Q: How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society ?

Model Answer:

Little Tradition and Great Tradition

The coexistence of little and great traditions in contemporary Indian society reflects the complex interplay between local, folk practices and pan-Indian, classical cultural elements. This dynamic relationship, first conceptualized by anthropologist Robert Redfield, continues to shape India’s diverse social landscape.

Great tradition in India refers to the classical, textual, and institutionalized aspects of culture, often associated with Sanskrit literature, formal religious practices, and philosophical traditions. It includes elements like Vedic rituals, classical music, and Sanskrit epics. In contrast, little tradition encompasses local, regional, and folk practices, often oral in nature and specific to particular communities or geographic areas.

The coexistence of these traditions in contemporary India manifests in several ways:

1. Religious syncretism: Many local deities and rituals (little tradition) have been incorporated into mainstream Hinduism (great tradition). For example, local goddess cults have been assimilated into the broader Hindu pantheon, demonstrating the adaptive nature of Indian religious practices.

2. Language and literature: While Sanskrit remains the language of classical texts (great tradition), regional languages and dialects (little tradition) continue to thrive, often borrowing from and influencing each other. This is evident in the works of modern Indian writers who blend classical and folk elements in their storytelling.

3. Art and performance: Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam (great tradition) coexist with folk dances like Bhangra or Garba (little tradition). These art forms often influence each other, creating new hybrid forms that appeal to contemporary audiences.

4. Social structures: While the caste system (great tradition) remains influential, local kinship systems and community practices (little tradition) continue to shape social interactions and identities in various regions.

5. Education and knowledge systems: Formal education based on classical texts and Western models (great tradition) coexists with traditional knowledge systems and oral traditions (little tradition) in fields like agriculture, medicine, and crafts.

Sociologist M.N. Srinivas’s concept of “Sanskritization” further illustrates this interplay, describing how lower castes adopt practices of higher castes to improve their social status. This process demonstrates the ongoing negotiation between great and little traditions in shaping social mobility and cultural identity.

In conclusion, the coexistence of great and little traditions in contemporary Indian society reflects a dynamic process of cultural exchange, adaptation, and synthesis. This interplay continues to shape India’s unique cultural landscape, contributing to its diversity and complexity.