A. R. Desai, is a prominent Indian sociologist renowned for his application of the Marxist dialectical approach to the study of Indian society. His dialectical perspective offers a unique lens through which the complexities and dynamics of Indian society can be understood. This approach is deeply rooted in Marxist sociology and emphasizes the interplay of various social forces and contradictions within society.

• Historical Materialism: Desai's approach is grounded in historical materialism, a key element of Marx's theory. He believed that the economic base of society influences its superstructure, which includes social institutions, culture, and politics. In the context of Indian society, Desai analyzed how historical changes in the economic base, such as colonialism and capitalism, shaped social structures and relationships.
• Class Analysis: A critical aspect of Desai's perspective is his emphasis on class analysis. He viewed Indian society through the prism of class struggle and conflicts, arguing that societal changes and developments were driven by these class dynamics. Desai's work often highlighted the struggles of the working class and peasants against capitalist exploitation and feudal remnants.
• Critique of Structural Functionalism: Desai was critical of structural functionalist approaches, which he felt were inadequate in explaining the complexities of Indian society. He argued that such approaches overlooked the inherent conflicts and power dynamics in society, emphasizing stability and equilibrium over change and contradiction.
• State and Ideology: Desai paid considerable attention to the role of the state and ideological apparatuses in shaping societal norms and maintaining the status quo. He studied how the state, in its various forms throughout Indian history, from colonial to post-colonial periods, functioned to reinforce class structures and capitalist interests.
• Dialectic of Change and Continuity: Desai’s analysis was marked by a focus on the dialectic of change and continuity. He explored how Indian society, while undergoing significant transformations due to factors like modernization and globalization, also retained traditional and feudal elements.
• Integration of Indian Dimensions: One of the most significant contributions of Desai was his integration of Indian dimensions into Marxist sociology. He localized Marxist theory to the Indian context, examining caste, ethnicity, and regional diversities, and how these intersected with class dynamics.

A. R. Desai's dialectical perspective offers a comprehensive and critical approach to understanding Indian society. By applying Marxist principles and focusing on class struggle, historical materialism, and the role of the state and ideology, Desai provided profound insights into the dynamics of Indian social structure. His work remains influential in sociological studies, particularly for those seeking to understand the intricate interplay of various social forces in shaping the evolution of Indian society.