B.R. Ambedkar | PSIR Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Birth and Early Life:

• Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on April 14, 1891, into the Mahar caste, which was considered one of the 'untouchable' castes in India. This social status posed significant challenges for his education.

Education:

• Despite the difficulties due to his caste, Ambedkar pursued higher education with the help of a scholarship from Sayajirao Gaekwad, the Maharaja of Baroda.
• He attended Columbia University in the United States and later studied at the London School of Economics.
• In England, Ambedkar earned a doctorate degree and became a barrister.

Advocacy for Untouchables:

• Upon returning to India, Ambedkar dedicated himself to the upliftment of the untouchable community.
• He became a key leader for the untouchables, gaining their trust and support.

Organizations and Movements:

• To mobilize untouchables, Ambedkar founded several organizations, including the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha, the Independent Labour Party, and the All India Scheduled Caste Federation.
• He led temple-entry Satyagrahas and organized various movements for the rights of untouchables.

Publications and Advocacy:

• Ambedkar established educational institutions and spread his ideas through newspapers like 'Mooknayak', 'Bahishkrit Bharat', and 'Janata'.
• He also participated in the Round Table Conference to advocate for the interests of untouchables.

Constitutional Role:

• Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly and played a crucial role in framing the Indian Constitution.
• He served as the Law Minister of India until 1951.

Conversion to Buddhism:

• From 1935 onwards, Ambedkar contemplated renouncing Hinduism. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism and urged his followers to do the same.
• He believed that the eradication of untouchability and the spiritual upliftment of untouchables could not be achieved while remaining a Hindu.

Scholarship and Writings:

• In addition to being a political leader and social reformer, Ambedkar was a scholar and thinker.
• He wrote extensively on social and political issues, with notable works including 'Annihilation of Castes', 'Who Were the Shudras', 'The Untouchables', and 'Buddha and His Dharma'.
• His writings were influenced by his belief in equity and liberty, as well as by thinkers like John Dewey,Jotirao Phule, and the teachings of the Buddha.

Legacy:

• Ambedkar's personal experiences, scholarly work, and focus on achieving equality for the untouchable community profoundly shaped his thoughts and writings.

Ambedkar's View on the British Rule in India

Ambedkar's Views on British Rule and Self-Government:

• Ambedkar recognized the limitations of foreign rule, particularly under the British government in India.
• While the British introduced some representative institutions, Ambedkar believed that full self-government was essential and could not be replaced.
• He criticized British rule for failing to improve the conditions of the untouchables, as the British were not committed to eliminating untouchability.
• The British policy was cautious about social reforms to avoid upsetting the upper castes, which hindered rapid social changes.
• In education, Ambedkar felt that the British government was insincere in promoting education for untouchables, with most educational resources benefiting the upper castes.
• He wanted the British government to advocate for the untouchables, but this responsibility was neglected, leaving the untouchable community without support.
• Ambedkar was critical of British administration for being expensive and neglecting public welfare. However, he feared that an abrupt British departure would lead to upper caste domination.
• Therefore, he advocated for a political settlement that outlined the powers and safeguards for the untouchable community.
• Ambedkar criticized British rule for not uplifting the untouchables and supported self-government, insisting that post-independence India must ensure a fair share of power for the untouchable community.
• Without this, independence would only mean upper caste rule.

Ambedkar on Democracy

Ambedkar's Belief in Democracy:

• Ambedkar, like many national leaders,strongly believed in democracy.
• While dictatorship might deliver quick results and maintain discipline, Ambedkar did not see it as a suitable long-term solution.
• He argued that democracy is superior because it promotes liberty and allows people to have control over their rulers.
• Among the various forms of democratic government, Ambedkar preferred the parliamentary system, a choice he shared with many other national leaders.

