Target Exam

CUET

Subject

History

Chapter

Medieval India: Bhakti Sufi Traditions

Question:

Who defined the terms "great and little traditions" in the 20th-century to describe the cultural practices of peasant societies?

Options:

M. N. Srinivasan

Robert Redfield

Bipin Chandra

Sumit Guha

Correct Answer:

Robert Redfield

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → Robert Redfield

The terms great and little traditions were coined by a sociologist named Robert Redfield in the twentieth century to describe the cultural practices of peasant societies. He found that peasants observed rituals and customs that emanated from dominant social categories, including priests and rulers. These he classified as part of a great tradition. At the same time, peasants also followed local practices that did not necessarily correspond with those of the great tradition. These he included within the category of little tradition. He also noticed that both great and little traditions changed over time, through a process of interaction