The Indian caste system is the defining feature of Hinduism. The social stratification in India is based on caste and class politics which act as the agencies of social mobility and assortment.
One of the most prominent changes in the Indian caste system is the revolutionary process of Sanskritization and westernization. With occupational interdependence and newer avenues for employment, the lower castes got an opportunity to pursue a career of their own choice, leading to fluidity in the rigid structure of castes.
What Is the Meaning of Sanskritization?
The term Sanskritization refers to a process where people belonging to lower castes collectively adopt practices and beliefs of upper castes in a quest to acquire higher status in society.
It mainly indicates the phenomenon of cultural mobility taking place in the traditional social system of India and was first introduced in Indian sociology by Prof. M.N. Srinivas who defines it in the following way:
“Sanskritization is a process by which a lower caste or tribe or any other group changes its customs, rituals, ideology or way of life in the direction of a higher or more often twice-born caste.”
Characteristics of Sanskritization
Sanskritization is a process of imitation, replication, and simulation-There is a lot of scope for movement in the caste system which is otherwise called rigid. However, the mobility associated with Sanskritization results only in positional changes in the system of caste hierarchy and does not lead to any structural change. As a result, the system itself does not change.
Hence Sanskritization cannot help as a means to bring a social change in India. But, stimulates upward mobility for the concerned caste. Sanskritization is a process of cultural change- Here, the castes mainly implement traditional cultural practices of higher castes in order to rise up in the hierarchical position.
In some societies, the lower cast people followed not only the customs of Brahmins but also the customs of the locally dominant caste-like Kshatriyas and Vaisyas to raise their status.
Sanskritization also leads to changes in the family structure- Some of these changes result in donning of sacred thread, giving up animal practice at the time of the wedding, and increased emphasis on pilgrimages.
Models of Sanskritization
- Cultural model- Hindu cultural practices such as the wearing of sacred thread, denying the use of meat and liquor, observing endogamy, prohibition of widow remarriage, observing the restriction in the caste system, etc are considered to be the measuring standards of sacredness and purity. Accepting these traditions is a form of Sanskritization.
- Varna model- According to the varna system, emulating the lifestyle or ideals of a Varna on the basis of honour and superiority enjoyed by that class is called the Varna model.
- Local model- Imitating the locally dominant caste's lifestyle in order to achieve a higher stature in the society is another model of Sanskritization.
Impact of Sanskritization
- In the social field: The process of Sanskritization causes a shift in the social status of people in the caste hierarchy.
- In the religious field: Religious practices of Brahmins are followed across the society by lower castes leading to religious changes in the lives of people.
- In the economic field: Due to certain beliefs such as clean trades are a symbol of social light, people also give up some occupations for their economic betterment.
- In living patterns: Lifestyle changes such as keeping houses clean or wearing dresses like the higher castes highlight that living patterns are sanskritized.
What Is Westernization?
Westernization has played a pivotal role in bringing about social change in India. It refers to the incorporation of the norms, values, and cultures of the West in one’s own culture. The process of westernization began to take place in India during British rule and is majorly observed in urban areas.
It has given rise to new institutions such as the press, electoral system and encouraged modern values like humanism, egalitarianism, and secularism. Many cultural and political movements came into existence during British rule causing changes or modernity in many other communities.
Prof. Srinivasan has stated, “Westernization refers to the changes brought about in Indian society and culture due to over 150 years of British rule, and the term subsumes changes occurring at different levels-technology, institutions, ideology, values.”
Impact of Westernization
The phenomenon of westernization started causing its impact substantially on the elites of the country since they had access to modern and British education, especially the English. Brahmins and other higher castes that were enjoying power and position in society eagerly took to a secular education system that the Britishers imparted with English as the medium.
New technology and the revolution in communication enabled the Britishers to integrate the country as never before in its history. Westernization encouraged the foundations of railway, post and telegraph, roads, canals, schools, colleges during the 19th century.
It also led to the printing press that made a significant impact on Indian society since the publication of books and journals transmitted modern and traditional knowledge to a large number of people.
Westernization resulted in fundamental changes in the old institutions. Apart from this, it attracted the attention of social reformers towards real evils caused by ignorance and superstitions.
These reformers took the responsibility of building a modern, prosperous and powerful India by abolishing the Sati system and slavery. Science and technology from the west have equipped Indians with knowledge, innovation, and progress in the global sector.
Written by – Aishwarya Khandekar
Edited by - Nidhi Verma
.jpeg)
0 Comments