Question

Differentiate between Sanskritisation and de-Sanskritisation.

Answer 1

Aspect	Sanskritisation	De-Sanskritisation
Definition	The process by which lower castes adopt the rituals, customs, and practices of higher castes to improve their social status.	The process by which groups reject upper-caste practices and revert to or adopt their traditional or alternative cultural practices.
Purpose	To achieve upward social mobility within the caste system.	To assert cultural identity and resist dominance by higher castes.
Cultural Adoption	Emulates practices like vegetarianism, wearing sacred threads, and worship styles of upper castes.	Revives traditional practices or promotes distinct identities, often rejecting upper-caste norms.
Impact on Identity	Aligns the identity of lower castes with that of higher castes.	Strengthens and reclaims the unique identity of the group.
Example	A lower caste adopting vegetarianism to emulate Brahmins.	A community rejecting Sanskritised rituals and promoting local or folk traditions.