DP Mukerji and the Dialectic of Tradition and Modernity in Indian Sociology

Lahiri A

Published on: 2025-09-06

Abstract

This paper examines the seminal contributions of D.P. Mukerji to Indian sociology. By synthesizing Western sociological theories with indigenous cultural perspectives, Mukerji offered a unique framework for understanding the complexities of Indian society. His dialectical approach to tradition and modernity challenged the notion of uncritical Westernization, advocating for a balanced integration of the two. Mukerji’s emphasis on cultural alienation, the Indian middle class, and the importance of personality in social context provides a rich foundation for contemporary sociological inquiry. This paper argues that Mukerji's holistic vision, rooted in Upanishadic philosophy, offers enduring insights into India's development trajectory.