FROM HIGHER CASTE TO LOWER CASTE: THE PROCESSES OF ASPRASHYEEKARAN AND THE MYTH OF SANSKRITIZATION

Book Details:

• Author: Shyamlal

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2024

• ISBN: 9788170333951

• Pages: 191

• Cover: Hardcover

• Sale Territory: India

About the Book

This book explores the under-researched concept of downward mobility in India, particularly focusing on groups and individuals from upper castes or tribes who break away from their traditional affiliations and voluntarily or legally integrate into lower castes, adopting a new low-caste identity. While studies on social mobility in India have largely concentrated on upward mobility, especially among underprivileged groups, this book sheds light on the reverse process of cultural integration that leads to downward mobility.

In particular, the author examines the phenomenon of Asprashyeekaran (reverse Sanskritization), where higher caste individuals or groups renounce their privileged positions and adopt lower caste identities. This social transformation, not commonly explored by sociologists or anthropologists, is studied in depth through examples of high-caste converts to the Bhangi community, particularly in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. The book provides a comprehensive account of the processes, impacts, and trends of downward mobility and offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics of caste, identity, and social stratification in India.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Origin of the Bhangis: An Untouchable Caste

3. Asprashyeekaran through Ages

4. Conversion of Upper Castes into Lower Castes: A Process of Asprashyeekaran

5. High Caste Convert Bhangis of Rajasthan

6. High Caste Converts of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh

7. Acquiring a Dalit Identity: Downward Mobility of Some Upper Castes of Rajasthan

8. De-Sanskritization of Upper Castes into Bhangis

9. Contextual Trends and Processes: Impact of Jains

10. Impact of Maharshi Naval

11. Conversion to Jainism

12. Social Mobility Among India's Bhangis

13. Conclusion

14. Reflections of the Press

About the Author

Shyamlal is an esteemed sociologist and academician, having held distinguished positions such as Vice Chancellor of Patna University and Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur. He has also served as acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, and as Chairman of the Drafting Committee at the Ambedkar Foundation, Government of Rajasthan. A prolific writer, Professor Shyamlal has published over 24 books and 50 research papers. He has been recognized with prestigious awards such as the ICSSR’s Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Fellowship and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Indian Sociological Society. His contributions to the field of sociology and social mobility, particularly regarding caste and identity, have been widely recognized.