The cultural process of change in India is explained with the help of little and great traditions. Each tradition has its own social organization and there is a continuous flow of subjects, ideas or symbols. Through what medium does this process begin?

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Correct option is C

Orthogenetic and Heterogenetic Factors

The question refers to the cultural process of change in India and how different traditions and factors contribute to social organization, ideas, and symbols. The two key factors involved in this process are:

1. Orthogenetic Factors 

   • These refer to internal developments within a society that bring gradual cultural change.
   • It includes indigenous traditions, historical continuity, and locally driven innovations.
   • Examples: Caste reforms within Indian society, local economic shifts, religious reinterpretations, and social movements like Sanskritization.

2. Heterogenetic Factors 

   • These refer to external influences that cause cultural transformation.
   • It includes colonial influence, globalization, foreign trade, technological advancements, and interactions with different societies.
   • Examples: Western education introduced by the British, modernization, urbanization, and global cultural exchanges.

Since the cultural process of change in India is influenced by both internal (orthogenetic) and external (heterogenetic) factors, option (c) is correct.

Information Booster:

• Cultural change in India has been shaped by both historical traditions and external influences.
• Orthogenetic changes include reforms in caste, religious practices, and language evolution.
• Heterogenetic changes include Western education, industrialization, and the impact of colonial rule.
• Indian society has balanced continuity with change, leading to a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
• Globalization has accelerated cultural exchanges, influencing lifestyle, fashion, food habits, and communication.
• Social movements, media, and education continue to play a major role in shaping cultural transformation.

Additional Information on Other Options:

• (a) Material and Non-material Factors:

  • While these factors influence cultural change, they do not specifically address the structured process of cultural transformation in India.

• (b) Communal and Secular Factors:

  • Communal and secular influences play a role in religious and social harmony, but they are not the primary cultural change mechanisms.

• (d) Experiential and Theoretical Factors:

  • These relate to individual learning and philosophical discussions, rather than large-scale social and cultural change.