Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 160 words written
Opening · a definition
Prof M.N Srinivas gave the concept of Sanskritisation based on his study of Coorgs in South India.
Body · continuous prose
Sanskritisation refers to imitation by lower caste or tribe of twice born particularly 'Dwija' (twice born) caste in hope of upward mobility. Imitation is of customs, beliefs, rituals and ideology.
Sanskritisation leads to cultural mobility of a caste in a local hierarchy. The structural framework of Varna remains intact. For eg - though Yadavs in UP emerged as dominant caste calling themselves
'Yaduvanshi' (lineage of Lord Krishna), their ritual status still remains structurally below Brahmins.
Prof Yogendra Singh contends how it is only a cultural change and not structural change. Only few groups of families move upward that too only in local content.
Sanskritisation also makes values, culture of upper caste desirable and looking down upon other groups in hierarchy as the goal. This further reinforces structural hierarchy rather than changing it.
Close · a summary
Sanskritisation created a dynamic picture of caste bringing mobility in it.