Question:
How Do Little Tradition and Great Tradition Coexist and Interact in Indian Society?
Coexistence and Interaction of Little Tradition and Great Tradition in Indian Society
Introduction:
The concepts of "Great Tradition" and "Little Tradition" were first introduced by American anthropologist Robert Redfield (1956) and later applied to Indian society by Yogendra Singh and other Indian sociologists. These concepts explain the dynamic cultural interactions between pan-Indian elite traditions and localized folk practices.
Meaning of Great and Little Traditions:
Concept | Description |
---|---|
Great Tradition | Refers to the classical, pan-Indian, literate, Sanskritic, and philosophical traditions upheld by elites like Brahmins and scholars. |
Little Tradition | Refers to localized, oral, folk-level customs and practices followed by common villagers, tribes, and local communities. |
Points of Coexistence and Interaction:
1. Cultural Interpenetration
Both traditions coexist within the same geographical and social space, often influencing and modifying each other.
Example: Village festivals often mix Sanskritic rituals (Great Tradition) with local deities and folk practices (Little Tradition).
2. Sanskritization
M.N. Srinivas coined the concept of
"Sanskritization", explaining how lower castes and tribal groups adopt rituals and customs from the
Great Tradition to elevate their social status.
Example: A local caste may start worshipping Vishnu or Shiva and abandon animal sacrifices to appear more "Hindu mainstream".
3. Localization of Great Traditions
Elements of the Great Tradition are localized to fit the social realities and beliefs of local communities.
Example: Ramayana and Mahabharata stories are retold with regional variations in folk songs and dramas.
4. Ritual Symbiosis
Shared religious events often blend both traditions.
Example: During a temple festival, Vedic rituals (Great Tradition) are accompanied by folk dances and music (Little Tradition).
5. Transmission of Knowledge
The Great Tradition influences the Little Tradition through education, pilgrimage, and religious preaching.
Priests, teachers, and wandering ascetics often act as cultural brokers.
6. Accommodation and Adaptation
Both traditions adapt to each other to maintain social harmony and continuity.
Example: Village gods and folk deities are often absorbed into the Hindu pantheon and given Sanskritic names and status.
7. Folk Interpretations of Classical Texts
People interpret epics and scriptures through local myths, proverbs, and folk tales, creating multiple layers of meaning.
8. Modernization and Media Influence
Modern media has further bridged the gap between the two traditions.
Example: TV serials like Ramayana and Mahabharata (products of Great Tradition) have entered rural homes, while folk arts and local festivals (Little Tradition) are now broadcast nationally.
Theoretical Contributions:
Thinker | Contribution |
---|---|
Robert Redfield | Introduced the concept of Great and Little Traditions in his study of Mexican villages. |
Yogendra Singh | Applied the concept to Indian society, highlighting two-way interaction and cultural continuity. |
M.N. Srinivas | Through the concept of Sanskritization, explained upward cultural mobility bridging the two traditions. |
Conclusion:
The Great Tradition and Little Tradition in India are not isolated entities. They exist in a state of continuous interaction, with processes of adaptation, localization, reinterpretation, and Sanskritization. This dynamic coexistence contributes to India's cultural unity amidst diversity.