Theoretical overview
SANSKRITISATION
All human societies from the simplest to the most complex have some form of social inequality. In particular, power, prestige and wealth are unequally distributed between individuals and groups. Social stratification is a particular form of social inequality. We find social stratification in all human societies.
According to M.N. Srinivas, “Sanskritization is the process by which a low Hindu caste or tribal or other group, changes its customs, rituals, ideology and ways of life in the direction of a high and frequently ‘twice born caste’ (the twice born castes include those castes which fall in the category of higher three varnas, Brahmins, Kshatriyas and Vaisyas).
Sanskritization is followed by a claim to higher position in the caste hierarchy. However, this claim is made over a long period of time. Sometimes, it may take decades or even centuries before this claim is accepted.”
Sanskritization will be Brahminical. In case the dominating caste of de region is Kshatriya, then the Kashtriya model will be relevant. Some of the tribal groups may even emulate shudras in order to become a part of the Hindu society. In this case, the model of Sanskritization will be shudra model. Therefore, the relevance of de model of Sanskritization will depend upon the fact that which caste is dominating in a particular region. Thus, the model of Sanskritization will differ from one region to another according to the dominance of particular caste group.
Sanskritization is not confined to Hindu castes, rather it exists among tribal and semi- tribal groups also.
Sanskritization is a means of social mobility in the Indian society.
However, it is not concerned with an individual rather it is with inference to caste or tribal group. Therefore, this process always takes place at the group level. It explains the changes in the status specific groups over a period of time. The process of Sanskritization generally leads to upward mobility for the caste undergoing this process.
However, mobility may occur without Sanskritization also because Sanskritization is only one of the means of social mobility.
Similarly, in some cases the process of Sanskritization may not result in social mobility. Another important feature of the process of Sanskritization is that it leads only to positional changes for the caste groups undergoing this process and does not lead to any structural change, ie, a caste may undergo a change in its social status but this does not lead to change in the caste system as a whole. Therefore, the process of Sanskritization cannot be seen as any threat to the stability or continuation of the caste system in the Indian society.
Points to remember
- Sanskritization is the process by which a low Hindu caste or tribal or other group, changes its customs, rituals, ideology and ways of life in the direction of a high and frequently ‘twice born caste.
- Sanskritization is followed by a claim to higher position in the caste hierarchy
- Sanskritization is a means of social mobility in the Indian society.
- mobility may occur without Sanskritization also because Sanskritization is only one of the means of social mobility.
