---
title: "Sanskritisation: M.N. Srinivas Concept Explained"
description: "Sanskritisation is M.N. Srinivas's term for a low caste adopting upper-caste customs to climb the hierarchy. Key for UPSC GS1 Indian society, with examples."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/sanskritisation-m-n-srinivas"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Sanskritisation is the process by which a lower caste, tribe, or group adopts the customs, rituals, and ideology of a higher, usually twice-born caste to claim upward social mobility.
- Why did M.N. Srinivas replace the term 'Brahminisation' with 'Sanskritisation'?
- How does Sanskritisation differ from Westernisation?
- What is de-Sanskritisation, and how does it challenge the concept?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In 1910 the Nadars of Tamil Nadu, formerly toddy-tappers ranked low in the caste order, founded the Nadar Mahajana Sangam and Sanskritised their rituals, adopting vegetarianism and claiming Kshatriya descent to raise their social standing.

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