SANSKRITISATION 

2. About Dalits

• Dalits are the lowest social group in the Indian caste system. The term "Dalit" means "broken" or "oppressed".
• They were previously known as "untouchables" because they were considered to be ritually impure and were subjected to discrimination and segregation.
• Dalits make up about 16% of India's population or over 200 million people.
• They are found in all parts of India but are concentrated in the southern and western states.

3. Why are they called Dalits?

• The term "Dalit" was first used in the 1930s by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, a Dalit leader and social reformer.
• He used the term to challenge the idea that Dalits were "untouchable" and to assert their right to equality.
• The term "Dalit" has been adopted by many Dalits as a way of self-identification.
• It is a term of pride and empowerment, and it reflects the Dalits' determination to overcome the discrimination they face.

4. Genesis of the term ‘Dalit’

• The term "Dalit" is derived from the Sanskrit word "dal", which means "broken" or "crushed".
• It was first used in the 1930s by a group of activists who wanted to reclaim the term "untouchable" and give it a positive meaning.
• They argued that Dalits were not "untouchable" but were simply oppressed and marginalized.
• The term "Dalit" has since been adopted by many Dalits themselves, and it is now the most widely used term to refer to them.

5. About Sanskritization

Sanskritization: Sanskritization is a process of social mobility within the Hindu caste system. It involves adopting the customs, beliefs, and practices of the higher castes. This can include things like changing one's diet, language, and marriage practices. 

There are many different ways in which Sanskritization can be achieved. Some common practices include:

• Changing one's name to a Sanskritic name
• Giving up one's traditional occupation and taking up a more respectable occupation
• Adopting a vegetarian diet
• Learning Sanskrit and other classical Hindu texts
• Participating in Hindu religious rituals and festivals

Conversion: Conversion is the process of changing one's religion. It can be a voluntary or involuntary process, and it can be motivated by a variety of factors, such as religious beliefs, social status, or economic opportunity.

The main difference between conversion and Sanskritization is that conversion involves a change in religion, while Sanskritization does not.

Conversion is also typically a more voluntary process than Sanskritization, which is often seen as a way to improve one's social status.

6. Sanskritization with an example.

• Sanskritization is the process of adopting the customs and practices of the upper castes in the Hindu caste system.
• This can involve things like changing one's name, giving up one's traditional occupation, and adopting a vegetarian diet.
• For example, a Dalit person might convert to Hinduism and adopt the practices of the higher castes, such as eating vegetarian food and speaking Sanskrit. This would allow them to move up in the caste system and gain more social status.
• Sanskritization is a complex process with its own advantages and disadvantages.
• On the one hand, it can help Dalits to improve their social status and gain access to better opportunities.
• On the other hand, it can also be seen as a form of assimilation and cultural loss.

7. Who gave Sanskritization concept?

• The concept of Sanskritization was first proposed by M. N. Srinivas, an Indian sociologist.
• He argued that Sanskritization is a way for lower castes to improve their social status and gain more power.
• Srinivas's concept of Sanskritization has been criticized by some scholars, who argue that it is too simplistic and does not take into account the diversity of the Indian caste system.
• However, it remains an important concept in understanding the dynamics of social mobility in India.