Meaning: Social and Economic Democracy

Ambedkar's View on Democracy:

• Ambedkar saw democracy as a means to achieve peaceful change in society. He believed it was not just about majority rule or elected representatives, but a way to bring about significant social and economic changes.
• For Ambedkar, democracy was more than a system of government; it required political equality and the elimination of oppression and injustice for it to be meaningful. He argued that democratic government should reflect the values of a democratic society.
• He emphasized the importance of fraternity and equality over mere political arrangements, suggesting that true democracy in India could only be achieved by addressing caste barriers and caste-based inequalities.
• While Ambedkar valued parliamentary democracy, he was critical of its focus on liberty without addressing economic inequalities. He believed that true democracy required a balance of liberty and equality.
• In the Indian context, Ambedkar felt that achieving freedom from British rule alone would not guarantee freedom for all. He advocated for a revolution in social structures and attitudes, replacing hereditary inequality with principles of brotherhood and equality.
• Ambedkar's vision of democracy was therefore one of all-round change, addressing both social and economic inequalities to create a truly democratic society.

Factors Necessary for the Successful Operation of Democracy

Ambedkar's Vision for Parliamentary Democracy:

• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar strongly supported the parliamentary system of government, emphasizing its effectiveness when certain conditions are met.
• Political parties are essential for a functioning parliamentary democracy, as they ensure the presence of a strong opposition. This opposition is crucial for holding the executive accountable.
• The parliamentary system is often called responsible government because the executive is under constant scrutiny by the opposition. A respectful and official status for the opposition prevents the executive from wielding absolute power.
• A neutral and non-political civil service is another key requirement. Civil servants should be permanent and not influenced by the changing fortunes of political parties. Appointments should be based on merit, not political considerations.
• The success of democracy also relies on ethical and moral factors. A constitution is just a set of rules; its effectiveness depends on the conventions and traditions developed by the people. Norms of honest and responsible behavior must be ingrained in society.
• Democracy thrives when citizens feel a moral obligation to fight against injustice, even when it doesn't personally affect them. This is facilitated by a sense of equality and brotherhood within society.
• Ambedkar warned against the tyranny of the majority. While democracy means majority rule, it's vital that the majority respects the views of the minority. Ensuring the freedom, safety, and security of minority groups is crucial to prevent democracy from becoming a tool of oppression.
• The caste system poses a significant challenge to democratic functioning. Low-status castes may struggle to gain their rightful share of power, creating barriers to healthy democratic traditions. Therefore, achieving social democracy is essential for the survival of political democracy.

On State Socialism

• Ambedkar was not just a knowledgeable scholar but also deeply understood the real-world social challenges that could hinder democratic practices.
• He believed that liberty alone was not enough; it must be accompanied by equality for it to be meaningful.
• Ambedkar advocated for a democratic government that prioritizes equality alongside liberty.
• He critiqued Western concepts of liberal democracy and the parliamentary system for failing to ensure true equality.
• As a solution,Ambedkar embraced socialism as a means to achieve the desired balance of liberty and equality.

Inclination to Socialism

In Ambedkar's time, there were two main types of socialism: Marxist Socialism and Democratic Socialism.

Marxist Socialism:

• Ambedkar studied Marxism and agreed with some of its principles.
• He accepted the material view of history and the need for a complete change to achieve equality.
• He supported the idea of public ownership of property but did not fully embrace Marxism.

Democratic Socialism:

• Ambedkar was drawn to Democratic Socialism because of his strong belief in democracy.
• He believed that socialism should operate within a democratic framework and that democracy and socialism could coexist.

In 1947, Ambedkar introduced the concept of 'State socialism.'

Earlier, in 1937, when he founded the Independent Labour Party, he adopted a broadly socialist agenda.

• The party aimed to represent all depressed classes.
• Its program included state management of key industries and the establishment of a fair economic system.
• The party also sought to ensure a minimum standard of living for both agricultural and industrial workers.

