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The Untouchables: Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables
“The book is a work of art even more than of history.” —India Today, Dilip Menon
“The evil of caste system.” —The Tribune
First published in 1948, 'The Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables' by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is a powerful work of historical analysis and social critique that examines the origins and persistence of untouchability in Indian society. Dr. Ambedkar—jurist, social reformer, and chief architect of the Indian Constitution—wrote this book as part of his lifelong mission to expose and dismantle caste-based oppression.
In this meticulously researched work, Ambedkar challenges traditional Hindu explanations of caste and untouchability, offering a bold and original thesis. He argues that the Untouchables, or Dalits, were originally Buddhists and independent social groups who resisted Brahmanical dominance and priestly authority. Their refusal to conform to Vedic rituals and their adherence to different religious practices led to their social exclusion and eventual stigmatization as “untouchables.”
Ambedkar explores religious, economic, and political factors behind this marginalization, using historical records and logical reasoning to construct a compelling argument. His clear, direct prose makes complex ideas accessible, while his passion for justice gives the work moral force.
The Untouchables remains a foundational text in Dalit studies, Indian sociology, and anti-caste literature, offering critical insight into the roots of inequality and the enduring struggle for dignity and human rights in India.
“The evil of caste system.” —The Tribune
First published in 1948, 'The Who Were They and Why They Became Untouchables' by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is a powerful work of historical analysis and social critique that examines the origins and persistence of untouchability in Indian society. Dr. Ambedkar—jurist, social reformer, and chief architect of the Indian Constitution—wrote this book as part of his lifelong mission to expose and dismantle caste-based oppression.
In this meticulously researched work, Ambedkar challenges traditional Hindu explanations of caste and untouchability, offering a bold and original thesis. He argues that the Untouchables, or Dalits, were originally Buddhists and independent social groups who resisted Brahmanical dominance and priestly authority. Their refusal to conform to Vedic rituals and their adherence to different religious practices led to their social exclusion and eventual stigmatization as “untouchables.”
Ambedkar explores religious, economic, and political factors behind this marginalization, using historical records and logical reasoning to construct a compelling argument. His clear, direct prose makes complex ideas accessible, while his passion for justice gives the work moral force.
The Untouchables remains a foundational text in Dalit studies, Indian sociology, and anti-caste literature, offering critical insight into the roots of inequality and the enduring struggle for dignity and human rights in India.
222 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
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