Sociology
Sociology
Hierarchy
Cynical
Holism Hierarchy
Continuity Dynamics
Holism: Each Hierarchy in one way or other is related to other leading to inter hierarchical connection & dependence of value together. Continuity: heavy of Karma - Transmigration of social, till Mokash, through Right conduct (Dharma) Right Knowledge (Gyan) Right devotion (Bhakti)
Transcendence
Its sociological significance: - Not only a theoretical, philosophical or ideological modal, but has practical behavior, and social ramifications:1. A systematic scheme to perform an Dharma to ____ ultimate goal of life i.e. Mokash
2. Provide for division of labor & functional specialization 3. Reinforced interdependency between individual& individual and between individual & society. 4. escalation of ____ wart duties and obligations _____ from him
5. Means of education & _____ _____ of traditions from one generation to another. 6. Simultaneously development & progress of individual & society
7. Harmonization & doing away of ________& _____ 8. Means of social control & constraint 9. Maintain power balance in society. 10. A _____for establishing relationship bd. This _____& other ______ ________. BASIC TENTS OF HINDUISM: Continuity & Changes:
1.
Value themes - Hierarchy Holism, Continuity, Transcendence Varna system Ashram system Purusharthas Karma & Transmigration of society Dharma Purity & _____ Sanskars Idol worship Theological ideas Not a _______ character Religious tolerance Non violence Selective & segmental _____ Old traditions not completely replaced Synthesis
3. Contentious interaction between G & L Tra_______ ( By R. Redfill) 4. Modern innovations Hinduism facing value system of G Tan_______ ( By M N Singh)
(B). Break away traditions of Buddhism & Jainism Change in cultural shapes only not stinctunaly Nature of changes (C). Sankritisation (II) Heterogenetic Facets:1. Impacts of Indian Islamisation & Sankritisation - Cultural _____ & parti_______
Changes in little traditions only Changes without implying modernity Theoretical value system
The base of Hindu social organization Repulsions has individual & society was interactional ch____ viz Ashram & Varna system This was possible only be carrying ___ ____ obligations & duties -Dharma It is because of his , it is Dharma as a way of life Essential element of Hindu social organization _ initially meant ___ to distinguish between A system of stratification based on once Gunas (Physiological disposition) & Karma
It lead to functional division of society into four-fold groups B K V S It first apprised in Rig Veda X mandalam in Puras s_____ hymen, Brahmin: - Month, Knoladge & teaching, Satva, white color. Kshatriya: - Arms, power & administration, Rajya, Red Color. Vashnav:- Things, trade & comers, Yellow color Shudras:- Legs, service, Tamer, black Internally differentiae functionally interrelated i.e. Hierarchy of a unique kind of coexistence It was based on the principal of karma & transgression of soul i.e. Antimony. Such was required into perform its own Dharma - duties & obligations. Thus leading it in the K M Panikar Change it existed principal at theoretical p_____ but its significance has in the
social welfare & progress of the society. fact that ever today Jaties & sub Jatis are seen as a part of it at own existential reality. It significance 1. Residential dominate of Hindu social organization, society & culture.
2. A systemize scheme of performing once Dharma to ach.____ the ultimate goal of life-
5. Socialization of individual with respect to duties, obligations expected from him. 6. Means of education & cultural transfusion of tradition from one generation to another.
7. Simultaneously development & progress of human capabilities as well as that of society.
8. Harmonization & doing away of conflict & tension. 9. Means of social control & social constraint. 10. Maintains power balance in the society. ASHRAM SYSTEM
Fundamental element of Hindu social organization. Explain how being a member of society performs his duties and obligations (Dharma) & family achieve the ultimate aim of life - Moksha.
Their ithological foundations though were lead during Vedic period but at a substantive level, it fully developed during Upnished period. Jabali Upnished for the first time systematically expounded the four Ashrams of life.
For fully developing once life, it provides for four stages of life style
1. Brahmacharya - Student 2. Grhestha - Marriage & family relation Once cannot fully go to the last stage without fully completing the province stage. That shows the important of each stage of life Hierarchy of a social kind for fully achieving Moksha.
3. Vanprasth - Free from wordily desire but not relation 4. Sanyas- Complete detachment from world relations.
The Dharmshstra principal gets full humectation under the ashram system. The four phases are
1. Dharma, Arth, Kama, Moksha. Such to be pursued chronologically at appropriate stages. 2. Map.____ purusharth are pursued at G________ stage - Dharma, Artha, Kamas.
3. It provides for once fulent development - Mental, physical, moral & ideological. Reach
appropnant pursharth at each such stage one true achieve Moksha. Significance:1. 2. 3.
4.
Interdependency between individual & society. Social control & constraints and thus awards conflict. Simultaneous development of individual and progress of the society Cultural transmission of traditions from one generation to another
DHARMA Control to Hindu social organization, society & culture. At a wider place & contract, it contains one duties & obligations which one is required to pursue in different intention & stages of life - Varna, Ashram, Purushart, Sanskar, Karma.
Generally, these reflect ideological& philosophical values, but especially it contains, A way
of life.
It is because of this, we say that Indian social system is based on Dharma. It is based on Karma. Dr. Radhkrishnan calls it a way of life. For it regulate our daily life &
social relations. Mr. P.V.Kane improved upon it behavioral dimensions says that it is control in regulating once behavior as an individual member of society, social interaction system developed ultimately heading to the Moksha. - Goal of life. Thus, it regulates once behavior & development, thinking of right & wrong. One is required to perform _____ Dharma & fulfill once duties & obligations.
It provides for the basis in which people belonging to four Varnas during their life stage
& world. It provides interdependency between individual & society, reduces tension & conflict & heads to social control. It provides the basis for the welfare & progress of the society also.
Thus, based on once Karma and the dharma, achieve the ultimate goal of life - Mokha.
10
11
Both exist simultaneously; and The traditional features can be found even today, though in a transformed manner. The above view,as highlighted by y.singh is arguably supported by mckim Marriott, M.N.Srinivas.
12
The Nature Of Social Change in Traditional India and Continuty: in traditional India ,there where continual instance of social change without implying modernity. The orthogenetic changes which occurred were basically of two types: (a) Firstly changes through accretion and reformulation of the various ritual and cultural spheres of Hinduism, Through the emergence of liberal-religious reform movements, and Growth of devotional liberal traditions.
(b) Secondly, changes through differentiation in terms of break-away traditions of Buddhism and Jainism. These changes called for,
The introduction of more equalitarian and non-hierarchical value system, and Liberalization of hindu tradition, through
Protests against rigid formalism tyrannical ritualism and ossification of the value-system of
hierarchy into exploitative institutions, especially those of caste and Brahmin orthodoxy. However, these changes could not alter the social system as a whole as: (1) They also served as a major communication-channel for interaction between little and great tradition, thus leading to continuity of the Hindu great tradition; and----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------(2) They preserved in one form or another hierarchical views of time and the conception of cyclical periodicity in culture. The process of sanskratisation and visualization, and social change and continuity: These processes had contextual significance and were particularistic in origin. They both represented a form of cultural response to higher status mobility as a protest against ideal-typical value syndromes of the great tradition. These existential adaptations were contained only at the cultural level and not at the structural level. However, it did not actually bring about an acceptance of higher status by the upper caste Hindus (in the case of sanskratisation) and in Islam (through conversion). Moreover, in the heterogenetic impact. Of Islam, where the coverts retained their skills and calling, a hierarchical gradation in the ritual and social status thus crept into the social structure of Islam. As such, in both the cases the earlier orthodoxy was retained. This also explains why the heterogenetic Islamic impact, unlike that of the west, failed to contribute to modernization.
13
The process of modernization, and social change and continuity: The process of modernization started especially with the advent of the British rule. I led to acculturative and innovative changes in the social and cultural structures of the Indian society. These were not only modern but also pan-Indian in nature. Its basic tenets were based on legal-rationalism, justice, and civil rights. As such, through its innovative changes in the fields of legal, educational, mass-media and communication, urbanization, etc. it encouraged the values of equality, equity, and universalism and not those of status and hierarchy. These new innovations posed a serious challenge to the two cardinal attributes of the Indian tradition-hierarchy. It led to emergence of new middle-class professional groups and groups of social-reformers; it led to reformatory theistic movements in Hinduism and propagated the discontinuance of harmful social usage and customs prevalent in the contemporary Indian society. Along with these modernizing norms, structural also took place having uniform character throughout the country. Though the basic direction was towards, however, a variety of traditional institution also got reinforced. There occurred a selective and segmental process of. The factor which was chiefly responsible for this was the nature of network of relationship which was characterized by a high degree of relativeautonomy. This inner-structural autonomy helped in selective syncretism of new cultural modes, forms of behavior, and structure. This paved the way for adaptive transformations towards. The above feature gets highlighted in comparative studies on which have shown that contrary to stereotyped belief: Old traditions are not completely displaced by modernization. What follows is an accretion and transmutation of forms; and Similarly, tradition does not necessarily retard the process of modernization.
Viewpoints:
Rudolph and Rudolph call this phenomenon Modernity of Tradition and conclude with Edward Shils that modernity has entered into Indian character and society, but it has done so through assimilation and not replacement.
14
Milton singer in his book when a great tradition modernizes opines that there occurs traditionalisation of modernity in India, where traditional features influence modernity, as such it leaves its mark on modernity.
Studies:
Rajni Kothari-caste association which are otherwise typical symbols of tradition, have increasingly been found to serve tends of political modernization, where articulation of interests is done and caste acts as a pressure group.
Richard D. Lambert- Traditional institution like joint family, Kin-based entrepreneurial function continue to coexist with and support modern values and forms of social action. This viewpoint has been supported by K.M. Kapadia, Milton singer, and Ramkrishana Mukherjee.
Rudolph and Rudolph, and Myron Weiner- the functioning of democracy in India has further vindicated the extent to which it is rooted into the particularistic values represented by caste, kinship and other parochial values.
Milton singer in traditional India emphasizes that modern innovations in the media of communications, which otherwise could be used for transmission of modern values tend to reinforce the value-system of the Great Tradition. Reason for the resilience and co-existence of tradition and modernity: This can be traced to the historicity or the initial conditions of society, both cultural and structural, which accordingly determines the adaptive patterns. These initial conditions of both tradition and modernization can be conceived of as a set of values and role structures, and are differentiated into -independent/categorical, and instrumental. They both are relatively autonomous. As such, though in the instrumental types we find a shift from tradition to modernity, however, at the same time, people tend to retain their categorical values of tradition instead those of modernity. This explains the possibility of the unique combination and coexistence of traditional values with the modern ones. Therefore, Y.Singh refers to such a process as the modernization of Indian tradition.
15
5. Continuous interaction bet. Great & little tradition took place R. Redfield. 6. People retaining the traditional categorical values though in instrumental values these are a shift
from tradition to modernity (Y. Singh.) 7. The ability of traditional values to support the process of modernity G.R. Gusfield.*
BHUDDISM: Its impact on Indian society Around 600BC it emerged in India however it proliferated only after 40 BC, chiefly under Asokas patronage. Some of the peculiar aspects of Bhuddism.
