The agrarian structure in India is characterized by a diverse set of classes and social relations, each playing a distinct role in agricultural production and rural life.

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Sociologists have studied these agrarian classes to understand the complexities of rural societies, land relations, and the dynamics of agricultural production. Here are some of the major agrarian classes in India and the contributions of different sociologists in analyzing them:

Landlords or Zamindars:

Contributions:
- Sociologist D.N. Dhanagare, in his work “Peasant Movements in India,” explored the dynamics of landlord-peasant relations during the colonial period. He examined the exploitation faced by peasants and the role of landlords in perpetuating agrarian inequalities.

Rich Peasants or Kulaks:

Contributions:
- Andre Beteille, in his book “Rich Peasants in an Indian Village,” studied the social and economic dynamics of rich peasants in a North Indian village. He examined their role in the agrarian structure and their relationships with other classes.

Middle Peasants:

Contributions:
- Sociologist A.R. Desai, in his work “Rural Sociology in India,” contributed to the understanding of middle peasants and their position in the agrarian hierarchy. He explored the economic and social characteristics of this class in the context of changing agrarian structures.

Poor Peasants:

Contributions:
- B.B. Misra, in his work “The Indian Peasant,” discussed the plight of poor peasants, focusing on their economic struggles and vulnerability. His research shed light on the challenges faced by this class in the context of agrarian transformations.

Agricultural Laborers:

Contributions:
- Sociologist A.R. Desai, in his book “Land Reforms in India,” extensively discussed the conditions of agricultural laborers and their struggles for land rights. He highlighted the exploitative relationships between landlords and agricultural laborers.

Tribal Communities:

Contributions:
- Sociologist M.N. Srinivas, in his study of the Coorgs in South India, examined the agrarian structure within tribal societies. His work, “The Remembered Village,” explored the economic and social life of tribal communities engaged in agriculture.

Caste-Based Agrarian Classes:

Contributions:
- S.C. Dube, in his research on the Kallar community in Tamil Nadu, analyzed the caste-based agrarian classes and their interactions. His work, “Indian Village,” provided insights into the complexities of caste relations in rural settings.

Dalit Agricultural Laborers:

Contributions:
- Sociologist B.R. Ambedkar, though primarily known for his advocacy of social and political rights for Dalits, also discussed the economic struggles of Dalit agricultural laborers. His writings emphasized the need for land reforms to address the inequalities faced by Dalits in the agrarian sector.

Globalization and Changing Agrarian Relations:

Contributions:
- Sociologist P. Sainath, in his book “Everybody Loves a Good Drought,” critically examined the impact of globalization on agrarian classes, particularly on small and marginal farmers. He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers in the era of economic liberalization.

Gender and Agrarian Classes:
- Contributions:
- Feminist scholars like Bina Agarwal have focused on the gender dimensions of agrarian classes. Agarwal’s work, “A Field of One’s Own: Gender and Land Rights in South Asia,” explores the intersection of gender, caste, and class in rural India.

These sociological contributions collectively provide insights into the complex web of agrarian relations, class dynamics, and social inequalities in rural India. The studies highlight the historical context, power structures, and struggles within different agrarian classes, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of rural societies in the country.