Q: Critically examine the concept of Sanskritization with suitable illustrations.

Model Answer:

Sanskritization in Sociology

Sanskritization is a term coined by Indian sociologist M.N. Srinivas in the 1950s to describe a process by which lower castes in India attempt to raise their social status by adopting the rituals, practices, ideology, and lifestyle of the higher castes. This process is often linked with upward social mobility and is seen as a mechanism for lower castes to gain social respectability and economic advantage.

Concept of Sanskritization:

Sanskritization is a process of cultural mobility that is taking place in the traditional social system of India. According to M.N. Srinivas, Sanskritization is a process by which a low or middle Hindu caste, or tribal or other group, changes its customs, rituals, ideology, and way of life in the direction of a high and frequently twice-born caste. The process is marked by changes in lifestyle, rituals, religious practices, and even caste names. The ultimate aim of Sanskritization is to attain a higher status in the caste hierarchy.

Critique of Sanskritization:

1. Ignoring Material Aspects: Critics argue that the concept of Sanskritization focuses only on the cultural aspects of social mobility and ignores the material aspects such as wealth, occupational mobility, and political power. The process of Sanskritization does not necessarily result in economic and political upward mobility.

2. Reinforcement of Caste Hierarchies: Sanskritization often reinforces the caste hierarchies as it involves imitating the lifestyle and practices of the upper castes. It does not challenge or subvert the existing caste hierarchies, but rather legitimizes them.

3. Limited Scope: The concept of Sanskritization is limited in its scope as it applies only to the Hindu social order. It does not adequately explain the social mobility among non-Hindu communities in India.

4. Gender Bias: The process of Sanskritization often involves the adoption of patriarchal norms and practices of the upper castes. This can lead to the further marginalization and subordination of women in these communities.

Illustrations of Sanskritization:

1. The Nadars of Tamil Nadu: The Nadars, originally a lower caste community engaged in toddy tapping, adopted the vegetarian diet, teetotalism, and other Brahminical practices to raise their social status. They also built temples and employed Brahmins to perform rituals.

2. The Ezhavas of Kerala: The Ezhavas, a lower caste community in Kerala, adopted Sanskritization as a strategy for upward social mobility. They established their own temples and schools, and adopted Brahminical rituals and practices.

Conclusion:

While Sanskritization has been a significant process in understanding social mobility in Indian society, it has its limitations. It tends to reinforce existing social hierarchies and inequalities rather than challenging them. Moreover, the focus on cultural aspects often overlooks the material realities of social mobility. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of social mobility in India requires a nuanced approach that goes beyond Sanskritization.