Understanding the Indian Caste System: Ambedkar’s Perspective

Abstract

               According to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the Indian caste system is an oppressive, hierarchical, and inflexible social structure that stems from inequalities. He said that caste was more than just a division of work; it was a division of labourers in which movement was restricted and social rank was determined by birth. Ambedkar said in his landmark book Annihilation of Caste that caste undermined democracy, fraternity, and social cohesion by imposing graduated inequality, in which each caste denigrated those under it. He vehemently condemned Hindu holy books, particularly the Manusmriti, for endorsing untouchability and caste discrimination. Ambedkar felt that caste's theological and ideological underpinnings had to be destroyed in order to accomplish social revolution. He promoted logic, intercaste marriage, education, and legal protections as means of eradicating caste. In the end, Ambedkar believed that caste was incompatible with contemporary ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity and that its abolition was necessary for India to achieve real social justice and democracy.