1.1 Glossary
Starting Term Definition Related Term Character S Sanskritization The term ‘sanskritization’ was first used in Srinivas’s work Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India (1952).
Sanskritization is used to explain the process of upward mobility within the Hindu caste system. B Brahminization Srinivas first used the term ‘Brahminization’ instead of Sankritization to explain the process of social adoption of the way of life of the upper castes by the lower castes. ice-born’ caste. He identified Sanskritization with imitation of the Brahminical customs and manners by the lower castes assuming that the Brahmins were the sole model of emulation for the Sanskritizing groups. D Dominant Caste It refers to those castes which are locally dominant due to their landed property, numerical strength, political power, and high position in the local social hierarchy. W Westernization Westernization refers to the changes brought about as a consequence of the contact with western culture, particularly the British. Srinivas first used the concept in an essay titled “A Note on Sanskritization and Westernization” in the journal Far Eastern Quarterly in 1956 which was subsequently included
in his book, Caste in Modern India (1962). M Modernization Modernization’ is the popular term to explain the process of changes brought about in a non-western country by contact, direct or indirect, with a Western country. It includes a “disquieting positivist spirit” touching “public institutions as well as private aspirations”, a revolution in communications, wider economic and political participation and social mobility.
2.2 Time-Line
Timelines Image Description < date1 > < Image1>
1.2 Did you know?
Description Image Source < Description> < Image>
1.3 Web Links/References
Web links
< web link 2> http://www.nepjol.info/index.php/HJSA/article/view/1492/1466
< web link 3> http://gateway.isec.ac.in/JSED/JSED_V3_I1_144-151.pdf
< web link 4>http://www.epw.in/special-articles/sanskritisation-westernisation-and-india-s-north- west.html
B K, Amar. 2008 ‘Sanskritization and Caste Opposition:A Shift from Ritual to Politico-economic Power’. Himalayan Journal of Sociology & Anthropology, pp. 1-10, Vol. 3.
Chanana, D. 1961 ‘Sanskritisation, Westernisation and India’s North-West’. Economic Weekly, pp. 409- 414, Vol. 13, No. 9.
Gould, H. 1961 ‘Sanskritisation and Westernisation: A Dynamic View’. Economic Weekly, pp. 945-950, Vol. 13, No. 25.
Singh, Y. 1996 Modernization of Indian Tradition. Rawat Publications. Jaipur.
Srinivas, M. N. 1952 Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India. Oxford.
1962/89 Caste in Modern India and Other Essays. Media Promoters & Publishers Pvt. Limited. Bombay.
1966/77 Social Change in Modern India and other Essays. Orient Longman. Hyderabad.
1.4 Interesting Facts
Interesting Facts
1. The term ‘Sanskritization’ was first used in Srinivas’s book Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India (1952).
2. Srinivas first used the term ‘Brahminization’ instead of Sanskritization. Subsequently, he found that Sanskritization as a process of social mobility cannot be explained only with the help of the Brahminical model. There can be other models (Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra) as well depending on the context. In fact, Srinivas highlights the fact that the Brahmin’s claim to supremacy was contested by various caste groups on various occasions.
3. Srinivas opted for the term ‘Westernization’ instead of ‘modernization’ as, according to him, the former is ethically neutral. Its use does not carry the implication that it is good or bad, whereas ‘modernization’ is normally used in the sense that it is good. Besides, Srinivas does not find the value of humanitarianism ingrained into the concept of modernization.
4. Though apparently opposite to each other, the processes of ‘Sanskritization and ‘Westernization’ are closely related and often mutually helpful.
5. The most Sanskritized castes like the Brahmins were the first to Westernize and lead the process of Westernization in India.
Assessment
1. What is Sanskritization? What was it originally called? Why was it abandoned? 2. What is Westernization? What led Srinivas opt for this term in preference to modernization? 3. Sanskritization and Westernization are closely interrelated processes. Explain. 4. Write Short Notes: a. Locally dominat caste; b. Weaknesses of Sanskritization.