Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar – Detailed Study Notes

Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar – Detailed Study Notes

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Introduction

Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, fondly remembered as Babasaheb Ambedkar, was a revolutionary thinker, jurist, economist, and social reformer. He is best known as the principal architect of the Indian Constitution and a relentless crusader for social justice and equality.

🧒 Early Life and Background of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

  • Birth: 14 April 1891, at Mhow (present-day Dr. Ambedkar Nagar), Madhya Pradesh.
  • Family: Born into a Mahar (Dalit) family, which was considered “untouchable.”
  • Father: Ramji Maloji Sakpal – served in the British Indian Army.
  • Despite social discrimination, Ambedkar pursued education with dedication.

🎓 Education of Babasaheb Ambedkar

  • Schooling: Elphinstone High School, Bombay – first Dalit to attend a high school.
  • Higher Education:
    • Columbia University (USA):
      • M.A. in Economics (1915)
      • PhD in Economics (1927)
      • Dissertation: The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India
    • London School of Economics (UK):
      • D.Sc. in Economics
    • Gray’s Inn, London – Became a Barrister-at-Law

🛕 Social Reforms Led by Bhimrao Ambedkar

1. Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha (1924)

  • First organization founded by Ambedkar.
  • Objective: Promote education, socio-economic upliftment, and rights of the Depressed Classes.

2. Mahad Satyagraha (1927)

  • Protest for the right to draw water from the Chavdar Tank in Mahad, Maharashtra.
  • Symbolic assertion of Dalit rights and equality.

3. Kalaram Temple Entry Satyagraha (1930)

  • Protest against the ban on Dalit entry into the Kalaram temple at Nashik.
  • Major milestone in the temple entry movement.

4. Burning of Manusmriti (1927)

  • Publicly burned the Manusmriti, denouncing its support for caste discrimination.

⚖️ Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Political Journey

Round Table Conferences

  • Participated in all three Round Table Conferences (1930–1932) in London as a representative of Depressed Classes.

Poona Pact (1932)

  • Issue: British granted separate electorates to Dalits via the Communal Award.
  • Mahatma Gandhi’s opposition led to his fast unto death.
  • Poona Pact: Agreement between Gandhi and Ambedkar.
    • Abandoned separate electorates.
    • Introduced reserved seats for Dalits in joint electorates.

Political Parties Founded:

  1. Independent Labour Party (1936) – First political platform for Dalits.
  2. Scheduled Castes Federation (1942) – Successor to ILP.
  3. Later formed the Republican Party of India (1956).

📜 Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Contribution to Indian Constitution

Role in Constitution-making:

  • Chairman of the Drafting Committee (August 1947).
  • Oversaw the formulation of the Constitution, adopted on 26 January 1950.

Key Principles Advocated:

  • Social Justice and Equality
  • Abolition of Untouchability – Article 17.
  • Fundamental Rights – equality, liberty, freedom of religion.
  • Directive Principles of State Policy – welfare orientation of the state.
  • Reservation system for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Quote: “I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.”

🕉️ Embracing Buddhism

  • Religious Conversion: On 14 October 1956, Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in Nagpur.
  • Advocated Navayana Buddhism, rejecting caste-based Hindu practices.
  • Inspired mass conversions among Dalits.
  • Authored The Buddha and His Dhamma.

📚 Major Literary Works of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

TitleTheme
Annihilation of CasteCritique of Hindu caste system and call for social reform.
The Problem of the RupeeEconomic critique of British currency policies in India.
Who Were the Shudras?Historical analysis of caste origins.
The Buddha and His DhammaModern interpretation of Buddhist philosophy.
Thoughts on Linguistic StatesOn language-based state reorganization.
भारत रत्न पुरस्कार

🏅 Legacy and Recognition of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

  • Death: 6 December 1956, New Delhi (observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas).
  • Bharat Ratna: Posthumously awarded in 1990.
  • Numerous statues, memorials, and institutions named in his honor.
  • Ambedkar Jayanti (14 April): National holiday; symbol of social justice and equality.
  • Considered a global icon of anti-caste struggle and constitutional democracy.

📌 Important Facts for Competitive Exams

  • First Law Minister of Independent India.
  • Architect of Indian Constitution.
  • Converted to Buddhism in 1956 at Nagpur.
  • Chaired the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
  • Burned Manusmriti in 1927.
  • Poona Pact was signed with Gandhi in 1932.

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