Question

In Sociology, “Sanskritization” as a process of social mobility was explained by:

• A. G.S. Ghurye
• B. M.N. Srinivas
• C. Andre Beteille
• D. Yogendra Singh

Hint:

Remember that Sanskritization is closely linked to other terms coined by M.N. Srinivas, such as "Dominant Caste" and "Westernization."
Keep in mind that Sanskritization offers positional mobility, not structural mobility.
Identifying these distinctions is extremely helpful for eliminating incorrect choices in competitive papers.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks for the name of the Indian sociologist who coined and explained the concept of "Sanskritization" to describe cultural change and social mobility within the traditional Indian caste system.

Step 2: Key Approach:
Sanskritization is a structural-functional tool used to analyze how caste-based hierarchies undergo internal positional adjustments over time.
This framework highlights that the caste system, despite its rigidity, is not entirely static.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Definition of Sanskritization: M.N. Srinivas defined Sanskritization as a process by which a low Hindu caste, tribal, or other group changes its customs, ritual, ideology, and way of life in the direction of a high, and frequently, "twice-born" (dwija) caste.

• Empirical Basis: Srinivas first observed and formulated this concept during his detailed field study of the Coorgs of South India, which he published in his landmark 1952 book, Religion and Society among the Coorgs of South India.

• Nature of Mobility: Sanskritization results only in "positional change" for a specific group within the local caste hierarchy.

• No Structural Change: It does not lead to "structural change" because the overall hierarchical framework of the caste system itself remains completely unaltered.

• Analysis of Other Thinkers: G.S. Ghurye is known as the father of Indian Sociology and focused on Indological perspectives and the features of caste.

• Beteille's Contribution: Andre Beteille is famous for his study of class, caste, and power dynamics in Sripuram village.

• Singh's Contribution: Yogendra Singh is recognized for analyzing the modernization of Indian tradition through structural and cultural changes.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the process of Sanskritization was explained by M.N. Srinivas, making Option (B) the correct answer.