The Dichotomous Concept of Tradition: A Review

In the present socio-cultural context, where people are over-apprehensive of losing their cherished traditions as a result of inroads of so-called modernity, it is extremely important to understand the term tradition in its appropriate meaning. The present study endeavours to show how certain traditions move from one age to other absorbing the necessary spatiotemporal changes and thus, making themselves significant markers of continuity and change. This work primarily attempts to focus on two key aspects of tradition. First of all, it makes an effort to define the term tradition from different perspectives. Along with this, it also examines the validity of the popular notion where traditions are believed to be sacrosanct and unalterable. At the same time, it also advocates how certain obsolete traditions, which had once deep roots and larger social implications, can be reviewed and re-used for newer purposes.