Atheistic Spirituality (EMP. On other world ) Salvations to problems Of this world through middle - path. Empower. On control and not repression. Talks of value of righteousness of action.
Three aspects emp. Are A) Dharma - duties B) Sangam - community C) Buddha - phyche & philosophy. It chiefly arose an aftermath of reaction against Brahmin orthodoxy or domination of those times. A monastic religion similar to Christianity of western society. It was of an organized nature, which chief proliferated under protection. As such the difference between the king and the supreme authority of religion got blurred. This was in sharp contrast to the Hindu religion. It was more egalitarian in nature vis--vis, Hindu religion.
16
It had a far reaching impact on the Indian society. PHILOSOPHY: Initially began as an intellectual movement & is of teeny categorized as enlightenment, and Provided an alternative philosophy of egalitarianism. This influenced Hindu philosophy in a very significant way as Four non -Vedic philosophical trends dev.- Sankhya, yoga, vaisheshika, and nyaya. A negative fallout- in this attempt to counter the impact of Buddhism epics like dharmashashtras and Arthashstra were written, which introduced rigidity into Hindu religion. There occurred concretization of name and Dharma which had a functional basic was now accorded a religious sanction and a new class of untouch ables emerged. STATE: It influenced the foundational structure of state and it changed the very nature of state. Earlier was a period of domination of puests (Brahmins) over the state (kashalriya). But now since the followers of Buddhism. Were in the ranks of middle & lower classes, they also started influencing the nature and function of state. This not only made the state more open in nature besides the state became more oriented towards welfare of its people. CIVIL SOCIETY: Women were considered as function arise of religion at par with man. Thus more prominence to status of women was given. With its exclusive emp. On non- violence it transformed the very nature in which the ritual practices were performed. Thus where status got more integrated with the day to day life of the people, a ban on bali was proclaimed. It traced to mitigate the difference between the religious intelligentsia and the common people. Earlier only Brahmins were responsible to interpret and expound religious principal.
17
Buddhism made possible the teaching of religious scriptures in peoples language- prakriti. Thus we can say that democratization took place within the dimensions of state and religion. Besides its emp. On non- violence also led to the dev. Of economy and commerce within and outside India. BUDDHISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE Y. Singh opmes that it was an imp. Orthogenetic factor of social change. With its emp. On egalitarianism, it opposed hierarchy the main bases of traditional Hindu social organization. A new cultural outlook ------------------------------------------It was the first protest movement of an organized nature and under pol. Patronage, where it was of a revivalist in nature, rather opposition was the moving force. B. did not accept either philosophically or socially the hierarchy principal wrt social organization. it was an intellectual and a religious movement. Chiefly comprising of egalitarian social forces. We can categorize B. as a movement. Of common mass which tried to establish an appropriate place for lower sections of the society . At times, the rise of Shudras is associated with it. Its continued relevance: can be seen where it has re emerged in the form of new Buddhism movement. In modern times, which shows the egalitarian vision and aspirations of the down trodden people of our society. as such B. continues to be a dynamic mechanism of cultural movement. In India. Donald engine smith in India as a secular state. Why it got absorbed within the four folds of Hinduism? It could not extricate itself from the hierarchical value systems of traditional Hinduism, and was consequently integrated within its many fold - Michael M. Ames The principal of hierarchy was preserved in B., where it talks of hierarchy of consecutions and moral progression to the ideal of salvation. It also shared with H.a devotionary view on the direction of cultural movement. This is supposed to be finally redeemet by an Avtaar in H. and bodhisattva in Buddhism. The conception of transmigration of soul in Mahayam Buddhism. was also preserved. It also strengthened the other -world aspect of Hinduisum. Michael M. Ames also demonstration the existence of hierarchy not only in the role insitutionalisation of the members in the Buddhist society, but also wrt the goal orientation as project by the Buddhist religious world-view.
18
Nature of social change The changes which occurred were confirmed to differentiation within the framework of traditional social structure & values. Structural changes were Very few and those which took place were limited in respect to the types of roles. Since such a differentiation of roles was segmental, it did not alter the system as a whole. Besides, the role differentiation also had an elitist character, as were led by members of upper caste -class. As such none of them had a meaningful impact on the political System, the stratification system or caste order against which they propagated. FRAME WORK
Introduction Basic tenets Nature Impact Significance Reason why? Nature of social change Its re-emergence
Break away Against Buddhism Indore of new cultural value Not a v________ Rash_________ Sociological
Its impact an Indian society A sociological analysis Introduction: It had an atheistic world view It was purely orthogenetic in nature (form within the Hindu tradition) and Represented the formation of new antonymous tradition though differentiation change though fission -arose as an aflirmath of reaction against Brahmin orthodoxy & domination of those times. Basic tenets: Its distinctive contribution It introduced some new cultural values againt the ideal typical attributes of the Hindu great tradition hierarchy.
19
Membership open to all casts & both the sense An appropriate place for the lower section of the population / socity . More prominence to the states of women. State became more oriented towards the welfare of its people With its emp. On non-violence it changed the V. natures in which ritual practice were performed. This also led to the dev. Of trade & commerce within & outside India . Made possible the teching of religious scriptures in peoples language . Thus democratization took place within the sphere of religion & state.
Its natureIts revolutionary contribution: Represented the first beginning of social - cultural protest against Rigid formalism Tyrannical ritualism, and Ossification of values system of hierarchy into exploitative institution especially those of caste & Brahmin religious orthodoxy. It undermined the significance of hierarchy the basic of jati or caste sub division .
Its Membership open to all casts & both the sense, It had a revolutionary appeal to the masses in general Because of his Y.Singh considers B. as an important orthogenetic factor of social change Not revivalist in nature, but opposition or protest was the moving force .
Its nature: Its intellectual strength where knowledge player a for important rde. Instead of coercion (as in the case of Christianity & Islam) , and because of witch it proliferated outside India also. How & why it got integrated within the fold of Hindu Hierarchy found in, goal mentations and role institutionalization of the Buddhist socials---------.Could not extricate itself from the hierarchical value system of traditional Hinduism. Michael M. Ames Consciousness & moral progression Devolutionary view on the direction of cultural movement
20
Transiniigation of soul, Strengthened other world aspect of Hinduism Buddhism & nature of social change. Renamed ideational & not existential Rde. Differentiation renamed segmental, Besides having elitist character Therefore , changes chiefly renamed orthogenetic , i.e, differentiation within the traditional Hindu GT.Y. Singh. Its re-emergence in modern India Donald engene Smith in India as a secular state. As a neo. Buddhist movement Shows the egalitarian vision & aspiration of the down trodden people of our society. Because thus continues to be a dynamic mechanism cultured movement. Introduction: It is considered as an important orthogenetic factor of social change in India (Y. Singh ) It represented the formation of new antonymous tradition through different ration change through fission. Arose as an after math of reaction against Brahmin orthodoxy & domination of those times. With its emp. Or egalitarianism for the first time opposed hierarchy the -----of traditional Hindu social organization . However , it could not finally extricate itself from the hierarchical value system of traditional Hinduism & was comeqnently interrogated within its many ford Michael M. Ames .
2. Acculturation way of life high , piquantly upper caste group . 3. These --------here them one harden of insulation (dominate cast ) 4. Anticipatory socialization
21
5. Indicates positional & not structural change. these is change in & not of the caste system . 6. Cultural system. 7. Unit of mobility is not -------or family, but group. Y. Singh talks of (1) contextual specific reason for cultural iminiutation were essential. (2) Historical connotation- change accusing within the caste . (3) Endogenous factor of social change . Example of sanskritisation : 1 Nonie low caste of Madhopur village in UP. -B.S.Conh 2 tribes such as Bhils ---------------KS. Singh . 3 Lohan & sonan in Mysore calming for vishavkarma Brahman caste status. 4 jatawas of agra -lynch 5 mohers of Maharashtra-A .Beteille. Analysis1 nature of society. 2 the process of social change. 3 reason for continuity of tradition. Critical evaluation 1. --------------------& bundle of concept. 2. --------------, not structional. 3. ------------------------------4. Other ---------of social immunity ignored. 5. Non- sanskritic elements ignored. 6. Reason ------existential. 7. Contemporary aspects cannot be explained. 8. -------------------------model. Conclusion -----------------------Broad framework -for westernization . Commercial middle class.
22
Emp. On new education Cultural renaissance &birth of an enlightened intelligentsia (movements, nationalism) Socio- religious reframe movement. Besides a politico- adm. Unification of country . Emergence of middle class. Growth of nationalism Aspects of legal, education & its impact Impact of industrialization & urbanization on city life erural material culture . Thus attack on hierarchy holism transcendence, ritual priority & pollution , discontinuance of harmful social usages & custom ,etc. However , what we observe is prismatic - stage of cultural meternisation. Framework for sanskritisation Definition (1) contextual specific - a process of cultural imitation -------causal factor were existential & not sacerdotal. (2) historical- where in the process of cultural mobility , changes occurred within the status of castes its leadership ,& in cultural patterns in different periods of history. Analysis: nature of society Relative closure of Hindu social system Where status in caste being ascribed by birth &where caste with ritual superiority had dominate eco. & pd. Position is status summation, it, Commented the hierarchical foundation& Negated the chases of mobility due to closure of avenues of mobility (other ------accullisation) The resulation process of (cultural) change: Unique historical expression of the general process of acculturation as a means of vertical mobility of groups. A cultural response to a set of empirical existential socio cultural situation whore D.C served invariably as reference models.
23
Thus it had a contextual significance , where the causal forces in empirical process of cultural change were essentially existential & not sacerdotal. As such is a disguised form of modernization. Thus, as the most pdential endogenous source of social change, it explain the dynamic aspect of traditional India society. It also explain why break movement like Jainism , Buddhism& Sikhism appeared took place in India . The reason for the continuity of tradition: Where though it tried to challenge typical cultural attribuites of Traditional H. it not only tropically owed for its genesis to the orthogenetic tradition , but also provided for the leveling of culture among the masses in general. Limitations critical evaluation: (logically, contextually) Logically (1) Complete heterogeneous and a bundle of concepts . MN Shrinivas (2) Confusion of using the concept of DC, as introduces structural elements in a cultural model , and contradictious in various contextual specific connotation of S. (3) Does not to a consistent --------of social change. Contextually in terms of its limited /partial applicability to explain the nature of social change in traditional & contemporary Indian society
1. Explain only cultural and not structural change -MN. Shrinivas 2. Various other aspects avenues of social mobility & change were also prevalent Silverberg , Sinha
Beteille 3. Often cancel forces ---------S. were existential and not sacerdotal , showing challenges & revolts against the socio - eco. Deprivation .as such people valued high status & not hierarchy - Y. Singh , H. Gonld .
4. A.Beteille opines that it fails to take into account the confects& lassion aspect .
5. ------fail to account for many accpect of part & contemporary India as it highest non- sanskritic tradition -Mckim Marriott .
