Criticism of Ghurye by M.N .Srinivas (10 Marks)
Srinivas points out that Ghurye’s approach to caste can be considered as Brahminical view as he perceives that Brahmins in search of exclusivity, distinction impose certain restriction on food, dress, rituals, manners and speech as a result their way of life stand to be distinguished from the rest. Therefore Brahmins in search of exclusivity when stand distinctively ,others look forward to them as role models and thus they slowly imbibe Brahminic values but could not obtain Brahminic status. Hence relative difference between Brahmins and non-Brahmins make appearance. Those who are close to Brahmin in terms of life standards they are known as Kshatriyas and other caste divide on the basis of proximity and distance from Brahmins way of life.
Therefore Srinivas criticises Ghurye for presenting a Brahminical viewpoint of the caste system in India which subsequently offered foundation to the theory of Louis Dumont, who also presented a similar viewpoint of Brahminical supremacy.
In defence of Ghurye it can be said that, every theory also gets influenced by the time during which it is written. Ghurye’s sociology was written when there were very strong anti-Brahmin movements going on in Maharashtra led by Jyotiba Phule and in Tamil Nadu initiated by Periyar.
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