Sanskritization: Process of Upward Mobility
The process described, where jatis (sub-castes) establish their own ritual practices and models for upward mobility within the existing ritual order of hierarchy, is known as Sanskritization.
Sanskritization, a concept introduced by sociologist M.N. Srinivas, involves lower castes adopting the customs, rituals, and beliefs of higher or dominant castes to improve their social standing.
Identifying Sanskritization in Caste Dynamics
- The question accurately reflects the core idea of Sanskritization: a lower or middle caste group imitating the practices of an upper caste to claim a higher position in the social hierarchy.
- This process involves changes in diet, customs, and adherence to Sanskritic or Brahminical rituals.
Distinguishing from Other Concepts
- Segmentation refers to the division of society into distinct, often endogamous, groups, rather than a process of mobility.
- Hypogamy is marriage with a spouse of lower rank, which represents downward or status-neutral mobility, not the upward aspiration described.
- Pauperization relates to the process of becoming poor and does not directly explain changes in ritual status or hierarchy.
Therefore, the ability of jatis to adopt higher ritual practices for upward mobility is termed Sanskritization.
Important Questions from Indian Structure: Caste–Class–Tribe
- Which one or more of the following views on caste can be attributed to B. R. Ambedkar following Annihilation of Caste?
Despite the constitutional provision of equality of all citizens before the law, in practice, Dalits are often excluded from access to common property resources and public spaces (e.g., pastures, water resources etc.)
Which theorist's conceptualization of power best explains this scenario?
Fill in the blank with the correct option.
'Theoretical Brahmins and empirical Shudras' is a phrase used by __________ to castigate the Indian social sciences.
- What is/are the strategy/strategies proposed by B. R Ambedkar for Dalits to overcome caste oppression?
- ___________ approach was NOT propounded by B.S. Cohn as one of the approaches to study Indian civilization.