6. Sanskritic influence was not conversal to all parts of India Chanana --------as -----------in the
24
7. Fails to account for aspects of Indianisation the group ability (isolationism and natavistic
revivalism ) for e.g. --------identity tnbal identity and Muslim national identity in Kashmir .AR. Desai . Conclusion
1. S. is primarily a represent group behavior sa it only highlights process of social mobility and not
social change -RK. Mukharjee. 2. Only a perspective not a theory MN. Srinivas for it does not lead to a consistent theory of social change. Sanskritisation Proposed by MN. Srinivas A process of cultural immnitation Has a local iced and specific rather than a pan-Indian char. An endogenous sources of social change. Unit of mobility is the group not individual. Describes cultural mobility in traditional social structure . A disgainst reference to protest against the basic ideal typical value syndrome of the great ------------------------------------In tenetform a response of Indias little tradition to modernity. WESTERNISATION Critical evaluation of the process of westernization: theoretical level , substantively .
1. Not a comprehensive theory , as fails to highlight the contribution of histinciaspect in social
change & sees W. as a one-way process - D. Lerner. 2. It fails to explain the process of Indianisation -Devraj Chenana 3. Explains mainly cultural & not structural process of social change - Y.Singh . 4. The contemporary processes of social change could not be explained through it - A.R. Desai , KM. Pannikkar.
5. The benefits of W. accrued to only chits & not people /masses in general- B. Kuppushamy .
25
7. The traditional social --------of organic Indian economy was -------leading to the emergence of exploitative system DP. Mukharjee. At best only a perspective & not a theory. Introduction
Introduced by MN. Srinivas for changes which occurred as a resent of 150 years of British rule in India. An important heterogametic factor of social change. Impart dynamision to the relatively static traditional Indian social structure. Which posed serious challenge to the two cardinal attributes of traditional social values - hierarchy &--------. However in the end its impact was only selective & segmental. And laid the foundation for culture modernization of India. Changes under the impact of westernization:
1. Creation of such hard works of culture & social structure . which were
necessarily modern & pans-India new education & legal system , so and tech urbanization communication - Y.Singh
2. Introduction of new values of rationalism, humanism, equality,& universalism -
Y. Singh. 3. Impact of educational & cultural renaissance. The enlightened intelligentsia called for new religion reform movements & legal ------. Thing took the lead in forging ahead freedom struggle - MN. Srinivas.
4. A well knit hrenohth& pan - Indian ----------------emerged ,which ------- the way
for the process of nation state &emergence of nationalism , the forernere -of democratic ---------------.AR. Desai , DP. Mukharjee.
5. Growth & proliferation of new classes commercial & middle classes - AR.
Desai.
6. Changes in the way of living - MN. Srinivas, H.Gould.
Sociological significance:
26
4. Weakening of ideas of pollution & purity. 5. Growth & proliferation of low social classes.
6. More --------for social mobility.
7. New basic for stratification - education. 8. Social status ------------ based on achievement & not ascription. 9. Processes of indatralisation & urbanization.
10. Impact an caste system.
One-way &-------directional Ethnocentric Cultural & not structural selective & segmental contemporary processes & highlighted At best a perspective, hot a theory.
2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Concept given by srinivas Both are related to each other However differences are there:
Sanskritisation
i. Religious values ii. Ancient process
iii. Low caste typically Indian
27
v. Multiple reference vi. Localized vii. Typically process of cultural mobility viii. Two way process ix. Orthogenetic factor x. Micro-aspect
westernization:
1. secular values 2. relatively modern 3. every class 4. foreign 5. western orientation & out-look 6. single 7. pan- India 8. social change 9. one-way process 10. heterogenic 11. Micro-aspect Nature of change:
-
There occurred sycereticisim accretion & transmutation of forms. Tradition was not completely displaced. The process of change was selective & segmental. Reasons for such a nature of change:
i.
Structural & normative initial condition institutional antinomy bet. Inter structural autonomy- Y.Singh . Continuous interaction themselves -------------the value system of People reteaming the traditional categorical values, though in
great tradition MN.Srinivas. instrumental values these is a shift from tradition to indemnity Y.Singh.
28
v.
Adaptability of traditional values to forces to indemnity - M. Singer The ability of traditional values to support the process of indemnity
Modernization
What its means? The bases of such an ---------analytical paradigm is ;
A rational attitude towards issues Commitment to scientific world new 7 not merely the volume of technological advancement. A Universal cultural phenomena.
meriasing emphasis on rationality universalism functional specificity objectivity sewlaraisatin an important process which contributes to the growth of such structures is that of eco. Growth of which industrialization & urbanization are its conconpmltants . modernization is a process where scientific knowledge is introduced into the society , which is based on rational & an experimental approach .
29
Ruston &ward opine that the basic process in modernization is the application of modern science to human affairs - a temper of science reason & rationalism , & secularism. Indicators / measures of modernization: ( rustow & ward ) 1. Adoption of scientific technology
2. High proportion of working force employed in secondary & tertiary instead of primary occupation.
3. Increasing differentiation of structure . 4. Increasing industrialization & urbanization. 5. Transition from ascribed to achieve status.
6. Marked increased in geographical & social mobility.
7. Installation of democratic & populist pd. Institution. 8. Spread of scientific secular & technical education. 9. Expansion of the media of communication. 10. A new cultural outlook 7 important on progress & improvement. Modernization: refers to an analytical paradigm providing an explanation for the process of transition of a relatively traditional society towards modernity industrial with increasing social & structural differentiation. Its various dimension are:
1. Political M. - development of institution which support participation decision-making, bureaucratic
for mobility achieved status. Pre-requisites for modernization: 1. Structural differentiation - Eisenstaedt.
2. Capacity for internal transformation - structures capable of adopting to continuously
30
3. Motivation structure for which karl deutsch used the term social mobilization. 4. Opportunity structure - Myran Weiner. Indias instruments of development strategy - modernization : planned social change. 1. Parliamentary form of gont. 2. Socialistic pattern of economy. 3. Legal reform -equality before law & equal opportunities of work. 4. Cdp, land reforms green revolution new agricultural policy , new eco. Policy , WTO. 5. Democratization of polity & power structure -prls.
6. Policy of protection discrimination & fundamental rights - equal opportunities
work. 7. Secularism. 8. Adul suffrage. A comprehensive strategy which seeks to abolish discontinuity bet: 1. Macro & micro structure. 2. Little & great tradition. However, such a comprehensive process of modernization has necessitated adaptive changes in the tradition culture values & norms, which however, has lagged behind leading to what ogburn, called cultural lag (bottomox) . this has generated inter structural conflicts & tension bet. Tradition (past & contemporary). Future course of modernization in India would depend much on the manner in which these tensions are resolved as modernization galhirs momentum. The pertinent question is will the Indian society be able to avoid structural breakdown & progress towards smooth institutionalization of modernity. Assessing the process of modernization in India : The above analysis can be had on the basic of the following changes in cultural spheres. Points:
1. The trends of socio cultural changes.
31
2. Impediments a modernization 3. Chances of institutional breakdown are --------------, despite contradiction & kin ions 4. An important conditional assumption. A constant coordination of mobilization which conciliation Simultaneously reinforcing democratic values and institution. In Indian renaissance (socio religious reform movements) there was a limited effort to synthetics religious with modern western values, its impact renamed elitist & not mass based. The Indian process of modernization after independence was sudden & not gradual, where. Macro structure was created & initialed from above without concomitant changes in tradition. As, such tradition renamained intact as M. was occomodated & assimilated within it. Difference -modernization & westernization Modernization
A deliberate strategy of development. Takes into account the peculiarities & specificities of each & every society. Value free. Changes result in both structure & culture. A two way process. Implicit scientific outlook & rationality of goals. Westernization
32
A process of acculturation ------ British contact It refer to behind imitation Value loaded Changes only at cultural level A unidirectional approach What is unmitated many not necessarily be rational. Impediments to modernization:
1. The growth of institutions supporting democracy has not taken place. 2. Leadership inhibited from going at the root of the prob. Leading to populism & soft state.
3. System of imbalanced polity centimes to prevail gap between old & new pd. Elites on one hand & between pd. & permanent elites on the other.
4. Planned economic growth has not trickled down to the masses in general & the drive towards
market economy & liberalization has further accentuated inequalities. 5. Association, institution, mobilization & identity formation continues to take place in traditional norms & values. 6. Continuous neglect of the social aspect of economic development. 7. Rise in aspiration without significant increase in institutional framework of opportunities & resources.
8. Verbalization of welfare idedogy without its diffusion in social structure & its implementation
as a social policy. 9. Over-urbanization without industrialization, besides industrialization at the cost of rural economy. Chance of breakdown are minimal - some positive trends
1. Democratic values have been fairly institutionalized.
2. There is broad consensus on the ideology of modernization. 3. There have been some positive development - 73&74 acts, SHGs, NGOs, organization such as SAHMAT, PUCR, AIDWA, besides NC for women SC, ST, OBC.
33
6. There has been gradual have towards strengthening curl society -women empowerment right to imp. Citizen character, CVE, & Lokpal, etc.
7. New eco policy has been ushered - new agricultural policy, new exam policy,
disinterment, WTO, etc. with the implicit ideology of promoting growth with equity social welfare. the social obj. of the approach paper pr. 10 FYP. The recent UPA gonts has called for reforms with human face. Problems of modernization: structural contradiction & breakdown of modernization In Indian renaissance (socio-religions reform mov.) there where limited effort to synthesize religion with modern me stern tradition.
Its impact was elitist & not mass-based.
The Indian process of modernization after independence was not gradual. Macro structures were created & initiated from above without the concomitant changes in the tradition. Tradition renamed intact a modernization was accommodated & assimilated within it. Effective interlink ages bet. Macro-micro structures could not be forged.
Democracy without secularization has taken place, where diversities which is primordial &
Caste based politics along with politics of opportunism & expediency. Leaders were not trained in democratic ethos; binds parliamentary ethics & commotion were absent.
As culturally homogeneous back ground of elite has later termed hits political fragmentation ,
Democracy is being used as an active agent of industrialization & development but instead of rational measures, populist measures are being implemented.
34
Process of liberalization & market economy drive has accentuated iniquities, leading to
expectation & frustration among people. A general absence of participative culture. Expansion of growth opportunities have not matched peoples expectation.
Gap in orientation between political & permanent executives.
Thus, all these lead to unevenness in the process of modernization & the resultant contradiction.
A cognitive historical approach, which emphasis a set of values beliefs & practice. It is based in the ideology of purity & pollution of L. Dumont. Primary focus is on the changes in the basic themes of the Indian cultural structure. A relatively static crew of society, which emphasized upon: 1. Hierarchy & quality rather than on performance. 2. Logistics view which conceived dharma as a moral under.
institutionalized role of sanyasis. But, the nature of change was only cultural & not structural.
35
Islam.
Such a nature of change was evident under the impact of sanskritisation, westernization, &
This shows its utility for both synchronic & diachronic type of studies.
