Sanskritization (Hinduism)

Introduction

First coined by Srinivas, Sanskritization, also known as Brahminization with some reservations, describes a process of mobility among the lower castes when they try to raise their status in their respective caste hierarchy by adopting Brahminical cultural ideals. Srinivas specifically used this term in his study of the Coorgs of Mysore; however, while defining it he elucidates that it is a process by which a lower tribe or caste or any other group changes its ideology, rituals, customs, and way of living following and conforming to the standards of a higher or more often dwija “twice-born” caste [7]. Sanskritization is basically a process of copying or imitation of lifestyle and living of the upper caste people so that the lower caste people may compensate for their economic, religious, or social disabilities. Interestingly, this imitation is not only limited to follow what Brahmins do or how they live but the lifestyle of locally powerful and influential castes, such as...