Question

The terms "great and little traditions" were coined by:

• A. John Marshall
• B. R.E.M. Wheeler
• C. Robert Redfield
• D. M. N. Srinivas

Hint:

Associate these sociologists with their key concepts: Robert Redfield → Great/Little Traditions; M. N. Srinivas → Sanskritization/Dominant Caste.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks to identify the scholar who developed the influential conceptual framework of "great and little traditions" to analyze civilizations.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

(1) John Marshall and (2) R.E.M. Wheeler: Both were prominent archaeologists and Director-Generals of the ASI, primarily known for their work on the Harappan Civilization.
(4) M. N. Srinivas: A pioneering Indian sociologist, famous for coining concepts like "Sanskritization" and "dominant caste."
(3) Robert Redfield: He was an American anthropologist and sociologist. In his studies of peasant societies and civilizations (like those of Mexico and India), he developed the concepts of the "great tradition" and the "little tradition." The great tradition refers to the formal, literate, and reflective tradition of the urban elites, priests, and philosophers, often found in scriptures and classical texts. The little tradition refers to the largely oral, informal, and local traditions of the rural peasantry. Redfield studied the constant interaction and flow between these two traditions.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The terms "great and little traditions" were coined by Robert Redfield.