Structure
14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3
DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR
Objectives Introduction Ambedkar's View on the British Rule in India Ambedkar on Democracy
14.3.1 Meaning: Social and Economic Democracy 14.3.2 Factors necessary for the Successful Operation of Democracy
14.4 O n State Socialism
14.4.1 Inclination to Socialism 14.4.2 Meaning of State Socialism '14.4.3 Role of Government
14.5 Ambedkar and Drafting of The Indian Constitution 14.6 On Social Change
14.6.1 Priority to Social Reform 14.6.2 Attack on the Caste 14.6.3 Origins of Caste and Untouchability
14.7 Removal of Untouchability
14.7.1 14.7.2 14.7.3 14.7.4 14.77. Self-respect among Untouchables Education, Economic' Progress Political Strength Conversion
14.8 Evaluation
14.8.1 Political Awakening among Untouchables 14.8.2 Liberty, Equality, Fraternity
14.9 Let Us Sum Up, 14.10 Some Useful Books 14.11 Answers to Check Your Progress Exercises
14.0 OBJECTIVES
This unit deals with the thought of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The purpose is: to introduce Dr. Ambedkar's political ideas, to outline the ideological basis of his struggle for .abolition of the faste system, and make you understand the 'significance of Dr. Ambedkar's social and political thought.
14.1 INTRODUCTION
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14 April, 1891 in Mahar caste. The Mahar caste was one of the 'untouchable' castes. This created many difficulties in Ambedkar's higher education. With the help of a scholarship from Sayajirao Gaekwad, Maharaja of Baroda, he attended Columbia University, USA, and later on with hard work managed to study at the London School of Economics. In England he attained a doctorate and also became a barrister. On returning to India he virtually dedicated himself to the task of upliftment of the untouchable community. Soon he won the confidence of the- untouchables and became their supreme leader. To mobilise his followers he established organisations such as the Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha,