This book is a comprehensive and analytically rich contribution to the field of criminology, focusing specifically on the Indian social context. It presents a systematic study of crime as a social phenomenon and explores how societal structures, cultural norms, and institutional mechanisms influence the nature, causes, and control of crime in India. The authors have effectively bridged theoretical perspectives with real-world realities, making the book both academically rigorous and practically relevant.

One of the key strengths of the book lies in its multidimensional approach to understanding crime. It examines classical and modern theories of criminology—such as biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives—and applies them to Indian conditions. By doing so, the authors demonstrate how factors like poverty, unemployment, urbanization, family disorganization, and social inequality contribute to the emergence and persistence of criminal behavior. This contextualized analysis makes the book particularly valuable for readers seeking to understand crime beyond abstract theories.

The book also provides a detailed account of different types of crimes prevalent in India, including violent crimes, white-collar crimes, cyber crimes, and crimes against women and marginalized communities. It critically analyzes the changing patterns of crime in the wake of globalization, technological advancement, and rapid social transformation. In addition, the role of media, politics, and economic forces in shaping criminal tendencies and public perceptions of crime is thoughtfully examined.

A significant portion of the book is devoted to the concept of social control, highlighting the role of formal institutions such as law, police, judiciary, and correctional systems, as well as informal mechanisms like family, community, and cultural values. The authors evaluate the effectiveness of these institutions in maintaining social order and controlling deviant behavior, while also pointing out the challenges and limitations faced by the criminal justice system in India.

Written in a clear, engaging, and student-friendly style, the book is highly suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students of sociology, criminology, and related disciplines. It also serves as a valuable resource for researchers and aspirants preparing for competitive examinations such as UPSC and state services. The integration of theory, empirical insights, and Indian case studies makes this work a reliable guide for understanding the complex relationship between society, crime, and control mechanisms.

? Overall, Criminology: Society, Crime and Social Control in India stands out as a well-structured and insightful text that not only deepens the reader’s understanding of crime in India but also encourages critical thinking about the effectiveness of existing social control systems and the need for reform in a rapidly changing society.