Other options proposed

There have been many particularistic and non-particularistic attempts to reconstruct tradition. The aim is to look for solutions to problems caused by the modernization paradigm. Dumont (1970) wrote that to study social stratification in India one needs a different model which is based on holism and hierarchy. Zilberman (1988) argued that in India the present type of social organization (i.e. caste) is not to be understood in terms of Western principles of ‘hierarchy’ versus ‘egalitarianism’, or ‘collectivity’ versus ‘individualism’. It was closely tied with a Hindu thought system. Several writers believe that the present caste system is the result of the decay of Hindu thought categories, not the result of this. This implies that going back to the past may offer one possibility of solving the present day problems of India. Such writers suggested that the construction of alternative form of social structure in India has to be based on the principle of cooperation and holism as against competition and one dimensional growth. For this inspiration was drawn from Bhakti movements, Vedanta, reform movements, Swadeshi movement and gramdan and bhoodan movements. Srinivas (1966) argues that the rigidity and immobility of caste is a myth, far away from reality. Yet the dominant tendency in renaissance has been to mix the tradition and modernity. For me, before sociologists and planners, writers like Bankim Chandra Chatterjee articulated this best. In his famous fictional work, Anandamath, he concludes that India needs British rule. India is good in internal wisdom but lacks in external knowledge. During the British period she will develop the external knowledge. Thus for the revival of Sanatan Darma which is basically introspective she has to learn the knowledge of action from the British. In the British rule there will be expansion of education and people will be happy, and will follow religion without fear. Many thought that when India has both spiritual strength and worldly knowledge she will not only regain freedom but she will also show light to the other nations. Swami Vivekanand, Ravindranath Tagore, Sri Aurobindo, Dr. Radhakrishnan are all advocate of this position.