Meaning of State Socialism

In 1947, Ambedkar proposed that the Indian Constitution should include the principle of State Socialism.
State socialism implies that the government would implement a socialist agenda by overseeing the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Key aspects of Ambedkar's State Socialism include:

• State Ownership: Essential and basic industries would be owned by the state, with no private ownership. This aims to facilitate rapid industrialization while ensuring that the benefits are distributed among all sections of society. Insurance would also be under state control.
• Agricultural Management: Agriculture would be regarded as a state industry, involving initiatives like collective farming. Farmers would retain a portion of the produce, while the state would take a share through levies. The grains procured would be used for distribution at fair prices.
• Equitable Distribution: The state would actively manage both industry and agriculture to ensure fair wealth distribution, protecting the needy and poor. The responsibility for rapid industrial progress and the welfare of all societal sections would lie with the state, while democratic institutions like Parliament would remain intact.

Ambedkar's Vision:

• Flexibility in Government: Recognizing that different political parties with varying programs might come to power in a parliamentary system, Ambedkar suggested that the State Socialism program should be an unchangeable part of the constitution. This would ensure that any party in power would have to implement this program.
• Awareness of Economic Issues: Ambedkar's idea of State Socialism reflected his awareness of poverty and economic inequality issues. He stressed the need for rapid industrial growth to alleviate the burden on agriculture and to avoid the pitfalls of capitalism while ensuring wealth distribution.

Role of Government

Role of Government in Economic Progress as per Ambedkar:

• Ambedkar emphasized the importance of a strong government in driving economic progress and ensuring justice.
• He believed that the state should be a major partner in industry, acting as a neutral agency for the community's benefit.
• The government's role is not limited to industry but extends to banking, insurance, and agriculture.
• By owning key industries and controlling agriculture, the government can prevent economic injustice and ensure a fair distribution of resources.
• Ambedkar advocated for revolutionary changes through government action to achieve rapid progress and equitable distribution of wealth.

Ambedkar and Drafting of the Indian Constitution

Role in Framing the Indian Constitution:

• In 1947, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly of India, a role in which his contributions became highly significant.
• Ambedkar's legal expertise and extensive knowledge of constitutional laws from various countries were instrumental in shaping the Indian Constitution.
• His strong commitment to a democratic constitution and emphasis on constitutional morality played a crucial role in the drafting process, earning him the title of the architect of the Indian Constitution.
• The Indian Constitution is lengthy due to numerous administrative details, such as provisions regarding the Public Service Commission, Attorney General, and Comptroller and Auditor General. Ambedkar defended the inclusion of these details to prevent future misuse by unscrupulous rulers.
• Ambedkar believed that in a traditional society like India, it was essential to incorporate all necessary details to bind future rulers and ensure the constitution's real purpose was upheld. He was a staunch constitutionalist who valued the constitution as a sacred document and opposed extra-parliamentary activities in constitutional politics.
• His most significant contributions to the Constitution include the areas of fundamental rights, a strong central government, and the protection of minorities.
• As a liberal, Ambedkar viewed fundamental rights as a crucial part of the constitution. He emphasized that the guarantee of constitutional protection, particularly through Article 32, which ensures judicial protection for these rights, is what makes them truly fundamental.
• There was a consensus in the Constituent Assembly on the need for a strong central government, and while Ambedkar agreed with this view, his reasoning was unique. He believed that a strong central government was necessary to protect lower castes from caste-based oppression, which he feared would be more pronounced at local and provincial levels.
• Ambedkar was aware that minority communities in India were vulnerable to both political and social harassment, as majorities could easily dominate both politically and socially. He advocated for safeguards to ensure minorities had a share in power and the opportunity to elect their representatives, whose views would be respected.
• He successfully included provisions for political reservations in legislatures and the appointment of a special officer for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes under Article 338. Although he wished for more safeguards, the majority in the Constituent Assembly was not supportive.
• Dr. Ambedkar's perspective was that democracy should not be merely about majority rule but must also protect caste and communal minorities to make democracy meaningful. He opposed the idea of 'Majoritarianism' and sought to ensure that minority rights were safeguarded within the democratic framework.

