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How do little tradition and great tradition coexist in contemporary Indian society ? (UPSC CSE Mains 2022 - Sociology, Paper 1)
- In contemporary Indian society, the coexistence of little tradition and great tradition can be understood through the concept of ‘Sanskritization’ and ‘Westernization,’ as well as the process of ‘syncretism.’ These concepts help to explain the dynamic relationship between local, regional, and pan-Indian cultural practices and beliefs.
- Little tradition refers to the local, folk, and indigenous cultural practices and beliefs that are specific to a particular community or region. These traditions are often rooted in the everyday lives of people and are transmitted orally from one generation to another. Great tradition, on the other hand, refers to the pan-Indian, classical, and elite cultural practices and beliefs that are often associated with religious texts, rituals, and institutions. These traditions are more formalized and standardized, and they have a wider reach across different communities and regions in India.
- Sanskritization is a process through which lower castes or tribes adopt the cultural practices, rituals, and beliefs of the upper castes in order to improve their social status. This process often involves the incorporation of elements from the great tradition into the little tradition. For example, a lower caste community might adopt the rituals, beliefs, and practices associated with Brahminical Hinduism in order to gain social acceptance and mobility. This process of Sanskritization allows for the coexistence of little and great traditions as communities selectively adopt and adapt elements from the great tradition to suit their local context.
- Westernization, on the other hand, refers to the adoption of Western cultural practices, values, and institutions by Indian society. This process has been accelerated by globalization, urbanization, and modernization, leading to the blending of Western and Indian cultural practices. For example, the celebration of Valentine’s Day, the popularity of Western music and fashion, and the adoption of Western-style education systems are all examples of Westernization in contemporary Indian society. This process allows for the coexistence of little and great traditions as people navigate between their local, regional, and global cultural identities.
- Syncretism is the process through which different cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions are combined and integrated to form a new, hybrid cultural system. In contemporary Indian society, syncretism can be seen in the blending of Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and other religious practices and beliefs, as well as the fusion of classical, folk, and popular art forms. This process of syncretism allows for the coexistence of little and great traditions as people creatively reinterpret and negotiate their cultural identities in a diverse and pluralistic society.
- In conclusion, the coexistence of little tradition and great tradition in contemporary Indian society can be understood through the processes of Sanskritization, Westernization, and syncretism. These processes allow for the dynamic interaction and integration of local, regional, and pan-Indian cultural practices and beliefs, reflecting the complex and diverse nature of Indian society.
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