Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Sociology

Chapter

Social Change and Development in India: Cultural Change

Question:

In regions where non Sanskritic castes are dominant, it was their cultural influence that was stronger. This phenomena is called _______.

Options:

Non Sanskritisation

De-Sanskritisation

Re-Sanskritisation

Un-Sanskritisation

Correct Answer:

De-Sanskritisation

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option 2: De Sanskritisation

The term sanskritisation was coined by M.N. Srinivas. It may be briefly defined as the process by which a ‘low’ caste or tribe or other group takes over the customs, ritual, beliefs, ideology and style of life of a high and, in particular, a ‘twice-born (dwija) caste’. The impact of Sanskritisation is many-sided. Its influence can be seen in language, literature, ideology, music, dance, drama, style of life and ritual. It is primarily a process that takes place within the Hindu space though Srinivas argued that it was visible even in sects and religious groups outside Hinduism. Studies of different areas, however, show that it operated differently in different parts of the country. In those areas where a highly Sanskritised caste was dominant, the culture of the entire region underwent a certain amount of Sanskritisation. In regions where the non-Sanskritic castes were dominant, it was their influence that was stronger. This can be termed the process of ‘de-Sanskritisation’.