Solution:M.N. Srinivas invented the term “sanskritization.” It is the process by which a low caste, tribe, or other group adopts the practices, rituals, beliefs, philosophy, and way of life of a higher caste, especially a ‘twice-born(dwija) caste’. Language, literature, ideology, music, dance, drama, living style, and ritual all bear witness to its influence. Although Srinavas stated that it was visible even in sects and religious organizations outside of Hinduism, it is predominantly a Hindu phenomenon.It worked differently in different parts of the country. The entire region was Sanskritized in regions where a highly sanskritized caste was prominent. The process of ‘de- sanskritization’ can be defined as the strengthening of non-sanskritic castes’ power in places where non-sanskritic castes were prominent. ‘The sanskritization of a group usually has the consequence of increasing its place in the local caste structure,’ Srinivas said. It usually implies either an improvement in the group’s economic or political situation, or a greater collective self-consciousness as a result of interaction with a source of Hinduism’s ‘Great Tradition,’ such as a pilgrim center, a monastery, or a preaching sect.“However, in India, there are numerous impediments to the lower castes easily adopting the higher caste’s habits. Traditionally, the dominating castes punished individuals from the lower castes who dared to try it.
Sanskritization is a process in which people seek to elevate their status by adopting the names and habits of culturally powerful groups. The “reference model” is usually in a superior financial position. In both cases, the desire to be like the higher-ranking group emerges only when people become wealthy.
Criticism
It has been chastised for exaggerating social mobility or the opportunities for lower castes to rise through the social ranks. As a result, there is no structural change, merely a shift in the positions of some individuals. Inequality persists, despite the fact that some people may be able to improve their place within the uneven system. The sanskritisation ideology acknowledges the upper caste’s ways as superior and the lower castes as inferior. As a result, it is natural and desirable to want to be like the upper caste.Sanskritisation appears to support a regime based on exclusion and inequality. It appears to imply that believing in the pollution and purity of groups of people is acceptable or justifiable. As a result, the ability to look down on certain groups of people, just as the upper caste did on the lower castes, is a sign of privilege. It demonstrates how biased views can get ingrained in people’s minds. Exclusion and prejudice, rather than striving for equality, strive to give their excluded position their own significance. As a result, an undemocratic society emerges.Because sanskritisation leads to the adoption of higher caste rites and rituals, it leads to actions such as secluding girls and women, using dowry instead of bride-price, and discriminating against other groups based on caste.This culture has the impact of eroding elements of dalit culture and society. For example, the value of labor, which was degraded and made shameful by the lower castes. Identities based on work, crafts, or artisanal ability are dismissed as meaningless.