Define westernization. Describe some of its forms.
M.N. Srinivas defines westernisation as “the changes brought about in Indian society and culture as a result of over 150 years of British rule, the term subsuming changes occurring at different levels…technology, institutions, ideology and values”.
The process of Westernisation had different kinds. One kind refers to the emergence of a westernised sub-cultural pattern through a minority section of Indians who first came in contact with Western culture.
The Indian intellectuals who not only adopted many cognitive patterns or ways of thinking and styles of life but also gave support to its expansion. There were many early 19th Century reformers of this type.
Westernisation does involve the imitation of external forms of culture. It does not necessarily mean that people adopt modern values of democracy and equality.
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