G.S. Ghurye, often considered the father of Indian sociology, can be characterized as a practitioner of 'theoretical pluralism' due to his eclectic approach to studying Indian society. Unlike many scholars who adhere strictly to one theoretical framework, Ghurye drew upon a wide range of theoretical perspectives and methodologies, integrating them to provide a comprehensive understanding of complex social phenomena.

His theoretical pluralism is evident in several aspects of his work:

1. Indological and Empirical Approaches: Ghurye masterfully combined the Indological (textual) approach with empirical observations. While he extensively used ancient Sanskrit texts to understand the historical roots and normative structures of Indian society (e.g., his work on caste), he also conducted empirical studies and used census data to analyze contemporary social realities, demographic changes, and urban patterns. He believed that a holistic understanding required both historical depth and contemporary analysis.
2. Comparative Method: Ghurye frequently employed a comparative method, drawing parallels and contrasts between Indian social institutions and those in other societies. This allowed him to highlight the unique features of Indian society while also placing it within a broader sociological context.
3. Multidisciplinary Perspective: His work transcended disciplinary boundaries, incorporating insights from history, anthropology, ethnography, linguistics, and even physical anthropology. This multidisciplinary lens enabled him to tackle complex issues like caste, tribe, family, and religion from various angles, enriching his analysis.
4. Focus on Diverse Themes: Ghurye's vast body of work covered an impressive array of topics, including caste and race, tribes, cities, family and kinship, religion, and even dress and ornaments. This breadth of interest reflects a willingness to engage with diverse social realities, each requiring potentially different theoretical tools for analysis.
5. Evolutionary and Functionalist Elements: While not strictly adhering to any single school, elements of evolutionary thought (in tracing the historical development of institutions) and functionalism (in understanding the roles of various social structures) can be discerned in his writings.

In essence, Ghurye's 'theoretical pluralism' was not a lack of theoretical rigor but rather a pragmatic and comprehensive strategy to grapple with the multifaceted nature of Indian society. He recognized that no single theory or method could fully capture its complexity, and thus, he judiciously selected and integrated various theoretical insights to construct a nuanced and rich sociological understanding.