Which of the following pairs contains one process that pre-dates colonialism and one process that developed as a response to colonial changes?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option 1: Sanskritisation and Westernisation.
The important distinction is based on the historical origin of these processes. Sanskritisation was already present before colonial rule, so it did not arise because of the changes introduced by colonialism. On the other hand, Westernisation developed in the context of British rule and refers to changes in Indian society and culture associated with prolonged British influence.
The other three processes—modernisation, secularisation and westernisation—can be understood as complex responses to the changes brought by colonialism. Therefore, the pair that contains one process that existed before colonialism and one that developed in response to colonial changes is Sanskritisation and Westernisation.