This can be done through formulation of a series of abstraction on cultural theams for
Such a conception of caste inherently posits that caste in future would change & finally whiter away Its criticism 1. Helpful in understanding cultural & not structural aspect of caste- A. Beteille. 2. Therefore limited in scope & applicability. 3. A brahamanical model which, may not be acceptable to all &
applicable to all parts of the comlry - K. Ishawaran , Danel & Lynch. 4. It is highly abstract & different to operationaitlise- Y. Singh. Structural viewFocuses on the nature of social relationship, interaction & role performance in terms of: 1. 2.
3.
Hierarchy Hereditary specialization Repulsion & social distance(bougle) Organic reality & Segmental reality (F.G. Bailey) It chiefly analyses society in terms of prevalence of statues summation-A.Betalle.
36
It example the existential reality aspect of caste. It proposes that these will be change in such structural relationship; however, caste as such is not R.D. Lambert emphasizes its direct relevance for the processes of modernization. Statuses to contract From primary group production processes to more complstursion labour. Ascribed to achieved statuses. Statuses immobility to mobility. Organic to segmental reality.
3. 4. 5.
VARNA SYSTEMS: DEFINEING VARNAVarna was the division of Hindu society into four classes 1. Brahmin - priests -white
2. Kshatriyas - warriors- red
Varna system also provided a system of social stratification. Each Varna was placed in the system at a particular position in the hierarchical order and was assigned specific tasks & duties. Varna organization refers to the work one would ---------------- in the society according to his nature, tendivices & disposition. The division of society into four Varnas was based on the division of labour where each group had to different objects according to its occupational role. Later on however, the four Varnas come to be arranged hierarchically, with the Brahmins at the top & the Shudras at the bottom. How Varna come to be associated with caste?
37
During the times of epics. & dharmashastras functional spescalisation & hierarchical order in terms of the functions performed petrified in the shape of rigid tattoos . nation of pollution & purity emerged. The hierarchical order because more rigid & non- equalitarian sanctions emerged, whereby functional criteria were accorded a ritual sanction or complesion. Thus, hierarchy which was a functional principle became a religious phenomenon. This led to emergence of caste accordingly; hierarchy & mobility in the Varna system came largely to be associated with castes. Differences between Varna and caste: 1. 2.
3.
Varna represuits an all India category whereas caste varies from region to region. Varna can be placed in a strick jank order, which may not be possible with castes. Varna is more like a nation or a model rather thau a social practice whereas caste is more of a Varna exists more in lernis of theoretical ------------------whereas caste has a existential Varna division of society is macro-structural in nature, whereas caste exists as a macroBasic to the Varna concept the idea of gunas, dharma, karma, whereas basic to the caste
reality. structural rality. concept is the idea of pollution & purity. In sociological analysis why do we prefer caste analysis to Varna analysis?
Varna is some sort of a nation, which is empirically non existence but caste besides being a nation is also a reality at different levels, though not of a inform nature. Aspect of mobility can be better analyzed in terms of caste as it is quite difficult to place the mobile community in a Varna hierarchy. Clavus and cometer claimes and ---------------& unflicts regarding status evaluation have been found -----------the caste No village or town can be understood in terms of the Varna frame of reference because a single village has number of castes & sub castes. Caste ranking also various forms region to region, because the same caste is not dominant in different regions
38
However , during the tunes of pics. & dharmashastras functional specialization & hierarchical order in terms of the functions performed in the shape of rigid taboos. the hierarchical order became more rigid & non-eqnelitarion sanctions emerged whereby functional criteria was a functional principle became a religious phenomenon . This led to the emergence of castes. Thus the hierarchy of the castes and the mobility of a caste come to be stated in Varna system.
The importance of Varna system: faraichesan all India frame into which the jaties occupying the
lower rungs, have throughout tried to raise their status by taking over the costumes & rituals of the top jaties. This has helped the spread of a uniform culture throughout the Hindu society.
Caste is tied to locality but vernal function on an all India basis. Varna is more conceptual scheme for the Hindu society as a whole, while caste is a description of a
income use primitive methods of agriculture & income cases still use buster system of exchange.
5. Organization of societal leving: tribes are organized on a segmentary system larger propertun of
pupu have direct access to land. Whereas, caste people are organized around organic system hierarchically organized group through is interdependent relationship. Caste and class - difference They both are status group. A status group is a collection of indiovdnals who share a distractive style of life & a certain consciousness of a kind. 1. 2. 3. Castes are perceived as hereditary groups with a fixed ritual status, while classes are defined Caste is an endogenous group but class is not. Caste is a unique phenomenon but class is univocal. in terms of the relation of production.
39
4.
Caste works as are active political force but class does not. Caste has an organic character but class has a segmentary character. In caste there is cooperation and economic interdependence, but in class system there is In caste system status is determined by rilialistic ligitimatim of -------------traditional belief &
5. 6.
7.
competition. astrictive norms, whereas status in class system is determined by economic & political privileges i.e., achievement norms. 8.
9.
Caste is static whereas class is dynamic. Caste occupations are traditional whereas class occupations are optional. Caste is religious whereas class is secular. Social mobility is not possible in caste system, but in the class system change of status is
10. 11.
possible. CASTE - HIERARCHY OR SOCIAL STRATIFICATION Social inequality is found in each & every society in various forms- gender, age, caste, class, authority, etc. this can be explained through the concepts of social stratification and hierarchy. Social stratification implies ranking of people (or groups) on the basis of differential distribution of goods & service, right and obligation, power & status. As such society is durded in terms of unequal distribution of economic, political & social condition of existence. It is basically a horizontal decision of society into unequal status groups where people have freedom to more from one stratum to another depending upon their possession, quality & performance. It is chiefly referred to as class basis of stratification, & a secular feature of modern society which is based on income, education, knowledge, occupation, etc. Hierarchy implies an elaborate and rigid form of vertical division of society based on the religious principle of purity & pollution. It decides the ranking of people in different status groups in a hierarchical order. A caste based stratification system, in which hierarchical division based on ritual superiority is suigenaris. It implies Bharamins, kshastriyas, vaishyas, as twice born and -------are pure, whereas non ------or shudras are impure. It accordingly also provides for the occupational division of labour of various groups. Besides, there is ritual superiority of Brahamins (status) over kshastriyas (power). It chiefly posits a society which has a relatively closed system of social stratification, where people have less chance of social nobility & status is ascribed
40
(based on birth). Such a society is visualized as being based on reciprocity & cooperation, called organic reality of caste by F.G. Baily. When we consider caste as a hierarchy, it chiefly explains only one of its dimensions of ritual (cultural) aspect. Though it tries to highlight the essence & the basis of caste and explains why caste is regarded as unique Indian Hindu phenomena. However, it explains only the partial reality of caste. The obvious limitation of such an approach is as follows: 1. The brahaminicaly cultural view point is unduly emphasized - parrathamna.
2. Such an approach ignores the application of socio-economic categories to the study of verna & caste &
6. The dynamic reality of caste mobility cannot be evaluated from such a framework - MN. Srinivas.
7. Superiority of status to power is not always right. The caste ranking various from rigion to region
because the same caste is not dominates in different region - marrwtt, chenana. 8. Such a framework posits a self - sufficient & a static village, which is divorced from the existential reality of village- A.R.Desai, K.Davis. The economic & political aspects of caste can only be understood when we consider caste as a system of social stratification. It facilitates in understanding. 1. The inherent dynamic reality of mobility & conflicts taking place from historical ancient to contemporary times - Romila Thapar; KM. Pannikar; A.Betille. 2. F.G. Baily calls it the segmental reality of caste.
3. It facilitates in the understanding of the emerging contemporary reality of caste such as caste
association, caste & democracy, caste & politics, caste as a source of gaining power & social mobility emergence of various caste-class conflicts, backward class movements etc.-Rudolphs; AN Das; R. Kothari; G.Shah. 4. It explains why caste in a transformed from, will continue to existent future - MN. Shrinivas; Rudolphs.
41
The two approaches are essentially supplementary & complementary to each other; for its highlight that: There is closed link between Caste link & class link feature & not that caste is transforming into class. To understand the dynamic Indian social reality, instead of caste. Alone or class alone approach, a class caste-class nexus framework should be adopted - K.L.Sharma; Y.Singh.
Y.Singh opines that it is only then we can understand why tradition modernity coexists in India leading to what prof. F.W.Riggs calls a prismatic society, having features of both fused (traditional) & diffracted (modern) society.
CASTE: Dimension of regional variations As an existential reality, the in numerable variation of caste is found in India. The caste structural has several variations functioning in different region in India. In reality, great diversity exists between region as well as within region. However, for analytical purpose, its regional variations can be studied along there dimensions - Kinship, occupation, & power. (A) Caste structure and kinship The sole reason for this relationship lies in the endogamous nature of caste system, because of which a person marries within ones own caste or sub caste. However various variations in this pattern are found in India; 1. North India A person marries outside the village, called the rule of -----------------. Hyper gamy is practiced , which specially widens the range of ties Patriarchal, patrilocal & patrilineal The four - clam rule of marriage is followed. A person awards marriage with kind who are related to him or her five generation from the mothers side & seven generations in the fathers side ideally. 2. Central India -
42
Caste endogamy Hypergamy Village exogamy Among some caste communities, cross - cousin marriages are being practiced, of marrying mothers, brothers, daughter, but marrying fathers, sisters, daughter is a taboo.
3. Southern region-
Basically preferential rules of marriage Village intermarriages takes place Chiefly matrilineal matrilocal & matriarchal. Nayar matrilineal house is called tharavad.
(B) Caste structure & occupation Traditionally, there was an association of caste with an occupation which determined its rank in the local caste hierarchy. ( Mckin Marriott) this was reflected in the jajmani system of framework. In any such framework, the congruence between high caste status & land ownership was an important feature (A.Beteille). This was reflected in the study of K.Gough of tanifourdistt, where the Brahmins were the land owners & adi shudras worked as landless agricultural labourers. However, Baileys study of Bissipara village in Orissa had worrier caste owning most of the land whereas other castes including the Brahmin were in a position of economic dependence & political subordination to them. (C) Caste structure and power The control of land & economic resources along with political, numerical & ritual preponderance made a caste dominant. This led to status summation (A.Beteille). This was found by I Karve in her study of Malabar caste, where the order of dominance among caste parallels the order of caste rank. Thus where caste & power hierarchy overlap, there is a definite concentration of power, wealth & land invested with high ranking caste groups. However, lack of clarity in caste ranking result in a diffused power structure, with no single caste groups wielding economic, political & ritual ----------. For eg. Coromandal region of south caste coastal India. Similarly, in Punjab, Haryana & N.W. parts of UP. Middle ranking caste such as jats, ahir, kwmi, etc. waild substantial amount of power & position of dominance, besides being numerically pond rent in some regions.
