AIR 212 · CSE 2024 · Sociology II · 52 pages

AMITEJ PANGTEY: Sociology II answer copy

19 answers by AMITEJ PANGTEY, as written in the test. Each question opens a page with how other toppers answered it.

The questions

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 147 words written

"How does M.N. Srinivas' concept of 'Sanskritization' shed light on the process of social transformation and cultural influences within Indian society?

Opening · a definition

MN srinivas explains Sanskritization as the 'imitation of lifestyles, beliefs & values of the Dwija caste by the lower caste individuals & families to mobilize themselves upward in local caste hierarchy.'

He explains Sanskritization of Coorgs in his 'Religion & society in the Coorgs of south India'.

Body · points

Sanskritization reflecting Indian society

I) on SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

  1. Caste Mobility: seen through sanskritization; against Indological

view of Ghurye & Henry Maine.

  1. Lingayats mobilized in 12th century.

  2. Open system of 'jati' rather than closed system of 'varna' was empirical reality of Indians.

II> ON CULTURAL INFLUENCES

  1. Upper castes seen as reference individuals by all members of society.

  2. Srinivas also included other DOMINANT CASTES (otherwise middle or lower castes) as culturally influencing people. eg. Vokkaligas → Dominant Caste in Rampura village; they were imitated.

Diagram
CRITIQUE -> Reflects Brahminical ideology (Gail Omvedt) -> Idea of De-sanskritization of lower castes observed (D.N. Mazumdar)

Close · a summary

Despite the critiques, SANSKRITIZATION helps understand social transformation in ancient & contemporary INDIA.