The Best Book on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: A Comprehensive Analysis
Which is the Best Book on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar? The book ‘The Untouchables’ written by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is considered the best in highlighting the various aspects of Untouchability and its origins. This comprehensive analysis delves into the theories Ambedkar proposes to explain this social issue.
Introduction to Dr. Ambedkar's Work
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was a prominent jurist, economist, and social reformer who played a significant role in India’s social and political transformation. His contribution to understanding the complex issue of Untouchability is encapsulated in his seminal work, ‘The Untouchables’. This book is not only a scholarly achievement but also a powerful testament to his vision of a just and equitable society.
Theories of Untouchability
In ‘The Untouchables’, Dr. Ambedkar systematically refutes various theories proposed to explain the phenomenon of Untouchability. He examines four key theories in detail: Racial, Occupational, Religious, and Beef Eating. Each theory is critically analyzed to provide a nuanced understanding of this socio-economic issue.
Racial Theory of Untouchability
Chapter 7: In this section, Ambedkar challenges the ‘Aryan Invasion Theory’. He provides anthropometric evidence to support his claim that the Brahmins and Untouchables share a common racial origin. He also disputes the notion that the Dravidians, Nagas, or Dasas were the original inhabitants of India, arguing that these groups likely migrated to India along with the Aryans.
Occupational Theory of Untouchability
Chapter 8: Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Ambedkar argues that the occupational theory, which suggests that Untouchables started doing impure jobs, is not the primary cause. He points out that all four varnas in ancient India, including the Shudras, engaged in dirty and unclean jobs.
Religious Theory of Untouchability
The Hindu Scriptures
Chapter 15: Ambedkar distinguishes between the ‘impure’ classes mentioned in Hindu scriptures and the ‘Untouchables’ of the past. He notes that the ‘impure’ category includes only 12 groups, while the scheduled castes list includes 429 castes. This distinction challenges the notion that Untouchability is rooted in Hinduism.
Friction between Brahmins and Buddhists
Chapter 9: Dr. Ambedkar investigates the rift between Brahmins and Buddhists. While he acknowledges that this division could have contributed to Untouchability, he asserts that not all Untouchables were Buddhists and not all Buddhists were Untouchables. This shows that religious differences alone cannot be the sole cause.
Beef Eating and Untouchability
Chapters 10 and 14: In his discussion of the theory that beef eating was the primary reason for Untouchability, Ambedkar offers compelling arguments. He points out that the Untouchables were the main communities that ate beef. Brahmins considered it sacrilegeous to eat beef, considering the cow as holy. This cultural distinction became a significant social barrier.
Summary of the Findings: According to Dr. Ambedkar, the root cause of Untouchability is best explained by the practice of beef eating by the Untouchables. This practice made it unacceptable for the Brahmins to associate with them, leading to the social segregation and discrimination known as Untouchability.
Conclusion
‘The Untouchables’ by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is a profound and incisive work that challenges prevailing theories and offers a unique perspective on the origins of Untouchability. It is essential reading for those interested in understanding the social and historical context of India’s caste system and the challenges of social reform.