43
L.DUMONTS analysis of caste in India Introduction: L. Dumonts a French scholar & an expert in sociology, anthropology & ideology, wrote magmim-opus hono- hierarchy. He provided a new prospective for the study of caste system & its implication for the understanding of the Indian, Hindu society. He emphasized the importance of the search for latent & underlining structure hierarchy, the opposite of equality. We can understand his theory on the basic of the perspective provided for by Y.Singh, who terms Dumonts views on caste as cultural -partienlaristic.
Y. Singh perspective for the analysis of L. Dumonts views:
hierarchy, where; Elements are ranked in relation to whole Nature of relationship is which encompasses & that which is incompossed A holistic view 2. Dialectics
The most important distention with in overall principle of hierarchy is that between purity & pollution. The relationship between these binary opposites is not that of fundamental opposition, rather it is dialectical, found upon the necessary consistence of the two.
Thus, we can song that this dialectics is of a complementary nature, where. The opposition is w.r.t. values or is ideational. An organic model where the whole is founded upon the necessary & hierarchical coexistence of two opposites.
The principle of hierarchy as manifested in purity & pollution proviedsfor the diversion of labor in society. The opposition between pure & impure gets reflected in Varna & jati, which are immutrally interdependent.
44
This distinction leads to the division in terms of during & a_ ______jaties. Within the Durg jaties, who pursue economic activities are more impure in comparison to those who perform religious activities.
It also provides for the distinction between status & power, where status(of Brahmins as related to intellectual field) is more pure than power (of king & kshatriyas)
L. Dumonts accordingly presented a model to make his agreements more explicit; Brahmins kshatriyas vaishyas shudras N.A.
L. Dumonts further proposed that the Varna system based on the distinction
between purity & pollution later led to the proliferation of various castes, subcastes, kinship groups, gotra, etc. The nature of changes taking place in the caste system acc. to L. Dumont is that the changes are in & not of the caste system. More specifically, the traditional interdependence of caste is being replaced by competition among the caste, called substantialisation of caste by Dumont. 4. Comparisons - L. Dumont proposed his theory to compare the nature of equality found in the west to that of inequality as was found in India. He however argned that the opposites of equality is not inequality. The inequality as found in India is of a special kind which precisely gets manifested in the principal of hierarchy. Accordingly, he proposed distinction between: (a) Oxidental tradition - homo equal is, based on equality as found in the west, & (b) Oriental tradition - homo-hierarchical, based on hierarchy as found in India.
45
In Indian society collectivity aspect of social lik is more important than the individual phenomena of the west. However he equated individualism of west to renunciation as found in the Indian society.
critical evaluation:
1.
Y. Singh considers his analysis as highly abstract to operationalise & is not T.N. Madan & Barreman argue for limited nature of ethnographic evidence
empirically applicable.
2.
together with the neglect of political - economic dimension of Indian reality. As such, it is a historical.
3.
M.N. Srinivas opines that he fails to distinguish between Varna & jati. Where his A. Betailly argues that his organic model failed to account for the tensions and
conflicts aspect of caste. similarly, Dipankar gupta opines that Dumont fails to pay attention to the principle of differences in the caste system, because of which the Hindu caste system is presented as one without internal dynamisan & tent ion
5.
G. Omvedt provides for an ideological antique by arguing that Dumont has tried to Barreman opines for the following:
(1) The correspondent between purity (ritual) & high status (of Brahmins) was not always true as power (of kings) also determined high status. As such, the status- power dichotomization based on the principle of hierarchy is incomplete until we consider it along with dominance an empirical reality of Indian caste system. (2) Moreover if we look at castes dozily we find that each maintains its own tradition & costumes zealously clearly distinguishes itself from others accompanying by a unique hierarchical or doing of castes, leading to multiple hierarchies, opposite of true hierarchy of Dumont. This is in consonance with the reality that there are also varying models of emulation which castes employ for purpose of upward mobility. This leads to caste conflict. Conclusion:
46
L. Dumont provides an alternative view of caste to understand the Indian social reality. Accordingly, he proposed that caste in not only unique Indian phenomena, both cultural & structural, but it also a unique Hindu phenomena, this view has been supported by leach, Bailey, O. Lewis, M.N. Shrinivas, Hulton & Bougle. This shows the utility of L. Dumonts emalyas of caste.
CASTE: UNIQUE INDIAN PHENOMENA The different dimensions of caste as unique Indian phenomena1. Srinivas- because of its religious significance. 2. L. Dumont- because it is based on the most crucial theological idea of purity & pollution. as such, it is also a unique Hindu phenomena. R.K. Mukherjee contradicts this by arguing that caste system is a typical Indian institution rather than being a peculiarity of any religious group; there are groups in Muslim (Shias & Sunnis) & Christian (catholic & protestant). But these groups are not based upon any theological ideas as in the case of Hindu religion. . 3. Bougle- because castes system permeates Hindu society to a level unknown elsewhere. 4. Hutton- because of its complex origin, it must be confused to a single are - India moreover castes attempts to integral Indian society & a unique phenomena. 5. H. Gould- castes system in its fullest sense is an exclusively Indian phenomenon. The above views are proposed by the scholars who chiefly view caste as an ethnographic category & in this from it refers exclusively to a system of social organization peculiar to Hindu India Leach & Dumont argue that both as cultural & structural phenomena, castes denote a particular species with panIndian cirtisation. However there are scholars who regard caste as a sociological category denotes almost any kind of class structure of exceptional rigidity. These scholars are chiefly G.S. Hurye & Fredrick Barth as such, caste is not a unique Indian phenomena. G. Hurye analyzed the elements of caste outside India by reviewing Egypt, loestern Asia, China, Japan, Rome, & Tribal Europe.
47
He founds elements of caste in well marked status group of this society. Here we many refer to the analyses of Cooley who opined that when status in a class is somewhat strictly hereditary, we may call it caste. Such statusgroups and condition were prevalent in other civilization also. the same condition were found by F. Barth in his study of social stratification system of Muslims in swat, North Pakistan even Risleys Racial theory posits that caste system should not be confined to India but it should be found in all those societies which have faced the conquests by other racial groups. Kroeber opines that castes are special forms of social classes which in tendency, at least, are present in every society. The above instances are however cases where caste exists, to some extent, only as a structural phenomena, & not as cultural reality. Leach & Dumont opines that caste exists in Indian both as a cultural & structural social reality, indissolubly linked with pen- India civilization.
Social mobility is directly linked with the system of social stratification. The structural differentiation & mobility results from urges for social mobility. The above is determined by the structural constraints w.r.t. the closure of openness of the stratification system. The closure of caste-stratification is associated with the principal of status summation. Mobility in stratification is also related to the possibility of structural changes. as related to; Frustration either objectively or subjectively existing. The nature of the communication system. The opportunity structure.
Historically, it is doubtful to maintain that tension & conflicts did not exist in traditional India. such a conflict did exist & often on a large scale ( in the form of social movement) As such, we can say that social mobility reflects the direction in which structural changes in the society are taking place. Nature of mobility in traditional India
48
It was contended that in the social system of traditional India mobility was absent, having a closed system of stratification This was chiefly because of.
The tradition- modern dichotomy in the studies of status mobility in India. The misplaced conception & ideology of the classical literature which over-emphasized the element of
continuity.
An ideological bias of a moral sense of superiority felt by most western scholars over the Indian society &
culture. and
Besides, in the single-village studies of the social anthropologists in the framework of functional theory.
integration and no conflict was the focus of study, and The jajmani system within the caste framework led them to over emphasis the element of reciprocity & underplays the inherent tension in the system.
M.N. Srinivas correct this perspective by arguing that while traditional India was somewhat stationary in
character, it did not preclude upward or downward mobility of individual castes in the local hierarchy., The caste system did offer, though in limited & exceptional cases only chance for status mobility.
the position of caste in the system of ranking was itself subject to changes due to external or internal forces
Besides, it may be difficult to establish historically that the caste system of ranking. Where the closure of
caste stratification is associated with the principal of status summation, was ever fully closed. Indeed they were exceptional, but in social relevance were quite significant. Besides, wide divergences in the status ranking of families within the same caste on the basis of sub-caste division. Occupational sub-specialization & accumulation of wealth.
There is substantial evidence to suggest that even in the past the caste system was not absolutely closed. the
avenues for mobility in traditional India were: (a) Though conquests & accumulation of power & wealth (orans;sinha) (b) Vast tracts of land available for settlement & enterprising families could move from one region to another & settle down as rajas or feudal lords & establish peasant settlements. (c) Mobility through promotion to higher positions of office or patronage during the Mughal & British period.
49
(d) Mobility through accidental factors, such as, famines or good harvests. (e) ) Mobility through renunciation or by becoming sanyasis, an institutionalized scheme meant only for the twice born castes, through in practice member of the lower caste also become sadhus or sanyasis, both in the village & towns (Dumont; Harper; Stein). (f) Among the internal structural forces was fluctuation in population. Accumulation of property & technological changes leading to emergence of new occupational groups (Barber).
However, Silverberg opines that it is doubtful to maintain that such forces & processes accounted for a significant degree of social mobility.
(A) Segmental- where each caste or: sub-caste tends to articulate mutual repulsion, social distance & social inequality. Here the social segments interact through competition. Bailey refers to this as the class principle of segmentary stratification; & (B) Organic- where the caste segments are mutually interlinked by principle of reciprocity, through the jajmani system Bailey named this caste principle of stratification as closed organic system. (F.G. Bailey) the thesis that the caste system being closed or harmonic is probably overdrawn chiefly because of the following factors; (a) The tradition-modern dichotomy in the studies of status mobility in India. (b) The misplaced conception & ideology of the classical literature which over-emphasized the elements of continuity. (c) An ideological bias of a moral sense of superiority felt by most western scholars over the Indian society & culture. & (d) besides, in the single-village studies of the social anthropologists in the framework of functional theory: integration and not conflict was the focus of study,&
The jajmani system within the caste framework led them to over-emphasize the element of
50
Historically, it is doubtful to maintain that tensions & conflicts did not exist between castes in traditional
India. such conflicts did occur and often on a large scale in the form of: Large scale social movements. where sanskritisation can be seen at least in principle violating the basic tenet of accepting the
principle of hierarchy, therefore, many sociologist have seen in the process of sanskritisation a latent form of class conflict, which results because of the peculiar structural constraints of the Indian society (Gould: Leach).
sanskritisation & westernization can be viewed from a reference group theoretical perspective to
explain & analyses the structural aspect of mobility in the stratification system, by focusing upon (a) The motivational structure- the aspirations the members to move wards, (b) The opportunity structure- the eligibility or ineligibility of the members to move in the desired direction & finally (c) The communication structure- the extent of relative deprivation influencing peoples motivation for social mobility. As, such the system of stratification is expected to generate tensions & conflicts if its reference group context is such that the aspiration levels ( i.e., the motivation) & communication structures are highly active but the opportunity structure remains closed & shows dire inequalities. The social development in India corresponds more or less to this situation. besides, the three levels in the ranking system related to the Indian mobility pattern are based on the distinction between: (a) Rural from metropolitan types of ranking system. (b) Individual or groups from corporate units of ranking. & (c) A series of successively wider zones of reference for the unites in any local system, the several units being characterized by distinctive values. The zones are- village, linguistic region & the whole civilization. The conflicts in the system of stratification emerge from the frames of reference in the ranking of castes from one level of category to another. But this process has also contributed to the dynamics of the stratification system.
