Who coined the term “Great” and “little” traditions in the twentieth-century?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Robert Redfield
The sociologist Robert Redfield used the terms in the twentieth century to describe the culture of peasant societies. He saw that peasants followed rituals and customs that came from the dominant groups, such as priests and rulers. He called these the great tradition. Peasants also followed local practices that did not always match the great tradition. He called these the little tradition. Both kinds of tradition changed over time as they acted on each other.
Note: A same/similar question was asked in CUET (UG) in the papers below.
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
| 11-05 S1* 21-05 S1 | 19-05 S1* 23-05 S1* | – | 30-05 S1* | – |
* A similar question.
NCERT: Themes in Indian History Part II — Chapter 6: Bhakti-Sufi Traditions (2025-26)
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