society have left a lasting impact on the fields of sociology and anthropology in India.Her legacy continues to inspire scholars and researchers, particularly in the areas of kinship studies and the sociological interpretation of Indian epics​