On Social Change

Ambedkar's Efforts Against Untouchability:

• Ambedkar worked tirelessly to eliminate untouchability and improve the living conditions of untouchables.
• From 1924 onwards, he led the movement for untouchables until his death, believing that national progress was impossible without addressing untouchability.
• He argued that removing untouchability was connected to abolishing the caste system, which required discarding the religious foundations of the caste system.
• In his critique of the caste system, Ambedkar examined and criticized Hindu religious philosophy, often facing backlash from orthodox Hindus.

Priority to Social Reform

Dr. Ambedkar's Focus on Social Reform:

• Dr. Ambedkar prioritized social reform above economic and political issues. He believed that social justice needed to be achieved first.
• He argued that if political emancipation was prioritized, power would simply shift from foreign rulers to upper-caste Hindus, leaving the untouchables still oppressed.
• Ambedkar also disputed the idea that economic progress could solve social problems, emphasizing that casteism was a form of mental slavery that made people insensitive.
• He believed that social reform, particularly the abolition of casteism, was essential for any revolutionary change in society.
• His vision for social reform included family reform and religious reform. Family reform aimed at abolishing harmful practices like child marriage, which particularly affected women.
• Ambedkar advocated for equal rights for women, including the right to education and property. In the Hindu Code Bill, he ensured that women would receive a share of the property.
• He also encouraged women from the untouchable community to actively participate in social and political movements.

Attack on the Caste

Ambedkar's Fight Against the Caste System:

• Ambedkar's primary struggle was against the caste system, which he believed had rendered Hindu society stagnant.
• The caste system hindered Hindu society's ability to integrate outsiders and created lasting challenges for societal cohesion.
• Within the community, the caste system prevented the formation of a homogeneous society, making it merely a collection of different castes.
• Caste acted as a barrier to the development of a national spirit and perpetuated injustice against lower castes.
• Lower castes faced contempt and discrimination, which led to their moral degradation and demoralization.
• Untouchables, in particular, were subjected to continuous injustice, being denied education,decent livelihoods, and human dignity.
• The caste system dehumanized individuals by promoting the idea that the mere touch of one person could pollute another, reflecting the extreme inequality and cruelty of the system.
• Thus, the struggle against untouchability became a fight for human rights and justice.

Origins of Caste and Untouchability

Research on Caste Hierarchy and Untouchability in Hindu Society:

• The caste hierarchy and the practice of untouchability are often justified by religious scriptures. Hindus traditionally believed that those in the untouchable community were of non-Aryan descent, considered to be of lowly origin and lacking in capabilities.
• B.R. Ambedkar aimed to challenge these misconceptions and promote self-respect among untouchables. He conducted extensive research on Hindu scriptures and ancient society to dispel myths about untouchability.
• In his works 'Who Were the Shudras?' and 'The Untouchables', Ambedkar argued that the original social structure included only three Varnas: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas. The Shudras, initially a powerful tribe within the Kshatriya Varna, were demoted due to a conflict with the Brahmins.
• Ambedkar explained that the Brahmins' ritual and religious power led to the Shudras' degradation and the eventual creation of untouchability, which was partly a result of Brahmin supremacy.
• He also contested the idea that untouchables were non-Aryans, suggesting instead that Indian society was a mix of various races. The untouchables were originally outsiders who became subordinate to settled tribes through a series of conflicts.
• Ambedkar linked the rise of untouchability to the conflict between Brahminism and Buddhism, with Brahminism adopting strict non-violence and renunciation of meat-eating to counter Buddhism.
• He argued that the ex-communication of outsiders who continued to eat beef was later justified by religious scriptures, making untouchability a permanent aspect of religion.
• Despite debates over some of Ambedkar's interpretations, it is acknowledged that untouchability became a religious concept after its initial establishment.
• Ambedkar's research played a crucial role in fostering self-respect among lower castes and untouchables, convincing them that their low status was a result of social mechanisms influenced by Brahminism, not personal deficiencies.
• His work highlighted the need to scrutinize the religious foundations of Hinduism.

