Sanskritization

A Concept developed by
Prof. M.N. Srinivas

Definition
Sanskritization is a process of social
mobility in which a low caste in a
generation or two to rise to a higher
position in the caste hierarchy by adopting
vegetarianism and teetotalism, and by
Sanskritizing its ritual and pantheon.
In short, it took over, as far as possible,
the customs, rites and beliefs of the
Brahmins.

 Brahminization is subsumed in the wider

process of sanskritization though at some
points Brahminization and Sanskritization
are at variance with each other.
Sanskritized Communities: Lingayats of
Karnataka, Vishwakarma Brahmins
Sourastras of Tamil nadu

 Sanskritization means not only the

adoption of new customs and habits, but
also exposure to new ideas and values
which have found frequent expression in
the vast body of Sanskrit literature. e.g.
Karma, Dharma, Papa, Maya, Samsara
and Moksha are examples of some of the
most common Sanskritic theological ideas,
and when a people become Sanskritized
these words occur frequently in their talk.

 Modern / Western technology has aided the

spread of Sanskritization. e.g. Films based on
mythological stories and great epics of India
could take the values and morals of Sanskritic
tradition to all the people.
Modern/Western political and legal interventions
in a sense indirectly has encouraged certain
sanskritic religious notions and practices among
the lower caste groups. e.g. Legal ban on animal
sacrifices to village deities upholds the
Brahmanical tradition.

Why Sanskritization was preferred to

Brahminization?
It is because of certain Vedic rites are
confined only to Brahmins and the two other
twice-born castes.
It is difficult to avoid the caste specificity of
the Brahmins. e.g. Vegetarian and Nonvegetarian Brahmins.
Had the term Brahminization been used, it
would have been necessary to specify which
particular group was meant

 The agents of Sanskritization are not

always Brahmins.
Though, over a long period of time,
Brahminical rites and customs spread
among the lower castes, in short run the
locally dominant caste is imitated by the
rest. And the locally dominant caste is
frequently not Brahmin.