Page 2 - Mindmap_ Cultural Change

FOUR PROCESSES

Sanskritisation- The term Sanskritisation was coined by M.N.Srinivas. Sanskritisation is defined as the
process by which a ‘low caste’ or tribe or other group takes over the customs, rituals, beliefs, ideology and

style of life of a high and in particular, a twice- born (dwija) caste. – Social change in Modern India

Impacts of Sanskritisation

➢ Its influence can be seen in language literature, ideology,
music, dance, drama, style of life and ritual.

➢ It is primarily a process that takes place within the Hindu
space.

➢ In those regions where a highly sanskritised caste was
dominant, the culture of the entire region underwent a
certain amount of sanskritisation.

➢ In regions where the non-sanskritic castes were dominant .
It was their influence that was stronger. This can be termed
the process of De-Sanskritisation.

Criticism of Sanskritisation

1) It has been criticised for exaggerating social mobility or the scope of ‘lower
castes’ to move up the social ladder.

2) It has been pointed out that the ideology of Sanskritisation accepts the ways
of the ‘upper caste’ as superior and that of the ‘lower caste’ as inferior.

3) Sanskritisation seems to justify a model that rests on inequality and

exclusion.
4) Sanskritisation results in the adoption of upper caste rites and rituals it leads

to practices of secluding girls and women, adopting dowry practices instead of
bride- price and practising caste discrimination against other groups etc.
5) The effects of such a trend is that the key characteristics of dalit culture and
society are eroded.