51
The term castes & classes are used as conceptual dichotomies for the analysis of change. Social mobility as a process has become more active in recent time. It has resulted from sets of endogenous and exogenous factors that have loosened the summation The congruence of ritual, economic, and power status as in traditional caste stratification is withering
status principle which the traditional caste stratification represented. away under the impact of - social legislation, education, democratization, as a consequence of increased social mobility.
Mobility thus causes status-in congruency or inconsistency (Barber; Bailey; Beteille; Leach). as a result of this growth of autonomy and divergence among the determinants of traditional system Caste is getting more rationally organized into caste association and federations & assuming to itself the function of rational corporate groups.
M.N. Srinivas highlights the new role of castes in India by concluding that the contemporary
of caste hierarchy:
processes in the structure of caste is that of fusion in contrast to the past trends which were in the direction of continued fission.
However, fission & fusion are also taking place in the caste organization in different parts of the
country (R. Kothary; Rudolph; H.Gould). Some have even speculated about the transformation of caste system into the class system of social stratification (Davis; Desai). Social mobility in Indian society It refers to the change in the status of indis or groups in relation to a given system of social stratification. it can be either; (a) Vertical or structural - Marriott, Silverberg, srinivas. (b) Horizontal or positional - Bhadra, Breman, Harris, Omvedt, Singh.
52
-adult franchise - panchayati raj & ULB. -education -urbainsation & industrialization
-displacement of old political-leadership by a new set of leaders drowns from the advanced rural segments. Chiefly possible due to political consciousness & democratization of politics. ( A.R. Kamet; Sharma)KG. Sharma talks of the process of down ward social mobility. Caste based mobilization by the middle caste in favor of policy of reservation of jobs has sharpened & intensified class contradiction. -A. Beteille talks of emergence of new status groups taking precedence over traditional upper &middle caste. -S.M. is evident in the ever increasing violation of traditional criteria of status namely hereditary occupation, jajmani obligation reacceptance of modern seen occupations, education, position of power is formal political bodies. -the most important testimony of SM can be found in the challenge thrown by SC, ST, OBC to the dominance of upper caste & classes particularly after independence. new patterns of social stratification have emerged (Bose,Shah, Singh) structural , cultural & social transformation have occurred among STS -out grown of various organization & groups leading to various social movements ( Sharma, Weiner, Sengupta, Sachchidananda) initially lower castes uninitiated higher caste in non- eco. Spheres of social life. following considerable degree of socio-political awareness, it non symbolizes aspiration for higher status as well as desire to over throw the existing system ( Omvedt, Srinivas). -the growth of literary & emergence of small structure of educated elite is a testining of SM among SC,s ST,s (Sachchidananda; Ramas wanny). - Several studies indicate limited & uneven impact of the various state radiated schemes of social transformation (Mahar, M. Offat, Narayan, and N. Ram). - Since the late 1970s, OBC, s have become a political force which in political party could afford to undermine. - The movements for political antinomy agrasion & forest based movement & cultural movement based on script and language has immushy contributed to SG. & SM. among tribes in middle India. (Singh, Ras, Shah).
53
- Through class has lost its, haziness, it learn on caste to further its interests for mobilization. Thus, caste is becoming work & strong simultaneously. Bremen opines that a new form of casteism has emerged due to such a process of change. - New forms of inequality have emerged along with new bases of stratification. The historicity of social change Social change processes even though structurally similar assume historically different shapes & positions in as such, what matter most in formulating conceptual categories for the study of changes is that:
each society due to its pre-existing systems of social institution & ideologies.
native initial condition or historicity of social processes must not be overlooked, & The researcher should try to observe the dialectical relationship between the system interaction &
autonomy. such as, the autonomy between polity & stratification. Stratification & culture and polity, etc. (Eisenstaedt, Y. Singh).
This resulted in the acceptance of much social & cultural innovation at one level of the sub-system without
The Contemporary Processes of Social Change have now ceased to be segmentary they have become The structural autonomy of the social sub-system is gradually breaking down with the erosion of traditional
54
This takes place following various institutional changes in the society which affect all other systems and The mechanisms for such mobilization are economic or existential. The urge for equality, mobility& No wonder of the caste, class and communal identities are inadvertently reinforced. But the quality the Now all social segments tend to be activated because of the constraint towards organic social growth. This
activate most of its segment for participation in a wider national scene. economic security. consciousness in these identities is not the same as existed in traditional society with its autonomy of sub-system. growth is symbolized by the emergence of Indian nationhood. The caste association, faction, fission & fusion & structural entities manifest the diverse ramifications of this process.
Change and persistence in caste It is a perspective for the analysis of the nature of change taking place in the contemporary Indian society. the changes are occurring through role differentiation and functional diversification. Such changes have been so fundamental that is of only debated if the new emergent phenomena are indeed manifestation of caste or class properties. However, caste has evolved adaptive mechanisms for assimilation of and coexistence with many structural changes. Force of change federal parliamentary democracy based on universal adult franchise socialistic planning policy of protective discrimination social legislation urbanization & industrialization education
Land reforms & green revolution, & panchayati raj institutions.
55
2. a significant break in the traditional hierarchical structure of caste ; caste no longer determine occupation occupational mobility cut across class lines occupational diversification has taken place Greater avenues for social mobility.
3. Changes have occurred in the traditional mode of interrelationship, esp. jajmani system- FG. Bailey. 4. Traditional interdependence replaced by competition, ie. A shift from organic to segmental reality, called substantialisation of caste by L. Dumont for eg. Conflict in Bihar - AN. Das. 5. Changes have occurred in status summation, through fundamental democratization of caste- K. Marline; A. Beteille. 6. Instead of ritual aspects, economic & political features have became more important - Raghav Raj & Laidi. 7. Contradiction and conflicts on a scale which never existed before- AN. Das DN. Dhanger. 8. Changes in traditional power structure & leadership patterns. 9. Emergence of Dalit consciousness. Fusion and persistence of caste-caste association -caste clusterings -political mobilization of caste -politicization of caste -sharpening of caste identities -backward class movements -communal tensions - Caste endogamy caste associations, emphasizing horizontal solidarity, show fusion of caste, thus assuming class like forms, providing: (a) Opportunities for power & (b) Social mobility feasible (Rudolphs, Lynch, Bailey, S. Patwardhan) 2. Caste - clustering is still a predominant feature:
56
(a) Lower caste classes are still wesking as agricultural menial labouress- Breman, Baviskar, Lerches, Thorat, and Das. (b) Upper & middle caste dominate elite position in countrys administrative as well as modern profession Navlakha; JP. Singh. (c) Social background of industrial entrepreneurs reveals that most of them hail from trading & business castes & communities - Singer; Panimi; Gadgil. (d) Unorganized sector chiefly comprises of under privileged low castes - John Harris; Lerches; MSA. Row ; K.Gough. (3) Politicization of caste, where caste is used as a means of political mobilization at all levels - R. Kothari; T.K. Omvedt P.Brass. (4) Anti Brahmin movements in the south - M.N. Srinivas.
Reasons for the same-slow pace of industrialization & economic stagnation -socialistic planning strategy - Unequal socio-economic development -politicization of caste - Formation of sizeable middle class - Backward class movements 1. Slow pace of industrialization & economic stagnation. because of this, people sought to cling to whatever economic opportunity they initially had, chiefly through caste & kinship ties- G. Omvedt; Holmstrom. 2. The socialist planning strategy with the government regime of economic regulation & control. It constrained the free flow of resource & into as such, particularistic linkages of kinship affinity and caste proved vital in gaining business contract, access to officials in various governmental agencies and in labour recruitment - Rudolph; G. Omvedt; A. Kohli; G.Myrdal. 3. the above to factors together led to highly differentiated & unequal socio-economic development thus, providing the basis for politicization of caste, which sharpened caste identities at the national level- Panini; Y. Singh; MN. Srinivas. Social consequences-
57
- Politicization of castes - sharpening of caste identities - Intensification of conflicts - Growth of middle class of bourgeoisiefication - conimmual tensions - Rise of backward class movements. 1. Formation of a sizeable middle class where its consumerist 7 instrumentalist has become a model of emulation by the upwardly mobile sections of industrial workers, rural peasant castes & lower classes in the society. Paradoxically bourgeoisiefication has dual aspect: (A) Religious & political support to various party & organization which fan communal emboss- T.K. Ommen; P.F. Brass; Engineer; & (B) Also support economics liberalization by extending & deepening the market for consumer goods- S.L Rao; Panini; Gadgil. 2. Emergence of backward class movements, which set in process of political polarization at the national level, with sharpening caste identities implicit refection of achievement orientation on one hand
Equality & social justice are translated in terms of getting secular status. consideration of equality gam precedence over efficiency, Thus, reinventing caste movement. The future course With govts decision for job reservation, for the upper caste & professional liberalization has become more
attractive proposition.
But, asmarket forces are friendly to those who are endowed with skill & resources, there will be considerable
resistance & backward class movements. this will have dual impact; - adversely affect the poor & underprivileged, & - Thrawt the process of rapid economic development. As such, there is every possibility of intensification of conflicts in the near future- Y. Singh; T.K. Oonimen; P. Brass; K. Deitsch; Das.
58
ConclusionEconomic liberalization in the long run is likely to weaken the hold of caste over economy, & present the only alternative & possibility of annihilating caste, & doing away with what Deepak Lal calls Hindu Equilibrium or Raj Krishanas Hindu Rate Of Growth. The reasons for continued existence of caste in the future1. Provides opportunities for power 2. Makes social mobility feasible 3. Evolved adaptive mechanisms with the forces of modernity. Aspects of change/fission in caste
The nation of hierarchical gradation of caste groups drawing legitimacy from the concept
of purity & pollution has changed. This ideology of caste has become less pervasive (M.N. Srinivas). The ritual aspect of caste is confused to personal affairs only. (H. Gould).
The traditional caste ordering of occupation broke down ie. jajmani system. (F.G. Bailay)
Taking benefits from land reforms, middle caste peasants emerged as dominant & heralded green revolution. They have emerged as potential political force.
The traditional dominance of Brahamins in Tanjore village broke down. (K. Gough) The traditional caste panchayats & caste councils have lost their significance. (Y. Singh) Instead of earlier vertical mobilization. (M.N. Srinivas; Rodolphs) The traditional status summation of caste has broken down, leading to new avenues for
social mobility & new source of social honors & prestige. (A. Beteille) Mobility has occurred among SCs & Dalits, leading to the emergence of Dalit consciousness & Dalit literature. (G. Omvedt) A. Beteille considers changes in the traditional power as the most radical change in the traditional social structure.
