Ambedkar- An Overview

by B.R. Ambedkar

‘Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man’s life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.’—B.R. Ambedkar

Born in 1891 into an Untouchable family, Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar is the man behind the Indian Constitution and the champion of the Dalit cause. Much ahead of his times, he raised pertinent issues pertaining to the broader cause of nation-building process for India. This is a collection of extracts from some of his finest works that capture him as a modernist thinker with an outstanding intellectual sweep over the major aspects of a then newly independent nation. These writings cover a wide range of issues such as the caste system, Untouchability, Hinduism, status of women, the multiple religions in India, creation of Pakistan, the constitution, and much more.

Ambedkar: An Overview is both a handy reference guide and a preamble for those who wish to familiarize themselves with the pioneering works of Babasaheb.

Genres: Biography

412 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born in 1891 into an “Untouchable” family of modest means. One of India’s most radical thinkers, he transformed the social and political landscape in the struggle against British colonialism. He was a prolific writer who oversaw the drafting of the Indian Constitution and served as India’s first Law Minister. In 1935, he publicly declared that though he was born a Hindu, he would not die as one. Ambedkar eventually embraced Buddhism, a few months before his death in 1956.

Reviews

[Rashmi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Times such as these are very difficult. Our society still faces the same kind of problems that it was facing maybe a century back. One might even argue that discrimination based on caste, creed, one's religious beliefs are on a rise, more so because of the recent rise of certain extremist groups.

People are being lynched for their nutritional choices and couples are being murdered in the name of honour, for even thinking about inter-caste marriages. And sadly, all these are being fueled by our mainstream propagandist media.

This book couldn't have been published at a better time.
This man who history just remembers as the Father of the Indian Constitution was way more than just that. This was the man who was among the first and very few people to argue, mere inter-dining and inter-marriage among different castes is not sufficient to annihilate the caste system altogether.

This is an anthology of all his major published works which are mainly essays and social commentaries and also includes an excerpt from his famous book, "Annihilation Of Caste".

For a detailed review:

https://rareadssite.wordpress.com/201...

[Aadhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read book. This compiles 10 of Ambedkar’s works, though shortened it gives an essential overview and its really valuable. Ambedkar amazes me, a man of profoundness makes such intellectual arguments that one can’t deny(well, sanghis and haters apart).
It is said that until the mid-90’s his work wasn’t included by central universities while teaching about Indian society, in its core syllabus. What a overlooking or shadowing attempt! If one reads his work it becomes evident and makes sense why the governing/the casteist/the oppressing class goes in length to not give importance to his work, trying to appropriate; swallow him and project only the areas they would like to throw light on and by hiding those works that they don’t want people to know, because it has the power to ignite the minds of the reader with valid arguments and breaks down casteism/hindu religion, more importantly its source the vedas/sastras/smritis and shrutis and unmasks it and destroys the need to uphold it.
Ambedkar’s profound arguments both for & against, before presenting his views shows the in-depth knowledge he possessed (needs no vouching). Some of the concepts and arguments goes in detail and complex and sometimes it goes over the head and difficult to grasp for a simple mind; but other than that most of it can be clearly understood. A definite read, I emphasize, because it gives the ammunition to break the caste system/over glorified (inhuman)religious texts in some of topics covered.

[Sam Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

At a time when Ambedkar is selectively read by partisans on either side of the political spectrum, it becomes important to know what he actually stood for. A collection of essays and articles written by Dr. Ambedkar himself, this book is a window into the his thinking. Ambedkar's views on caste, Hindu religion, the attitudes of Brahmins etc can come across as quite acidic to the uninitiated. You might not agree with the man but the points he puts across are still relevant half a century after his death (as one can understand from various annotations provided in the book). He also deals with the Pakistani question in two of his essays, and provides a sensible critique of the demand and the reality of Pakistan.

[Anejana.C · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sharp observations, rational conclusions, and no hateful verbose propositions.

[Goutam Hebbar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books is a starting point to the people who want to familiarize themselves with DR. B.R. Ambedkar as the book gives a very good insight into the mindset of Ambedkar & his works.

[Z Nudharunnisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eye opener

An eye opener on so many points. Though it few days to complete the book, I consider it is worth spending time in reading this book.

[Harish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Proud to know that our constitution was written by such a forward thinking person for his time. His thoughts will echo through the ages. Jai Bhim!

