‘Modernization in the Indian context is a complex phenomenon involving both continuity and change’. Comment

Initially, British advent led to growth of modernising sub-culture in presidencies, where a few educated elite emerged. Subsequently, Indian new intelligentsia like Raja Rammohan Roy, influenced by western ideals of equality, rationality ran a crusade against Hindu traditions.

These movements led to growth of a modernizing great tradition.

Along with these changes in norms, modernization also came in structure like rational bureaucratic system of police, courts etc.

However, caste, religion still played a role in recruitment in army, bureaucracy. Communal electorate was also announced. These reflect continuity of Indian processes even in face of modernization.

Introduction of adult suffrage after independence led to democratic modernization. Reforms like land reforms, CDP, Panchayati Raj have carried modernity reforms deep in the rural hinterland.

But still there is an element of both continuity and change as India has also been going under process of traditionalization.

Primordial identities like caste, kinship, regional have only changed to mask themselves. Caste has made deep inroads into politics. Caste-class nexus is changing in agrarian relations, but still lower castes constitute highest share of agricultural labourers. The continuance of caste marriage show the continuity.

Indian traditional structure resist the values of secularism, caste-freedom, non parochialisation, the existence of khap Panchayats, caste councils show that the communities are hard trying to defend their effect.

Even political mobilization is along caste and religious lines.

Many legislations sought to end untouchability with constitutional article 17 also against it, yet this horrific practice is continuing till date.

Patriarchy is rampant in India, even if there are more job opportunities for women.

Modernization has also reinforced traditionality. Now, it can be seen that people prefer to do more rituals to show their culture.

Caste, family, kinship too have retained their character. Caste has been most elastic structure, with making inroads into every possible organization.