Traditional interdependence of caste organic being replaced by competition segmental
leading to intensification of conflicts. (FG. Bailay; AR. Desai; PK. Boss; AN. Das)
59
The wcakers sections (Woman, SCs, STs, Dalits) have increasingly made their presence in new self-governing institutions of PRLS. ASPECTS OF CONTINUTY/FUSION IN CAST
Caste & kinship and marriage links yet survives. (P. Kolenda)
The forces of modernity have benefitted the wealthy upper castes. (R. Kothari) The great business houses belong to the traditional commercial upper castes.
Caste alliances are being formed for political games, material welfare & social status (B.S. Cohn). This
shows the political mobilization of caste groups. H. Goulds study of rishawallas of Lucknow shows that in workplace the caste norms are set aside, but in personal life the caste norms exerts itself.
Caste has come to term with the democratic political process.
Even Supreme Court recognizes caste & communities as the basis of reservations - politics, education, jobs, & promotions. Increased competition among communities to get themselves listed as backward.
The beginning of political consciousness on caste lines gets reflected in caste association (Rudolphs;
MN. Srinivas).
Candidates are being selected for political parties in the basis of caste. (R. Kothari) Rudolphs arrange that caste in its transformed form has helped the Indian masses (of which 70% live in
the village) make a success of representative democracy. The coming of modern means of communication has increased the horizontal stretch of caste. (MN. Srinivas). Conclusion: it is clear that caste as a dynamic reality of Indian society has accompanied changes in the past. However, because of its characteristic of adaptability to force of change, it centimes to exists as a dynamic reality even today. In the final analysis, caste is losing the functions, norms & structures it once had & acquiring new ones to suit the new demands & conditions of the people. It is obvious that eradication of caste is a distant reality, despite the indication to the country.
60
Present times: -caste association -Caste-class clustering -caste & politics -backward class movement -intensification of conflict, exp. of Bihar -emergence of Dalit consciousness -reservations for equality -equality of middle caste peasants as upper classes -shift towards horizontal mobilization -Indi & family mobility -no inform pattern of caste crke class, throughout India -economic & political aspect becoming more prominent in comparison to ritual dimension. CASTE AND CLASS NEXUS In India, caste and class are organically related. Caste incorporates class & class incorporates caste in the Indian contest. Neither does caste refer to the totality of social formation nor is class the polar opposite of caste. Neither the caste alone view nor the class-alone perspective can help in a proper and fuller understanding of Indian society. Such confusion stems from the fact that western scholars looked at the caste system in India from the viewpoint of the class in the western societies. Though at an ideal typical level & for analytical purposes we can differentiate between caste & class based stratification system. However, the understanding of existential operational & substantial dynamic Indian social reality calls for a close nexus between caste & class. this can be seen in the following points: 1. These was never a perfect congruence between caste, class & power (Stein, Pannikar, & Others) 2. Even in ancient Indian these were classes. 3. Aspects of mobility & migration were quite normal. 4. Material & cultural traditions existed with a sort of congruity. This can see wrt new kingdoms, settled agriculture, cities, and banking & guild operations. 5. caste based division of labor explains the economic dimension of the caste. 6. Had caste been merely a ritualistic phenomenon it would have crimpled language because of its amber some nature.
61
7. Nexus can be seen when economic and political dimension are taken into consideration. 8. Religions also includes power 9. Hyper gamy explains the role of status & wealth within the caste system. 10. The process of sanskritisation also includes the phenomena of power & domination. 11. The concept of jajmani & dominant caste are explaining the same. 12. The process of westernization & sanskritisation want on simultaneously moreover, westernization did not retard the process of sanskritisation rather it accelerated the same. 13. There were instances of conflicts & tensions in the institution of caste system even in traditional India. 14. Family position is marked as a class within a particular caste. Some of the relatively recent phenomena: 1. The activisation of caste association for non-caste like functions. (Roudlph)
2. The nature of economic deprivation & exploitation of the various weaker sections. 3. The increasing conflicts between the high caste & lower caste groups ( Harigens, Dalits, SCs, STs
etc.) & increasing conflicts within the lower caste groups speaks of the rising aspirations of equality. ( T.K. Oommen; DN. Dhangre) 4. The increasing nature of conflict of Behar. ( AN. Das; PK. Bose) 5. The increasing shift from vertical to horizontal mobilization of various groups in modern day polity. ( Roudlph) 6. Role of caste & class in present day elections. ( R. Kothari) 7. Greater attention to mobility at the level of family & individual. (KL. Sharma) 8. Lower-middle caste peasants taking benefits from LREGR have become upper class groups. (PC. Joshi)
9. a better comprehension of the term & simultaneous aspects of mobility upward & downward. (KL.
Sharma)
10. The seemingly caste conflicts in Bihar are essentially class conflicts. 11. There is no uniform pattern of caste structure throughout India, like class. 12. K. Goughs analysis of mode of production as a social formation having interconnections of caste,
kinship, marriage & family with farces of production & production relations. 13. The Mandal commission of backward class considered caste as the basics for determining backwardness of members of group in a society.
62
THE FRAMEWORK:
The caste & class are two principles of social starts faction which have persisted in the Indian social a dialectical relationship.
system in
The structural aspects of caste (economic & political dimensions) remained underestimated whereas the cultural
aspects (purity & pollution) have been over emphasized. a whole some treatment of both these aspects of social stratification could provide a deeper understanding of Indias social formation.
Moreover, we should also remember that caste simultaneously manifests tendencies - (F.G. Bailey).
1. organic: caste principle of stratification, based on cooperation & inter-dependence;& 2. Segmental: class principle of stratification, based on competition.
What is required is that dominant & not so dominant elements of a given situation should be discerned. Dipankar Gupta argues that the essence of dynamic Indian social reality can be had by considering; 1. Caste as a basis of social stratification, whereas 2. Class provides the basis of mode of production. (A.R. Desai, K. Davis) K.L. Sharma opines that for understanding of caste & class as dimensions of Indian social formation demands & approach whereby the theory, structure & process have a combination of:
1. 2. 3. 4.
Dialectics: the contradictory relations between unequal segments. History: provides the substantial account of the conditions of human existence. culture: defines the nature of relations & Structure: is seen as a formation of the product of dialectics, history and culture. Y. Singh rightly comments that the situation corresponds to a prismatic model of change, where traditional sentiments of caste & kinship under adaptive transformations without completely being diffracted into classes or corporate groups.
As such, caste & class represent to a large extant the same structural reality, where both are organically However, Nexus should mean close link between the two and not that caste is changing to class. CASTE AND DEMOCRACY
A perspective for the analysis of nature of changes taking place in the contemporary Indian society. More specifically in the sphere of caste, the changes have been occurring through role differentiation & functional
63
diversification under the impact of democratization. The changes have been so fundamental that it has often been debated if the in argent phenomena are indeed manifestations of caste or class like features. However, caste has evolved adaptive mechanisms for assimilation of and coexistence with the many structural changes & the force of modernity-democracy. Therefore, it is argued that through caste and democracy are fundamentally opposed to each other; however, India presents a unique case of largest caste-based democracy in the world. on an ideal typical level, if we place democracy & caste along two opposite indo of a continuation, we can assume that democracy essentially entails fen times of a modern society, based on universalism, equality, achievement, orientation, rule of low, fundamental rights, civil society, etc. whereas, caste based society essentially entails features of particularize, inequality based on purity & pollution, ascriptive norms, status-summation, repulsion, hieratical organization & hereditary occupation. Therefore, the changes of social mobility are either absent or relatively less in a traditional-caste based society as a purely democratic modern society. India, which is chiefly regarded as a traditional caste based society, on achieving independence, undertook various measures to usher democratic modernization of the country. These measures were: Federal parliamentary democracy based on universal adult franchise. social legislations Land reforms, green revolution & prls. socialist planning policy of protective discrimination & reservations industrialization & urbanization
Thus, efforts were mode to bring about changes at the national regional & local level, some of the
weakening of the norms of pollution & purity- M.N. Srinivas; G.S. Ghurye a significant break in the traditional hierarchical aspect of caste; -caste in longer determines occupation - Occupational mobility cuts across class lines - Occupational diversification has taken place - Greater avenues for social mobility.
3. Changes in the traditional mode of inter relationship (jajmani)-F.G. Bailay 4. Changes in the status-summation, called fundamental democratization of caste by K. Mannheim; A. Beteille.
64
5. under the impact of LR. & GR, various middle caste peasants have become dominant in various parts of the country, thus altering the traditional power structure. - PC. Joshi, Y. Singh, B.S. Cohn. 6. Led to political empowerment of the Dalits in terms of crystallization of Dalits consciousness- G. Omvedt. 7. Growth & proliferation of various political parties. TK. Oommen 8. Considerable social mobility has occurred among SCs, STs, OBCs & women, who now make their presence felt in PRLs. 9. Instead of earlier attempts of vertical mobilization, the attempts are now for horizontal mobilization - Roudlphs; MN. Srinivas. However, some of the negative impacts of the process of democratization on caste have also been observed:
1. intensification of conflicts among caste - AN. Das; Dhanagare 2. Sharpening of caste identities, chiefly because of the emergence of backward class movements, which set in
On the basis of the impact of the various efforts at democratization of the country, the following trends of the dynamic interplay between caste & democracy can be seen: 1. MN. Srinivas in a review of emerging caste consciousness & its new organization & functions in Gujarat, Orissa, UP., and Behar & Andhra Pradesh opines that the forces of caste instead of weakening are further strengthened. The power & activities of caste has increased in proposition of the political power passed on the people.
2. Increasing importance of caste association in the political process especially in elections it legislative
groups, leading to what he calls a shadow society which has modernizing impact without overly replacing traditional institutional of caste.
4. matching caste by caste has been a common policy of political parties in general election of India,
which shows that castes not only unite on political front, but also have a tendency to sub-divide & from faction TK. Oommen; PI. Brass; AC. Nayor; O. Levis.
65
5. New feeling of self identity of increased horizontal caste solidarity, which challenged the position of
upper caste as reference groups. This is reflected in the unity Brahmin movement in the south & SCs & STs in the eastern region. MN. Srinivas.
6.
Government has given preference in services & educational institutional to the OBCs, STs, STs, in pursuance of the decision of the Supreme Court. Further, we now have reservations in promotions too.
7. Now we have reservation in promotions too (77th constitutional amendment act). 8. Provision for reservation in local bodies (73rd & 74th CAA) (9) talks of reservation in private sector
In such in emergent dynamic interplay between caste & democracy, caste is not going to wither away. This is because of the limitation of impact of democracy of caste, which is as follows: 1. Caste association & political mobilization is essentially a micro-reality. 2. Though in political & economic realms hierarchy has been replaced by competitive ideology, but in ritual spheres hierarchy still purists.
3. The existential situation homogeneity & uniformity of groups determines the extend & level of
mobilization.
4. The caste association & political mobilization are still based a primordial loyalties.
mobilizing of new role structure. 8. New modern means of communication are being used to propagate ascriptive norms.
