Religious beliefs and practices vary and change, and this has to be examined in relation to variation and change in the structure of society. Discuss in context of Srinivas's views on religion and society.

M.N Srinivas in his book 'social change in Modern India' explains how change in social structure fueled by mobility changes religious beliefs and practices.

In his study of Coorg village, he gave the concept of 'Brahmanization'.

BRAHMANIZATION - to represent the process of imitation of life-ways and ritual practices of Brahmins by lower caste Hindus.

This leads to changes in the religious beliefs and practices of the people. They take bath twice a day, they avoid non-veg.

He brodens the concept further to explain SANSKRITISATION : This change in religions rituals and beliefs leads to change in structure. (Eq): Chandragupta Maurya - changes in wealth, education, skills led to changes in social structure thus changing religious beliefs and vice-versa.

Srinivas explains this changes further in the form of changes in beliefs and practices after coming of the British - This concept is called - WESTERNISATION :

nges in beliefs and practices after coming of the British - This concept is called - WESTERNISATION :

• It is a process of adopting ideals, beliefs, practices and culture in area of industry, technology, laws, politics etc
• This led to changes in practices and beliefs and gave birth to SECULARISM in India.
• The constitution of India which brought further changes in structure of society, it brought

• Equality for all
• banning untouchability
• Religious freedom.

• Thus, changes in religious beliefs and practises brought change of social structure as it paved the way for caste mobility in the form of Sanskritisation.