New Delhi: Renowned sociologist and writer André Béteille passed away at his residence in New Delhi on Tuesday (February 3) night. He was 91 and had been unwell for some time, his family said.“My father was ailing for some time and was in the hospital. Last night we brought him home where he passed away,” his daughter, Radha Béteille told news agency PTI. His last rites were performed on Wednesday.Béteille, who was of Bengali and French descent, was born and raised in West Bengal and later moved to Delhi after completing his MA at Calcutta University. He taught for decades at the Delhi School of Economics, where he later became professor emeritus. He also served as the first chancellor of Ashoka University.“His passing is a profound loss to the academic community and to the entire Ashoka family. His moral and intellectual legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” Ashoka University wrote in a post on X.Ashoka University pays homage to André Béteille, First Chancellor of Ashoka UniversityThe Ashoka community is deeply saddened by the passing of Andre Béteille, a world-renowned scholar, beloved teacher and mentor, and the First Chancellor of Ashoka University. He passed away on… pic.twitter.com/5F5HYfJgFb— Ashoka University (@AshokaUniv) February 4, 2026In a post on X, University of Hyderabad noted, “His methodology was rigorous and formulated through a dialogue with economics, political science and law. Prof. Beteille’s commitment to cultural pluralism, liberalism and constitutional democracy has imprinted itself in his academic and popular works, as well as his writings on public policy.”The University of Hyderabad mourns the passing of renowned Indian sociologist and writer Prof. André Béteille at the age of 91 on February 4, 2026.The University’s association with Prof. Béteille dates back to the award of an Honorary Doctorate at the XV Convocation of the… pic.twitter.com/hfaLo1c2Wo— Univ of Hyderabad (@HydUniv) February 4, 2026Journalists, historians, academicians and politicians from across the country also paid tribute to Béteille.Former Rajya Sabha MP Jawhar Sircar wrote on Facebook, “I have lost a guru and a very kind mentor! Prof. Andre Béteille, doyen of Indian sociology and social anthropology is gone . He was the greatest after MN Srinivas — both were legendary.”“He worked on social analysis rather than social policy. His interest in the contradiction between norms and practices led Professor Béteille to study in some detail the nature and operation of institutions,” Sircar added.Historian Ramachandra Guha wrote on X, “Devastated to hear that the great sociologist Andre Beteille is no more. He was the Indian scholar I most admired, for me (and many others) a moral and intellectual anchor.”Devastated to hear that the great sociologist André Béteille is no more. He was the Indian scholar I most admired, for me (and many others) a moral and intellectual anchor. Here’s a tribute I published on his 90th birthday in September 2024: https://t.co/gxhwlQBdK1— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) February 4, 2026Former chief economic adviser to the Government of India Kaushik Basu said, “Such sad news. Truly towering figure, intellectually and morally, and with a fantastic sense of humour.”Such sad news. Truly towering figure, intellectually and morally, and with a fantastic sense of humor. https://t.co/hCArpu6TPc— Kaushik Basu (@kaushikcbasu) February 4, 2026Similarly, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh wrote, “A truly outstanding scholar, a wonderful writer and always a delight to talk to. I have learned so much from him over the years. They don’t make people like him anymore.”A truly outstanding scholar, a wonderful writer and always to a delight to talk to. I have learned so much from him over the years. They dont make people like him any more https://t.co/bftoEVlTEr— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 4, 2026Béteille wrote extensively on political sociology, social inequality and the sociology of religion. His books include Caste, Class and Power, Society and Politics in India and The Idea of Natural Inequality and Other Essays, among others. He also authored collections of essays such as Chronicles of Our Time and Ideology and Social Science.He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2005 for his contribution to sociology and social thought.