Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Biography, Contributions & Legacies

“We are Indians, firstly and lastly.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Introduction

“We are Indians, firstly and lastly.” – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), affectionately remembered as Babasaheb, was far more than the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He was a visionary reformer, jurist, economist, and social philosopher whose contributions reshaped the moral and constitutional foundations of modern India. His life was a relentless pursuit of equality, justice, and dignity in a society fractured by caste hierarchies, economic exploitation, and social exclusion.

Early Life and Education

• Born: April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh (now Dr. Ambedkar Nagar)
• Caste: Mahar (a Dalit community, considered “untouchable”)
• Education:
  • Elphinstone College, Mumbai – first Dalit to enter a government high school.
  • Columbia University, USA – M.A. and Ph.D. in Economics.
  • London School of Economics – D.Sc. in Economics and Bar-at-Law from Gray’s Inn.
• His educational background shaped his vision for social justice, equality, and constitutionalism.

🧭 Major Contributions

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🏛️ 1. Architect of the Indian Constitution

• Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly (1947–1950)
• Advocated:
  • Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles
  • Abolition of untouchability (Article 17)
  • Equality before law (Article 14)
  • Social and economic justice as core constitutional values
• Strong supporter of affirmative action and reservation policies for SCs and STs.

📜 2. Social Reformer and Dalit Rights Crusader

• Founded Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924) to promote Dalit education and socio-political awareness.
• Led movements like:
  • Mahad Satyagraha (1927) – Right to drink water from public tanks.
  • Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha (1930)
• Criticized caste system; authored “Annihilation of Caste” (1936).

🏛️ 3. Political Leadership

• Founded:
  • Independent Labour Party (1936)
  • Scheduled Castes Federation (1942)
  • Republican Party of India (posthumously established)
• Served as India’s first Law Minister (1947–1951)
• Resigned over differences on the Hindu Code Bill, which aimed at gender justice and reforms in Hindu personal laws.

📚 4. Scholar, Economist, and Policy Thinker

• Strong views on:
  • Agrarian reform, land holdings, and labor rights
  • Advocated for state socialism and nationalization of key industries
• Authored key works:
  • The Problem of the Rupee
  • Thoughts on Linguistic States
  • Buddha and His Dhamma

🌟 Legacy

• Bharat Ratna (1990, posthumously)
• Revered as the “Father of the Indian Constitution” and a Dalit icon
• Globally recognized figure for:
  • Human rights
  • Anti-caste struggle
  • Democratic constitutionalism
• His birth anniversary (April 14) is observed as Ambedkar Jayanti, a national celebration.

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims –

Which of the following works was authored by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar?

1. Annihilation of Caste
2. Buddha and His Dhamma
3. Discovery of India
4. The Problem of the Rupee

Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 1, 2, 3 and 4
D) 2 and 4 only

Answer: A
Explanation: Discovery of India was written by Jawaharlal Nehru, not Ambedkar.

CBL Mains Practice Question

“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment.” In the light of Ambedkar’s views, examine the need for ethical governance in India.

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