Sanskritization and Westernization are two important concepts used to explain social and cultural change in Indian society. Both describe processes through which individuals, communities, and institutions undergo transformation, but they differ significantly in their sources of influence, nature of change, objectives, and social consequences. These concepts have been widely discussed in sociology, anthropology, and folklore studies because they help explain how traditions, customs, beliefs, and cultural practices evolve over time. The concept of Sanskritization was introduced by the Indian sociologist M. N. Srinivas. He used the term to describe the process through which a lower caste or tribal group seeks upward social mobility by adopting the customs, rituals, beliefs, lifestyle, and practices of higher castes, especially the Brahmins. Through Sanskritization, lower social groups attempt to improve their social status within the traditional caste hierarchy without changing the structure of the caste system itself. The process involves imitation of higher caste practices such as vegetarianism, wearing sacred symbols, observing ritual purity, performing Vedic rituals, worshipping Sanskritic deities, avoiding occupations considered impure, and following orthodox religious practices. Westernization, on the other hand, refers to the process by which Indian society adopts ideas, institutions, values, technologies, education, lifestyles, and cultural practices that originated in Western countries, particularly Britain during the colonial period. M. N. Srinivas also popularized this concept to explain the impact of British rule on Indian society. Westernization includes the spread of modern education, scientific thinking, democratic institutions, industrialization, urbanization, individualism, secularism, human rights, legal reforms, and technological advancement. Unlike Sanskritization, Westernization is not confined to the caste system but influences every aspect of social, economic, political, and cultural life. The primary source of influence distinguishes these two concepts. Sanskritization is rooted in indigenous Indian traditions and draws inspiration from the customs of upper castes within the Hindu social order. It reflects internal cultural change based on existing social structures. Westernization originates outside India and results from contact with Western societies through colonialism, globalization, trade, communication, education, and modern technology. The objectives of the two processes also differ considerably. Sanskritization mainly aims at achieving higher social status within the caste hierarchy. It is essentially a strategy for social mobility while remaining within the traditional social framework. Westernization seeks modernization, rationality, scientific outlook, institutional reforms, and improved standards of living. It encourages broader social transformation rather than merely enhancing caste status. The agents responsible for these processes are different. Sanskritization is promoted by local religious leaders, caste elders, temples, family traditions, and community organizations. It spreads through imitation of respected higher castes in nearby regions. Westernization is promoted through schools, colleges, universities, government institutions, legal systems, media, multinational corporations, scientific organizations, urban centers, and global communication networks. The scope of Sanskritization is relatively limited because it primarily affects Hindu castes and tribal communities aspiring to improve their status. Although some elements may influence other religious communities, its central focus remains the caste-based social order. Westernization has a much wider scope, affecting people across religions, castes, regions, occupations, and social classes. It influences governance,