Shyamlal is an eminent sociologist. He was previously Vice Chancellor, Patna University, Patna; Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur and also acting Vice Chancellor of University of Rajasthan, Jaipur. Earlier, he served as Professor and Head, Department of Sociology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur and Chairman, Institute of Social Research and Applied Anthropology, Calcutta. He has also been the Director of Social Science Research Centre, University of Rajasthan for many years. He is the recipient of ICSSR’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Fellowship for 2003-04 and 2004-05. He also held the post of Chairman, Drafting Committee, Ambedkar Foundation, Department of Art, Literature and Culture, Government of Rajasthan. Professor Shyamlal is a prolific writer and has to his credit over 21 books and more than 50 research papers published in various journals and edited volumes.