Influence of Anti-Brahmanical and Backward Classes Movement on the Process of Sanskritisation

The process of sanskritisation refers to the adoption of Brahmanical customs, rituals, and practices by lower castes or communities in order to elevate their social status. This process has been influenced by various factors, including the anti-Brahmanical and backward classes movements.

1. Anti-Brahmanical Movement:
The anti-Brahmanical movement emerged as a response to the dominance and oppressive practices of the Brahmins in Indian society. This movement aimed to challenge the Brahmanical hegemony and establish a more egalitarian social order. Its influence on the process of sanskritisation can be seen in the following ways:

- Critique of Brahmanical Customs: The anti-Brahmanical movement questioned and criticized the customs and rituals promoted by the Brahmins. This criticism paved the way for the rejection or modification of certain Brahmanical practices during the process of sanskritisation.

- Emphasis on Equality: The movement advocated for social equality and the upliftment of lower castes and classes. This emphasis on equality encouraged the lower castes to adopt Brahmanical practices as a means to attain social mobility and improve their social status.

2. Backward Classes Movement:
The backward classes movement aimed to address the social and economic backwardness of marginalized communities and secure their rights and representation. Its influence on the process of sanskritisation can be observed in the following ways:

- Assertion of Identity: The backward classes movement encouraged marginalized communities to assert their own distinct identities and cultural practices. This assertion of identity often involved the adoption of certain Brahmanical customs and rituals as a way to gain social acceptance and recognition.

- Demand for Social Equality: The movement demanded equal rights and opportunities for the backward classes. As a result, the process of sanskritisation became a strategy employed by these communities to bridge the social gap between themselves and the upper castes.

Conclusion:
The anti-Brahmanical and backward classes movements have both influenced the process of sanskritisation. These movements have critiqued Brahmanical customs, emphasized social equality, and encouraged marginalized communities to assert their own distinct identities. As a result, the adoption of Brahmanical practices by lower castes and communities became a means to challenge Brahminical hegemony, attain social mobility, and bridge the social gap between different castes and classes.