Sanskritization as a concept has been criticised as :

(A) It does not lead to structural change in society

(B) It results in positional change in the society

(C) It justifies the model which rests on the idea of purity and pollution

(D) It preserves the dalit culture

(E) Adoption of upper caste rites results in upheaveal of position of women in society

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

(A), (B), (C) only

Sanskritisation as a concept has been critiqued at different levels.

One, it has been criticised for exaggerating social mobility or the scope of ‘lower castes’ to move up the social ladder. For it leads to no structural change but only positional change of some individuals. In other words, inequality continues to persist though some individuals may be able to improve their positions within the unequal structure.

Two, it has been pointed out that the ideology of sanskritisation accepts the ways of the ‘upper caste’ as superior and that of the ‘lower caste’ as inferior. Therefore, the desire to imitate the ‘upper caste’ is seen as natural and desirable.

Third, ‘sanskritisation’ seems to justify a model that rests on inequality and exclusion. It appears to suggest that to believe in pollution and purity of groups of people is justifiable or all right. Therefore, to be able to look down on some groups just as the ‘upper castes’ looked down on the ‘lower castes’, is a mark of privilege. In society where such a world-view exists, imagining an equal society becomes difficult.

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.

Fifth, the effect of such a trend is that the key characteristics of dalit culture and society are eroded. For example the very worth of labour which ‘lower castes’ do is degraded and rendered ‘shameful’.