Removal of Untouchability

Untouchability: A Reflection of Slavery in Hindu Society:

• Untouchability is a form of social slavery within the Hindu community.
• The caste Hindus, while oppressing the untouchables, are themselves bound by the limitations of religious scriptures.
• Thus, the liberation of untouchables is intertwined with the overall liberation of Hindu society.
• B.R. Ambedkar argues that a society cannot be built on the foundation of caste, as it hampers the creation of a nation and moral values.
• A casteless society is essential for progress and unity.

Inter-caste Marriages: A Path to Eradicate Caste:

• Inter-caste marriages have the potential to eliminate caste distinctions.
• However, the prevalence of casteism makes such marriages rare.
• Ambedkar criticizes superficial attempts like inter-caste dining and marriage as inadequate.

Need for Drastic Change:

• A profound transformation is necessary to free individuals from the grip of religious texts and traditions.
• Many Hindus are bound by the Vedas and Shastras, which Ambedkar argues perpetuate injustice.
• To abolish caste, the reverence for these scriptures must be dismantled.

Establishing New Principles:

• Instead of the hereditary hierarchy of castes, society should be founded on principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity.
• These principles should form the basis of any new religion or social order.

Self-respect among Untouchables

Ambedkar's Vision for Untouchables:

• Ambedkar recognized that transforming Hinduism to uplift untouchables would be a long and challenging process. Despite this, he proposed fundamental changes while also advocating for immediate upliftment measures.
• He observed that untouchables, under the influence of tradition, had submitted to the dominance of upper castes and had lost the spirit to fight for their rights. The pervasive myth of inherent pollution further affected their mindset.
• To combat this, Ambedkar stressed the importance of instilling self-respect among untouchables. He believed they needed to understand that they were equals to caste Hindus and should reject their subjugation.

Education

Ambedkar and the Importance of Education for Untouchables:

• Ambedkar believed that education would significantly improve the lives of untouchables.
• He encouraged his followers to strive for excellence in knowledge, viewing it as a liberating force.
• Education, according to Ambedkar, makes individuals enlightened, aware of their self-respect, and helps them lead a better material life.
• One reason for the degradation of untouchables was their denial of the right to education.
• Ambedkar criticized British education policy for not sufficiently promoting education among the lower castes.
• He believed that even under British rule,education remained an upper caste monopoly.
• To address this, Ambedkar mobilized the lower castes and untouchables, founding various centers of learning.
• As a member of the executive council under the Governor-General, he advocated for scholarships for untouchable students to study abroad.
• Ambedkar supported both liberal and technical education for untouchables.
• He opposed education under religious auspices, believing that only secular education could instill values of liberty and equality.

Economic Progress

Ambedkar's Vision for Untouchables:

• Ambedkar believed that untouchables should liberate themselves from the village community and its economic constraints.
• In the traditional system, untouchables were tied to specific occupations and relied on caste Hindus for their livelihood.
• Ambedkar recognized the economic aspect of their subjugation and advocated for untouchables to abandon their traditional work.
• He urged them to acquire new skills and pursue different professions, emphasizing the importance of education for employment.
• With the rise of industrialization, there were more opportunities in cities, and untouchables were encouraged to leave villages if necessary.
• By breaking free from dependence on caste Hindus, untouchables could shed the psychological burden of their status.
• Ambedkar described villages as places of ignorance, narrow-mindedness, and communalism, advocating for untouchables to escape village bondage.
• If they had to remain in villages, they should stop their traditional work and seek new livelihoods for economic emancipation.
• He believed that self-respect and self-help were crucial for the uplift of oppressed classes, and rights should be asserted through conflict rather than pity or sympathy.
• Ambedkar emphasized that equal status and just treatment were matters of right, not charity.