9. The spill over effect of caste and the political economy on the future process of economic
liberalization. 10. Absence of other fully differentiated voluntary structures & organization. thus, we can say that the structural chancing occurring in the caste system under the impact of democracy, which imply role differentiation & functional diversification, may not be essential to caste per send to some extant are assuming class-like forms. However, caste has shown continued resistance by evolving adaptive mechanisms for assimilation of & coexistent with many structural
66
changes. For a long times to come, caste will continue to provide an institutional foundation for the operation of modernizing social structure in the realms of politics, economy & culture. Rudolphs opines that such emergent relationship between caste & democracy implies that modernity has interned into Indian character & society through assimilation & not replacement, which fusion and fission takes place simultaneously. it in this context that K.M. Pannikar in caste and democracy argues that to regards democracy as ushering equality and uniformity is the grossest of fallacies, for it negates peculiarities & historicity of a given society-CASTE. ISSUES OF EQUALITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE The principle of equality implies that all citizens should be treated as equals without any discrimination. But due to the past historical social condition of existence there exists a considerable difference regarding the capability of competing with success between the groups, especially w.r.t. the vast majority of people living in the rural areas and those belonging to the lower castes. They have to be given special support to enable them to take rightful place as citizens of the country. This involves the principle of social justice. The sociological analysis of the issue of equality and social justice requires an analysis of the difference in life changes caused by traditional values, social practices, and social restriction imposed by the caste system. The special claims of the backward classes arise out of the conditions under which they have been constrained to live from ancient times. The defining feature of their condition was that they were in many important regards placed outside the bounds of the larger society, mainly on account of the segregation imposed on them by the rules of pollution and purity. As such, they require special facilities to be brought in. special care has to be taken to ensure that they are able to exercise their rights as full citizens in the new legal-social order. We have to critically assess the extent of realization of equality and social justice, as we are experiencing today. Nobody denies the value-consensus of todays society that: each citizen enjoys equal protection of low, and The acceptances of the principle that no individual should be permitted to live below human level. The controversy arises regarding achieving the two value consensus as fast as possible. However the achievement of the same can never be achieved overnight, rather it would lead to a number of structural & institutional changes. Such changes can only be brought about over a period of time. For the same, the directed social changes as envisaged by the government clearly aim at the quicker realization of these two
67
values. As such, the area that needs to be debated is the correctness or otherwise of the means adopted for realizing these values one of them happens to be reservation. The direction of the policy of reservation cannot be questioned in fairness. The only thing that needs to be debated is whether the policy of reservation is:
leading to creation of new vested interests, perpetuation of the caste system itself, dismemberment of society, & Efficiency is really on decline in services and professions only because of these reservations. Each of them is a very complex phenomenon and has to be examined in depth.
We can highlight the following points in our analysis of the issue of equality and social justice:
Is that the reason why caste is taken as a criterion for equalization in order to bring about equality
between individuals, we should first bring about equality between groups. Now, there is a basic difficulty in this approach. All the members of a caste are not equal-they are not homogeneous groups. The assumption of a perfect congruence between the collective ritual status of a caste and the actual material condition of its individual members does not hold good today, and probably never held good in the majority of the cases even in the past. Various forces are at work today which increases the dissociation between caste and income, occupation, and education.
They compel us to take more & more account of the needs of the individual irrespective of his caste, for his caste tells us less & less about the total range of his deprivation. The new legal order must provision for the individual to bring his needs to the attention of the state in his own right, without the mediation of his caste.
Moreover, the rigidities of caste are no longer as severe as they were even a decade ago. However, the above situation is not applicable in the case of poverty. The economic forces that push
people below the line of poverty do not pay much regard to the finer points of traditional distinction of status. Are we in that case not doing injustice to the individual by seeking to do justice to caste & communities? The ends of justice are hardly met if our vain endeavor to bring about equality between castes leads only to the increase of inequality among the individual members of every caste. Moreover, it is fallacious to argue that the equalization of caste can only be achieved by means of job reservations in the government jobs. Such jobs are too few in numbers to materially alter the condition of any caste as a whole.
68
Besides, the prospects of material advancement through job reservation have led to a kind of
competition for backwardness among castes. This kind of competition creates a vested interest as it stifles the possibility of creating equality between individuals and it obstructs the natural process through which barriers between castes and communities can be affected.
The society made a terrible mistake in the past in believing that merit was an attribute of individual but of groups, that being born a Brahmin was in itself a merit. We shall be making the same kind of mistake if we act on the belief that needs to be always, and not just in special castes, an attribute of group rather than of individuals.
As such, the situation gets compounded due to the fact that the provision for social justice on the basis of caste and community inevitably strengthens the divisive forces and weakness the sense of belongingness to the nation. The attempts to remove social inequlities on caste, class or community basis creates frustration among some caste and communities resulting into various agitation and violent actions. This has an important ramification for the Indian society, which is not only pluralistic in nature, but also where caste and jatis are divided into a number of endogamous groups at the regional or local level because of their rank differentiation. Emergence and Growth of Dalit Consciousness The term DC is chiefly a socio-psychological phenomenon of the consciousness of collectivity among the depressed and weaker sections of the society, of reflecting on their conditions at other higher castes. This gets reflected in their social, economic, political, and structural aspect of social reality. Through the traces of the emergence of DC can be found in Buddhism, Sufism and Sikhism. However, the interjection of modern democratic values and ideas and variety of innovative changes as a result of the heterogeneous contact with the modern west provided for fresh opportunities for status ascendancy in the body polity of the closed inscriptive traditional Indian society. Especially, it made the SCs conscious of their long standing exploitation and the urge for separate identity. The do sure of the caste stratification and the entrenched position of the caste Hindus had been challenged. The Various Stages of Dalit Movement: 1. The heterogametic contact with the west and various socio-religious reform movements. The advent of colonial rule and the process of westernization played on important role. it led to the beginning of various socio-religious reform movements, which started articulating consciousness of exportation and urge for separate identity among the Dalits. The Satya Shodhak Samaj of joytiba phule played a pioneering role. Initially it was only a socio-
69
religious reform movement and was not economic & political in nature. It called for reforms within the Dalit community for doing away with their various orthodox traditions. It was only later in 1917 under the leadership of Shahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur that it called for their political rights and demanded for reservation in jobs. He also demanded for a separate constituency under the act of 1919 which however, was passed only in the act of 1935. By this time, the Dalit movement had also become anti-Brahministic in nature. This aspect of DM had to origin in SNDP movement of Kerala. It not only called for socio-religious unpliftmeof the Dalits but it also increasingly protested against the Brahminical value system of hierarchy and pollution & purity. Thus, aspect of Dalit movement was radicalized by the justice party movement and later the DMK movement. It was chiefly anti Brahmanical, called for political rights of reservation in government jobs and was founded upon the AryanDravidian ideological conflict. It not only radicalized the Dalit movement, but also got proliferated before and after independence. 2. The census operations- provided fresh opportunities to the Dalits for articulation of urge for separate identity. They tried to get the under listed as upper castes by changing their names and claiming upper caste status. Such instances were reposted from various parts of the country where delegations were sent to British officials and census officers. 3. Movement against untouched ability especially by Gandhi ji & Ambedkar. 4. Constitutional safeguards after independence and the policy of protective discrimination. This was essentially a cumulative outcome of the various forces and dimension of Dalit movement before independence. After independence, it led to the crystallization of DC in an express way. It was chiefly responsible for the emergence of Dalits as a distinct political entity for the future times. 5. Republican Party of India and conversion to Buddhism was the first manifestation of the emergence of Dalit as a distinct political entity. In this contest, Ambedkar important upon the importance of constitutional guarantees, political power and education along with conversion of the Mahars of Maharashtra. Following these untouchables in other parts of India (jatavs of Agra) also converted to Buddhism. It led to a great psychological release raising their self image. Its political importance ides in its articulation as a symbol of identity formation. Its greatest impact has been on confronting, Challenging and some extent raising their own self-image. 6. Dalit partners & new Dalit movement was a defining moment & a new symbol of revolt taking the ideology for beyond. It took multifarious expression where of economic, anti-caste & gender was interwoven. Especially, the challenge to caste and rise of low caste was sought to be put firmly on Indias political agenda.
70
7. dalit literature- generally it was an outcome of the effort of republic party of India and conversion to Buddhism. S. Patwardhan and Zilliot opine that the aspect of identity was reflected in the literature of Buddhists, their literatures and songs. However, Gail Omvedt in dalit vision opines that it was the creative and transformatory potential of dalit panthers and new dalit movement. Which actually led to the beginning of powerful poetry of protests in the form of dalit voice as dalit literature? Nandu Ram in beyond Ambedkar opines for dalit literature by dalit people. 8. The rise of BSP and BRP: the jati identity politics - shows that they have tried to become ruling community by breaking its tag of being only dalit movement. They apparently tried to give dalit leadership to all oppressed. Their achievement in parliamentary election let to the first dalit CM (UP) in India. They have in a position of bargaining with larger political parties 9. dalits and ethnic identity - more recently, RK. Jain on the basis of his study in UP has raised the issue that on the basis of the developments and emergent dimensions of dalit identity formation can use argue that are dalits an ethnic identity. Positive outcomes of dalit movement: 1.
2.
the conscious attempts of dalits for status mobility- G. Omvedt It has challenged the closure of the caste stratification and the entrenched position of the caste Hindu- A. It encouraged the process of horizontal caste mobilization and consolidation, where the urge for solidarity putting pressuse on the national leadership before independence for taking measures to do away wih the constitutional safeguards and policy of protective discrincivation ( Y. Singh) emergency of dalits as a distinct political identity after independence TK. Oommen; PF. Brass; G. Omvedt growth & proliferation of dalit political parties- republican party of India, dalit panthers, BSP& BRP- G. a great psychological release saising their self image -S. Patwardhan emergency of dalits literature G. Omvedt, Nandu Ram Emergency of dalits as aggressive interest groups- P. Kolenda
Beteille.
3.
Shah; M. Maher
11.
71
fragile remained active from the very begning polity for improving their status and position exploitation but failing to show the way to transformation
upper castes - VELLALAS, VELAMAS , KAMMARS and reddis nairs. Demand 1. protecting the interest of non Brahmins in the spheres of education , employment , services etc. 2. Benefits covered by few forwards communities. 3. Separate representation and exclusive reservation. MottoEqual opportunities to all and injustices to none Ideology- founded upon the conjecture about the non Brahmin Hindus as Dravidians and the Brahmins as the avyans and the loss of the glory of the former due to the invasion by the latter
72
Organization of parties- justice party, vanniyakula kshatriya mahasangam, madras, 1888, madras provincial backward classes league, 1935. Significance of BCM 1. emerged as potential threat to hierarchical aspect of society, along with changes in traditional inter caste relationships (jajmani), whose caste no longer determines occupation. 2. Considerably weakened the past status summation. 3. An important components of social mobility in contemporary India and a pointer of changing sources of social honour, power of prestige. 4. It led to the much needed adoption of reservation policy and appointment of backward classes commission by the government after independence. 5.
73
74
75
76