Question

Which among these is NOT associated with sanskritisation?

• A. It is broadly connected to the notion of purity and pollution.
• B. It is a cultural process.
• C. ‘Reference group’ in sanskritisation is usually inferior.
• D. A process of mobility.
• A. Structural change brought about by colonialism
• B. Cultural change that predates colonialism
• C. Cultural change brought about by secularisation
• D. Cultural change brought about by colonialism
• A. These processes shaped urban India with no effect in rural areas.
• B. These processes brought in same set of changes in different localities.
• C. These processes led to uneven social changes among different castes.
• D. These processes directly led to secularisation.
• A. People influenced not by local but global contexts.
• B. Instead of individual, it is the group that becomes the primary unit of change.
• C. Association in which men live and work is based on choice and not birth.
• D. Utility, calculation and science takes precedence over emotions and irrationality.
• A. Structural change
• B. Intra-regional change
• C. National change
• D. Cultural change

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Sanskritisation refers to the process by which a low caste or group seeks upward mobility by emulating the rituals, customs, and lifestyle of higher castes. It is inherently linked to the concept of social mobility and hierarchy in the caste system.

Key aspects of sanskritisation include:

• Purity and Pollution: The idea of sanskritisation is closely tied to the notions of purity and pollution within the caste hierarchy. Higher castes are often considered purer, and lower castes emulate them to achieve a perceived higher status.
• Cultural Process: Sanskritisation is a cultural process in which lower castes adopt the customs and practices of higher castes to improve their social status over time.
• Process of Mobility: This is essentially a process of social mobility within a rigid caste structure where a group attempts to elevate its position by adopting the practices of socially superior groups.

Given these points, the concept of a 'reference group' being inferior is incorrect within the traditional framework of sanskritisation. Typically, the reference group is one that holds a higher status, as the process involves aspiring to emulate a superior group, challenging traditional social norms.

Therefore, the statement "'Reference group' in sanskritisation is usually inferior" is NOT associated with the concept of sanskritisation.

Answer 2

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.

• It is broadly connected to the notion of purity and pollution: This is correct. Sanskritisation often involves the adoption of practices considered purer by the higher castes.
• It is a cultural process: This is correct. Sanskritisation is a cultural process involving the adoption of higher caste practices.
• A process of mobility: This is correct. Sanskritisation is a form of social mobility where lower castes attempt to move upward in the social structure by emulating the higher castes.

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.

Answer 3

Westernisation refers to the structural change brought about by colonialism. It involves the adoption of Western culture, ideas, and institutions in non-Western societies due to colonial rule. The passage highlights that modernity does not only bring new ideas but also leads to a reinterpretation of tradition, signifying that both culture and traditions are dynamic. India's diversity showcases how different processes such as modernisation or westernisation impact various groups diversely, underlining the complexity in how these changes affect different demographics. 

Process	Description
Westernisation	Structural change by colonialism
Modernisation	Adoption of new ideas
Sanskritisation	Adopting practices of higher castes
Secularisation	Reduction of religious influence

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

Modernisation and sanskritisation have had an uneven impact on Indian society, leading to varied social changes among different castes. These processes interact with India's inherent structural and cultural diversity, influencing groups differently based on various factors such as geography, caste, and gender. Here’s how these impacts are manifested: 

• Modernisation introduces new ideas and reinterpretations of tradition, allowing for structural changes to evolve differently across regions and social groups. Its influence varies, reshaping economic, educational, and social dimensions differently depending on local contexts.
• Sanskritisation involves lower castes adopting customs and practices of higher castes to rise in social status, which leads to variations in cultural shifts across castes and regions.
• The result is uneven social changes: some castes experience significant transformation while others may remain unchanged or change in different ways.

Therefore, these processes did not uniformly influence social changes across Indian society, but rather resulted in distinct experiences and outcomes for different castes.

Answer 6

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.

Answer 7

To determine which statement is NOT a characteristic of modernization, we need to analyze each option in light of modern society traits. 

People influenced not by local but global contexts. This is a characteristic of modernization, as modern societies often focus on global influence rather than local traditions.

Instead of individual, it is the group that becomes the primary unit of change. This statement is NOT a characteristic of modernization. Modernization emphasizes the individual as the primary unit of society, valuing individual achievement over group identity.

Association in which men live and work is based on choice and not birth. In modern societies, social associations tend to be based on merit and personal choice rather than hereditary factors, making this a characteristic of modernization.

Utility, calculation and science takes precedence over emotions and irrationality. This is a hallmark of modernization, where rationality and empirical science are valued over emotional or traditional beliefs.

Thus, among the given options, the statement "Instead of individual, it is the group that becomes the primary unit of change." is the one that does NOT align with the characteristics of modernization.

Answer 8

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.

Answer 9

Secularisation refers to the process by which religious institutions, practices, and beliefs lose their social significance. In the context of India, it leads to cultural change. Here's why: 

1. Rethinking Tradition: Modernity often requires a reinterpretation of cultural and religious traditions. As people engage with new ideas, they may transform or abandon certain traditional practices.

2. Living Culture: Indian culture, being dynamic, adapts to modern influences. Secularisation influences culture by encouraging rationality and scientific temper, shifting focus from sacred to secular.

3. Diverse Impact: India's structural and cultural diversity means that the impact of secularisation varies across different regions, classes, and communities. This can result in a transformation in values, norms, and cultural practices among different groups.

4. Women's and Men's Roles: Secularisation can alter gender roles within communities by promoting equality and eliminating certain traditional norms that are detrimental to women.

Therefore, secularisation in India primarily results in cultural change, reflecting shifts in societal norms, values, and practices as society moves towards modernity.

Answer 10

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.

• (A) Structural change: While secularisation may have some structural implications, the primary impact is cultural rather than structural.
• (B) Intra-regional change: Secularisation is not typically defined by intra-regional change, which refers to changes within a specific region, rather than a broader cultural shift.
• (C) National change: While secularisation impacts national policies, its direct impact is more cultural as it influences values, norms, and practices.

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.