Question

Which of the following books was/were written by Dr.B.R. Ambedkar? i. Annihilation of Caste ii. The Buddha and his Dhamma iii Thoughts on Pakistan iv. What Congress and Gandhi have done to the untouchables

• A. Only i & iv
• B. Only i, ii & iv
• C. Only i, iii & iv
• D. All the above

Answer 1

Answer:

D. All the above

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Pioneer of Social Justice and Architect of the Indian Constitution

• Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956), popularly known as Babasaheb, was an eminent Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who campaigned against social discrimination towards untouchables (Dalits) and also supported the rights of women and labour.
• He served as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution and was India's first Minister of Law and Justice.

Key Literary Works of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:

• Annihilation of Caste (1936):
  • This seminal work is an undelivered speech prepared by Dr. Ambedkar for the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal, an anti-caste reformist group in Lahore.
  • The speech was never delivered due to its radical content advocating for the complete abolition of the caste system, rather than just reforms.
  • Ambedkar argued that Hindu scriptures provided the very foundation for the caste system and that true reform required rejecting these scriptures.
• The Buddha and his Dhamma (1957):
  • Published posthumously, this book is considered the 'Bible' for Navayana Buddhists, providing Ambedkar's interpretation and understanding of Buddhism.
  • It was written as a guide for the millions of Dalits who converted to Buddhism with him in 1956, shortly before his death.
  • His conversion to Buddhism was a significant event, embracing a religion that he believed offered equality and dignity.
• Thoughts on Pakistan (1940):
  • In this book, Ambedkar critically examined the Muslim League's demand for a separate Muslim state.
  • He analyzed the historical, political, and social factors that led to the demand for Pakistan and discussed the implications of partition.
  • A revised and enlarged edition was published in 1945 as Pakistan or the Partition of India.
• What Congress and Gandhi have done to the Untouchables (1945):
  • This book provides a scathing critique of the Indian National Congress and Mahatma Gandhi's approach and efforts towards the upliftment of untouchables.
  • Ambedkar argued that their actions were often superficial and did not address the fundamental issues of caste discrimination and untouchability.

Other Important Contributions and Facts:

• The Problem of the Rupee – Its Origin and Its Solution (1923): This doctoral thesis presented to the London School of Economics was a key source of ideas for the establishment of the Reserve Bank of India.
• Journalism: He started several periodicals to voice the concerns of the oppressed, including Mooknayak (1920), Bahishkrit Bharat (1927), and Janata (1930).
• Political Parties: He founded the Independent Labour Party in 1936 to represent the interests of the labour class and the Dalits. Later, he formed the Scheduled Castes Federation in 1942.
• Poona Pact (1932): An agreement between Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi concerning the electoral seats for the 'Depressed Classes' (later known as Scheduled Castes) in the British India legislature. Ambedkar agreed to abandon the demand for separate electorates in favour of reserved seats.
• Bharat Ratna: He was posthumously awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 1990.
• Ambedkar Jayanti: His birth anniversary, April 14, is celebrated as Ambedkar Jayanti and is a public holiday in India.