Govind Sadashiv Ghurye, often regarded as the father of Indian sociology, adopted an 'Indological' or 'textual' approach to understanding Indian society. This perspective primarily involved studying ancient Sanskrit texts, scriptures, and historical documents to derive insights into the social structure, institutions, and cultural practices of India. Ghurye believed that a deep understanding of these classical texts was essential to grasp the unique characteristics of Indian civilization, particularly its caste system.

His Indological approach emphasized the historical and cultural continuity of Indian society. For Ghurye, caste was not merely a social stratification but a fundamental institution deeply rooted in Hindu religious and philosophical traditions. He meticulously analyzed the origins, features, and functions of caste as described in ancient texts, highlighting its endogamous nature, hierarchical ordering, occupational specialization, and ritual purity-pollution distinctions. He viewed caste as a unique phenomenon that shaped Indian social life for centuries.

While his textual approach provided a rich historical and cultural context, it has also faced criticism for potentially overemphasizing the ideal-typical descriptions found in scriptures and underplaying the empirical realities, variations, and dynamics of caste as experienced in everyday life. Critics argue that it might have overlooked the agency of individuals and groups, and the impact of economic and political factors on social structures. Nevertheless, Ghurye's Indological perspective laid a foundational framework for the study of Indian society, influencing subsequent generations of sociologists to engage with India's rich textual traditions.