In a village in Karnataka, a sociologist meets members of a caste group that has recently become wealthier through the grain trade. Over two generations the group has given up eating meat and drinking liquor, taken the names of a culturally high-placed caste, hired priests for elaborate rites, and begun to follow that caste's rules on food and marriage. Older members say they hope neighbouring villages will now treat them as a higher caste. The sociologist records the change and turns to the book to place the process in time and to weigh what its critics say.
Critics of the process seen in the passage argue that it leads to which of the following practices?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Secluding girls and women, and practising caste discrimination against other groups
Option (1) Secluding girls and women, and giving up caste discrimination against other groups — Incorrect. The first half is right, as sanskritisation leads to secluding girls and women. The second half is reversed: critics say it leads to practising caste discrimination against other groups.
Option (2) Secluding girls and women, and practising caste discrimination against other groups — Correct. The passage describes sanskritisation: a group adopts the names, food rules and rites of a higher caste to raise its status. Critics say that adopting upper caste rites leads to secluding girls and women and to practising caste discrimination against other groups.
Option (3) Allowing girls and women freer movement, and practising caste discrimination against other groups — Incorrect. The second half is right, but the first half is reversed. Sanskritisation brings stricter seclusion of girls and women.
Option (4) Allowing girls and women freer movement, and giving up caste discrimination against other groups — Incorrect. Both halves are reversed. Critics say sanskritisation leads to the seclusion of girls and women and to caste discrimination against other groups.
NCERT (2026-27): “Sanskritisation … “Fourth, since sanskritisation results in the adoption of upper caste rites and rituals it leads to practices of secluding girls and women, adopting dowry practices instead of bride-price and practising caste discrimination against other groups, etc.” |