Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 167 words written
Opening · a definition
Sanskritization is a process in which a low caste, tribe or any other group takes the custom, traditions, rituals, ideology, way of life of an upper usually twice born caste, with the hope of regaining its status in the future.
It sheds light on the process of social transformation and cultural influences within Indian society in following ways:
Body · points
(1) Reference group: Yogendra Singh has called a culturally specific case of anticipatory socialization in the culture of high caste, in hope of regaining their position in future.
Social change in India can be explained.
Breaking the timeless and unchanging image of society Ex: coorgs in Mysore were able to improve their social status through imitation of upper caste
But it has limitations also:
(1) De-Sanskritisation : DN Majumdar Ex: Kashmiri Pandits (2) Only positional change and no structural change. (3) Evils of upper caste penetrated into lower castes. (4) Not a uniform phenomenon.
Close · a summary
Sanskritisation still gave a model to explain social mobility in rigid caste system.