Sanskritizaion and its challenges

M.N. Srinivas - Sanskritization | Aptitude Amplifier



Topic 3

Critically examine the Sanskritization.
Sanskritization is a social phenomenon through which the lower castes and tribes seek to uplift their status by emulating the rituals and practices of upper castes or Varnas. This term was first used by M.N Srinivas and the concept was published in his book ‘Religion and Society among the Coorge of South India’.
The process of sanskritization came in prominence after the advent of British in India. Theoretically this change is prohibited but people belonging to lower strata of society have started seeking their position upgradetion in society via sanskritization. For example the Lingayat movement of South India through which the lower section claimed equality with Brahmins. It is adopted mostly by the middle section of religion hierarchy. It does not take place only in the varnas but among the tribes also. Through this only the status of a caste or group changes not the social structure. The idea of rigidity and unchanging institution always remained as a challenge to this process. To understand the Sanskritization the main aspect would be to understand the need and reasons behind the emergence of this concept.

Reasons behind the emergence of Sanskritization
Various factors led to the process of desire of social upgradation among the lower strata of the society. People have faced multiple deprivations being as a part of social hierarchy. The Hindu society has been divided among Brahmin, Kshatriya, Veshya, Shudra and at the last strata the untouchables or Dalits come. People from the lowest rank such as untouchables or Dalits and sometimes Shudras also have been facing different social, economic and cultural deprivation in the society since ages. This religion sanctioned denigration got worse with the norms made by society. The lack of autonomy, deprivations in every sphere and lack of self respect among the fellow beings have caused resentment among the lower strata against the higher castes or classes. People adopt it either willingly and sometime forcefully too. To study the different reasons behind the Sanskritization different models were suggested.

Models of Sanskritization
M.N. Srinivas propounded this theory and gave different models to elaborate the types of sanskritization existing in society.
(I) Cultural Model: Under this model people of lower castes or varnas emulates the ritual, traditions and pantheons of higher castes or varnas. The cultural practices such as vegetarianism, teetotialism, believing in the myths, giving up of cleaning and washing, avoiding of low paid unhygienic occupations and endogamy are adopted by them. All these rituals and traditions are necessary to remain pure for the upper castes according to the religious scriptures.
(II) Varna Model: The lower varna emulates the life style and ideals of higher varna. The similar ceremonies and rituals are adopted such as wearing sacred thread, worshipping according to the methods prescribed in the scriptures, Bhajan, arti and same pantheons are worshipped.
 (III) Local Model: The economically or politically sound class automatically becomes dominant or master class at some place for example the Jaats in Haryana.

Acceptance of Sanskritization
The process of Sanskritization is not so easy to perform or adapt. A sanskritized caste or group does not get the acceptance easily among the society rather had to face rejection by the higher classes in due process. Such as the Lingayat movement faced opposition by Brahmin class in South India. The lower section had to struggle even if they came in prominence through economic upliftment also. The Sanskritization does not mean that the class completely gets Brahmanized rather it takes the rituals of higher classes and adjust it with its own traditions and rituals. Inspite of all the struggles the modern and current situation of society gives another opportunity to the lower caste.

Modern outlook
The equally rising economic opportunities for every section of society and the right to equality given by the laws has changed the prospective of people in society up to a great extent. Education is playing an important role where people are getting judged by their abilities not through the way of their castes. In fact through the influence of westernization people are getting non-vegetarian and alcoholic what is consider as a non-Brahaminic trait. Rather people are getting de-Sanskritized to get the benefits in educational institution and jobs. Now, the need of Sanskritization through the upliftment in religion rank is getting taken over by the economic equality and education.








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