Sanskritisation as a process of change is related to which of the fol…

The correct answer is Option (2) → B, C, E, D only

A. People want to seclude themselves from others Incorrect. Sanskritisation is about taking over the ways of a higher group, not keeping away from others. A group that wants to be accepted as higher draws closer to the higher castes’ customs.

B. Adopting dominant caste rituals Correct. Sanskritisation is 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’ caste. Where a highly Sanskritised caste was dominant, the culture of the whole region was Sanskritised.

C. Pollution and purity is adopted by the group Correct. In imitating the higher castes, the group also takes on their belief in pollution and purity; the process has been criticised for suggesting that such beliefs are justifiable or all right.

D. Prestigious for a member to be part of the group Correct. A group Sanskritises to raise its status. As the group’s position in the local caste hierarchy improves, belonging to it brings its members more prestige.

E. Upward social mobility Correct. The Sanskritisation of a group usually has the effect of improving its position in the local caste hierarchy, which is upward social mobility.

Note: Statement (D) is not in the book in these words; it is taken as correct by reasoning, since Sanskritisation raises a group’s status and so the prestige of belonging to it.