Chapter 2: Cultural Change – NCERT Solutions

Q1 Write a critical essay on Sanskritisation.

Definition: Coined by M.N. Srinivas, Sanskritisation refers to the process by which a “low” Hindu caste, or tribal group, changes its customs, rituals, ideology, and way of life in the direction of a high, and frequently, “twice-born” (Brahmin/Kshatriya) caste to improve its status in the caste hierarchy.

The Process:

It usually involves adopting vegetarianism, teetotalism (abstaining from alcohol), and copying rituals like the sacred thread ceremony.
It presumes that the upper caste way of life is “superior.”

                Critical Analysis (Critique):
                While Sanskritisation allows for positional change (an individual caste moving up), it does not lead to structural change (the caste system itself remains).
                Reinforces Inequality: It accepts the caste hierarchy as legitimate. Instead of destroying the system of inequality, lower castes try to rise within it.
Erosion of Dalit Culture: It implies that “lower” caste traditions are inferior. Rich traditions of Dalit labor, songs, and non-Brahminical practices are often discarded in favor of Sanskritised norms.
Gender Bias: Sanskritisation often leads to stricter controls on women (e.g., adopting Purdah or dowry), whereas lower caste women traditionally enjoyed more freedom and mobility.

            

Q2 Westernisation is often just about adoption of western attire and lifestyle. Are there other aspects to being westernised? Or is that about modernisation? Discuss.

Westernisation is the change in Indian society due to over 150 years of British rule. While it includes visible changes like attire and technology, it runs much deeper.

Aspects beyond Attire:

Institutions: Introduction of modern law, courts, elections, and the civil service.
Values: Adoption of individualism, egalitarianism, and secularism.
Literature & Art: Changes in art styles (e.g., Ravi Varma’s paintings) and new literary forms like the novel.

Difference from Modernisation:

Modernisation is a broader concept involving rationality, scientific outlook, and industrialisation. It is not limited to the West.
One can be modern without being western (e.g., Japan is modern but retains its culture).
Conversely, one can be westernised without being modern (e.g., wearing western clothes but believing in superstitions or caste discrimination).

Q3 Write short notes on:

(a) Rites and Secularisation

Secularisation in sociology doesn’t just mean being non-religious; it often means the retreat of religion from the public sphere.
Traditional religious rites (weddings, festivals) are becoming more secular in nature. They are now often about social status, wealth display, and networking rather than purely spiritual connection. The “sacred” element is diminishing in favor of the social element.

(b) Caste and Secularisation

Paradoxically, while the ritual rigidity of caste (purity/pollution rules) has weakened due to secularisation, the political strength of caste has increased.
Caste has transformed from a ritual system into a secular pressure group. Caste associations function like modern political parties or trade unions, lobbying for reservations and power in the democratic state.

(c) Gender and Sanskritisation

Sanskritisation often has a negative impact on women’s status.

“Low” caste women historically worked in fields and had relatively more freedom (e.g., widow remarriage was often allowed).
As a community Sanskritises to imitate upper castes, they often adopt stricter patriarchal norms to prove their “high status.” This includes practicing dowry, forbidding widow remarriage, and restricting women to the domestic sphere (seclusion).