Sanskritisation refers to the process in which lower castes or groups attempt to adopt the cultural practices, rituals, and lifestyle of higher castes, often to improve their social status. The reference group in Sanskritisation is typically from a higher caste, not an inferior one. People from lower castes seek to emulate the practices of the higher castes as a way to gain respect and improve their position in the social hierarchy.
Therefore, 'Reference group' in sanskritisation is usually inferior is not associated with Sanskritisation, as the reference group in this process is typically from a higher caste.
Westernisation refers to the cultural, social, and economic changes that were introduced to non-Western societies, particularly in countries like India, as a result of European colonialism. During the colonial period, Western ideas, practices, and institutions were imposed or adopted in various forms, such as in education, governance, technology, and social norms. This led to structural changes in society, which were influenced by Western ways of life.
(B) Cultural change that predates colonialism: This is incorrect because Westernisation is specifically associated with the changes brought about during or after colonialism, not before.
(C) Cultural change brought about by secularisation: While secularisation can lead to cultural changes, Westernisation specifically refers to the influence of Western culture, which may or may not be linked to secularisation.
(D) Cultural change brought about by colonialism: While Westernisation is a cultural change brought by colonialism, it specifically refers to the structural and cultural transformations driven by the introduction of Western ideas, institutions, and practices, not just a general cultural change.
Thus, the correct answer is (A) Structural change brought about by colonialism.
Modernisation and Sanskritisation are processes that have had different impacts on various sections of society, especially in India. These processes have often resulted in uneven social changes among different castes.
Modernisation refers to the transformation in social, political, and economic spheres, often linked with urbanisation, industrialisation, and education. It has affected different groups differently, depending on factors such as caste, class, and region.
Sanskritisation involves lower castes attempting to adopt the practices and lifestyle of higher castes to improve their social status. This process has been uneven as well, as not all castes have had equal access to the practices or the ability to benefit from Sanskritisation.
Thus, both modernisation and Sanskritisation have caused uneven social changes among different castes, with some groups benefiting more than others.
(A) These processes shaped urban India with no effect in rural areas: This is incorrect because both modernisation and Sanskritisation have had effects in rural areas as well, especially in terms of caste mobility and social change.
(B) These processes brought in the same set of changes in different localities: This is also incorrect, as the impact of these processes has varied by region and caste.
(D) These processes directly led to secularisation: While modernisation can be linked to secularisation, Sanskritisation is more focused on caste mobility and does not directly lead to secularisation.
Thus, the correct answer is (C) These processes led to uneven social changes among different castes.
Modernisation generally refers to the process of social, economic, and cultural transformation that occurs as societies adopt modern practices and technologies. The characteristics associated with modernisation include:
(A) People influenced not by local but global contexts: Modernisation often involves exposure to global ideas, technologies, and cultures, influencing individuals beyond their local environments.
(C) Association in which men live and work is based on choice and not birth: Modernisation tends to promote social mobility and individual choice, rather than rigid social structures based on birth or caste, leading to changes in how people form relationships and work.
(D) Utility, calculation, and science take precedence over emotions and irrationality: Modernisation is often associated with a rational approach to problem-solving, where decisions are based on utility, logic, and scientific knowledge rather than emotions or traditional beliefs.
However, (B) Instead of individual, it is the group that becomes the primary unit of change is NOT a characteristic of modernisation. Modernisation typically emphasizes individual rights, choices, and autonomy, especially in terms of personal freedom and development. The focus is generally on the empowerment of the individual, rather than on the group as the primary unit of change.
Thus, the correct answer is (B) Instead of individual, it is the group that becomes the primary unit of change.
Secularisation refers to the process by which religion loses its social, cultural, and political influence over various aspects of life. In India, secularisation has primarily led to cultural change, as it encourages the development of a society where religious considerations are increasingly separated from public life and governance. It promotes the idea of religious pluralism and the notion that people should not be discriminated against based on their religious beliefs, fostering a more inclusive and diverse society.
Thus, the best description of the change brought about by secularisation in India is cultural change, as it alters the way religion is integrated into the cultural fabric of society.