Political Strength

Ambedkar's Emphasis on Political Participation for the Oppressed Classes:

• Ambedkar stressed the importance of political participation for the oppressed classes, particularly the untouchables, in the context of colonialism.
• He believed that it was crucial for untouchables to gain political rights through political organization.
• Ambedkar argued that by achieving political power, untouchables could secure safeguards and a significant share in power, enabling them to influence legislative policies.
• During the final phase of British rule, negotiations were underway regarding the transfer of power. Ambedkar urged untouchables to assert their political rights and demand an adequate share in power.
• To facilitate this, he established political organizations for untouchables, aiming to empower them politically.

Conversion

Ambedkar's Efforts to Reform Hinduism and Adoption of Buddhism:

• Ambedkar attempted to reform the philosophical foundations of Hinduism throughout his life.
• However, he believed that Hinduism would not change its treatment of the untouchables.
• In search of an alternative, Ambedkar carefully considered and ultimately adopted Buddhism, urging his followers to do the same.
• His conversion to Buddhism represented a reaffirmation of his belief in a religion grounded in humanism.
• Ambedkar argued that Buddhism was the least obsessive religion, promoting principles of equality and liberty.
• The core goals of Buddhism, according to Ambedkar, were the removal of injustice and exploitation.
• By embracing Buddhism, the untouchables could forge a new identity for themselves.
• Having endured suffering under Hinduism, renouncing it would allow the untouchables to shed the stigma of untouchability and bondage.
• Ambedkar believed that a new material life required a spiritual foundation aligned with liberal values, which Buddhism could provide.
• At the social level, he emphasized education; at the material level, new means of livelihood; at the political level, political organization; and at the spiritual level, self-assertion and conversion as key components of his program for the removal of untouchability.

Evaluation

• In 19th century Maharashtra, there was a significant wave of reform activities influenced by British liberalism and the critiques from Christian missionaries.
• Intellectuals began to critically reassess their religious beliefs, leading to a re-examination of Hinduism.
• Joti Rao Phule was among the most radical thinkers in this context.
• Ambedkar's ideas can be seen as a continuation of Phule's radical search for alternatives to Hinduism.
• Ambedkar's thought also has a strong liberal foundation.
• Influenced by thinkers like Dewey, British educational practices, and his legal training, Ambedkar leaned towards liberalism.
• Despite recognizing the limitations of liberalism, Ambedkar remained committed to its principles.
• His faith in democracy, emphasis on discussion for decision-making, and belief in the law and constitution exemplify his liberal stance.

Political Awakening among Untouchables 

Ambedkar's Impact on the Untouchable Community:

• His writings and activities significantly contributed to the revival of the untouchable community.
• He fostered a sense of political awareness among the downtrodden, leading to the rise of Dalit power in Indian society.
• Ambedkar recognized that the most oppressed group in society was the untouchables. He emphasized their progress as essential for the overall development of Indian society.
• To instill a sense of self-assertion among the untouchables, it was crucial to give them their own identity.
• Ambedkar aimed to achieve mental liberation for the untouchables through his criticism of Hinduism.
• He challenged the authority of the Vedas and Shastras, arguing that Hinduism was merely a set of rules and regulations without a philosophical foundation.
• He showed that Hinduism was closely linked to Chaturvarna and Brahminism, with Brahminism representing the negation of justice.

Liberty, Equality and Fraternity

Ambedkar's Ideology: Key Principles

• Influence of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity: Ambedkar's writings are guided by the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He envisioned a society where these principles are foundational.
• Liberty and Equality: Ambedkar believed that liberty and equality must coexist for the moral and material improvement of all individuals. He argued that political democracy is meaningless without social democracy and economic justice.
• Social Unity: He emphasized the importance of social unity, where people recognize their common interests and future. In a society divided by caste and class, mutual suspicion hinders progress.
• Fraternity: For Ambedkar, fraternity is essential for achieving equality and liberty. A sense of brotherhood, where members share each other's joys and sorrows, is crucial for a common societal goal.
• Ideal Society: Ambedkar's vision of an ideal society is one built on liberty, equality, and fraternity, where all individuals can thrive together.