Understanding Sanskritisation and Westernisation

In the study of Indian society and social change, certain key concepts help us understand how things change over time. Two very important concepts in this context are Sanskritisation and Westernisation. These ideas help explain how different groups within India, and India as a whole, have undergone changes.

Who Developed These Concepts?

The concepts of Sanskritisation and Westernisation were introduced and popularized by a prominent Indian sociologist.

• Sanskritisation: This term describes the process by which a 'low' caste or tribe or other group changes its customs, rituals, ideology, and way of life in a direction, often over a period of time, of a 'high' or 'twice-born' caste. This often involves adopting vegetarianism, wearing sacred threads, and performing certain rituals traditionally associated with higher castes. It is a process of upward social mobility within the traditional caste system framework.
• Westernisation: This term refers to the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule. This includes changes in technology, institutions, ideology, and values. It encompasses changes ranging from the adoption of Western dress and food habits to the establishment of modern education systems, democratic institutions, and secular ideologies.

These significant concepts for understanding social change in India were developed by the renowned Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas. His work on villages and social change in India extensively used and elaborated upon these ideas.

Looking at the given options:

• Mamatha Bhatta - Not associated with these concepts.
• T. A. Saraswathiamma - Known for work in mathematics.
• M. N. Srinivas - Famous for developing Sanskritisation and Westernisation.
• Bhadresh Das Swamy - Known for religious scholarship.

Therefore, the sociologist who developed the concepts of Sanskritisation and Westernisation is M. N. Srinivas.