[Akash Datta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: Ambedkar an Overview
Publishers:
Points: 5/10
First, I should tell that I am not fully supporting Ambedkar’s theories not fully discarding it. As I said, a human being can’t be fully right or wrong. Then, why I have read this book? Because nowadays a collective ideology that is claimed to be of Ambedkar is emerging in social media and in many parts of India. The forefront flag-bearers of this so-called ideology is the Congress party, the leftists and the fanatic Islamists (Every group that was opposed by Dr. Ambedkar himself). This ideology is just discarding everything that is Indic saying it is Brahminical, patriarchal etc. But the question arises, is this ideology truly belongs to Ambedkar? The answer comes, “No”. This ideology is a mixture of colonialities that, once upon a time, was called Nehruvism. As the popularity of Nehru declined, they shifted to Ambedkar from Nehru to sell their old rejected product in a new package.
The second question that arises is can there be a political ideology based on Ambedkar’s thoughts and writings. The answer comes, “No”. Because Ambedkar’s thoughts and writings are contradictory to each another. In a place he says that the Hindus must eradicate caste from their society and in other place he is saying that there was no Hindu before the coming of invaders. There are many examples like this.
Now I will provide some facts from this book that will prove my point that the people now hailing Ambedkar as their hero was the people opposed by Ambedkar himself in his days. First comes the Congress party. Ambedkar opposed it and accused that it’s fight against caste system was a “Failed promise”. He blamed that the Congress was akin to political reforms rather than social reforms. Political reforms can’t be obtained without social reforms. And when it took interest in social reforms, it never took part in eradicating caste discrimination.
He also blamed that socialists just want political revolution without any social revolution. But as he claims, religion is a source of power in society.
Now, come to fanatic Islamists. The two chapters on Pakistan are enough to enrage them. I am not explaining further otherwise I will be called a hate monger. One chapter demands that a complete exchange of population on the basis of religion is the only way to make homogeneity.
There is an entire chapter that criticizes Gandhi. The Congress nowadays can’t tolerate a single word against Gandhi. They will mark you as a “terrorist”, if you say something against Gandhi. But I don’t know how they can worship a man who wrote criticism of Gandhi.
At the last I want to debunk some claims of Ambedkar. At first, refute the claim that there was no Hinduism before the invaders came. First, this claim indicates that Aryans were not invaders as he said there was just castes and castes were made by the Aryans. He also stated that the Shudras were Aryans in origin, that refutes the claim of today’s self-claimed Ambedkarites. And if you want the debunk of the claim that there was no Hinduism before the advent of invaders, you should read the book “Hindutva” by Aravindan Neelakantan or works by Radha Kumud Mukherjee.
The next point I would like to debunk is that he claimed that in India, social reform never gained any importance. But I would like to say that colonialization and destruction of the Indic culture and civilization by the British-driven moderate camps of the Congress party was a very bad idea. Social reforms can come from Indic minded reformers like Gopal Ganesh Agarkar.
He said that the Vedas, then the Smritis and then the sages are the last authority of Hinduism. This claim is totally bullshit. Because Hinduism is not entirely bound to any sets of scriptures or any prophet. Hinduism is not a group of believers, but a group of seekers that obeys “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” (The world is a great family).
Ambedkar’s part in nation building is undeniable but we should not obey him like a prophet as he himself was against of an ultimate single prophet culture.

[Vignesh Suresh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not just a book; it’s a call to action, a slap to complacency, and an unflinching critique of a deeply entrenched system of oppression. Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste is one of those rare works that makes you uncomfortable in the best way possible. It forces you to question not just society, but yourself — your beliefs, your privileges, and the systems you unconsciously uphold.

Originally written as a speech that was never delivered, Ambedkar dives headfirst into the evils of the caste system with unapologetic boldness. His words cut through any romanticism surrounding India’s social fabric, laying bare the hypocrisy of a system that prides itself on “spirituality” while perpetuating untouchability and oppression.

What struck me most was Ambedkar’s clarity and logic. He doesn’t rant; he dissects. Whether he’s critiquing Hinduism for being the foundation of the caste system or countering Gandhi’s arguments on social reform, his points are razor-sharp. Chapter 9, where he critiques Gandhi, was especially thought-provoking. Ambedkar doesn’t shy away from challenging even the most revered figures, and his arguments against Gandhian methods of addressing caste felt as relevant today as they must have in the 1930s.

That said, this isn’t an easy read — not because of the language, but because of the mirror it holds up to society. Some chapters are so dense with ideas and arguments that I know I’ll have to go back and reread them to fully absorb everything. This is the kind of book you keep returning to, each time uncovering something you missed before.

I’d recommend this book to everyone, whether you think you know about caste or have never even considered it. Ambedkar’s words are still painfully relevant, and they demand to be read, discussed, and acted upon. Annihilation of Caste is not just a critique of a system; it’s a vision for a new kind of society — one that we’re still far from achieving.

[Jyotsna Sawant · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Unlike a drop of water which loses its identity when it joins the ocean, man does not lose his being in the society in which he lives. Man’s life is independent. He is born not for the development of the society alone, but for the development of his self.’

—B.R. Ambedkar

[Ankur Rahangdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the compilation of work of Dr AMBEDKAR. There is no adulteration with his work. This book takes us to real image of AMBEDKAR , which is normally depicted in a crooked manner. His writing and speeches makes us to feel the pain and agonies that backwards were facing. He has commented on myriad subjects. Annihilation of Caste is also included , that is must read.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a compilation of some of Ambedkar's major writings prior to his writing the Indian constitution. It is interesting to hear his arguments for and against a separate nation of Pakistan. It explains well how the Hindi believers cannot easily give up their need for the caste system.

[Sivaprasad TG · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Gandhi. I wanted to read this book mainly to know why Ambedkar differed with Gandhi. Well, I may not be fully convinced of his reasons but I'll put that aside for now. What I understood is of a man who was denied of basic rights but he read and read and reached a height that perhaps no one can imagine. Thanks!