Characteristics Of Sanskritization And Brahmanization

Sanskritization and Brahmanization

Definition:
The term Sanskritization was first coined by Prof. M. N. Srinivas to explain a type of peculiar social mobility observable in Indian society. He defined this as ‘a process by which a low caste or a tribe or a group changes its customs, ritual, ideology and way of life in the direction of a high twice-born caste’. This was a much revised decision. Initially, he labelled this process as Brahmanization, but then he changed it for the following reasons:
a. In several parts of the country, lower castes attempted to improve their social status by adopting practices of any high caste group, not necessarily the Brahmins.
b. The group or Brahmins themselves are a very diverse set of communities, with

For instance, the lower castes were traditionally liberal regarding age during marriage, divorce and treatment of widows. However, with Sanskritization, adoption of harmful practices like pre-pubescent marriage, prohibition of divorce, dowry and ostracizing of widows (traditional upper-caste practices) can be seen among the lower castes as well.

Characteristic Features of Sanskritization:
a. The timeline:
Research by scholars like Panikkar has proven that Sanskritization has existed for more than 2000 years. He uses the example of the Kshatriyas to substantiate this- his historical research claims that the Nandas were the last ‘true’ Kshatriyas, and they disappeared in the 5th century BC. Since then, all castes claiming to be Kshatriya, are actually other (lower) castes but have been elevated to this position because of their profession/service as soldiers. This includes the Rajputs, Palas and Marathas among other prominent ruling lineages.
b. Universality:
History also reveals that Sanskritization has been a major process of cultural change that has occurred in every part of the Indian subcontinent. It may have been more active in some periods than others, and some parts of India may be more Sankritized than others, but the process itself is a universal one.
c. Different

Srinivas repeatedly affirms that Sanskritization involves on positional change, and not a structural one. This implies that although a lower caste my improve its position in society via Sanskritization, the hierarchy itself essentially remains the same. Therefore, even if a Shudra caste now occupies the position of, say, a Kshatriya one, the hierarchy itself would still exist and their claim will not be recognized by the higher castes. Hence, Sanskritization leads to horizontal mobility, and not a vertical one.
g. Time span:
Due to the aforementioned point, Sanskritization does immediately result in a betterment of the lives of the aspiring caste. A generation or two must pass before their claims are legitimized. In some cases, the claims may never be accepted, or take longer, depending on the area and time period of the Sanskritization.

Thus, the process of Sanskritization is essential for understanding social change in India. However, for a more holistic picture, it is necessary for us to understand the concept of a dominant caste.

Dominant