Ambedkar on caste and untouchability
Mishra, Himanshu
Ambedkar on caste and untouchability - New Delhi Writers World 2023 - 232p.
Ambedkar was born into the “untouchable” caste of Mahars in the Indian state of Maharashtra. At the time, untouchables suffered under legal restrictions that made the Jim Crow laws of the United States look mild by comparison. They traditionally performed jobs considered “unclean” by Hindu theology: a religious and economic catch-22 in which they were ritually unclean because of the work they did and could only do certain types of work because they were ritually unclean. They were not allowed to enter Hindu temples–in some regions they couldn’t even walk on the road in front of a temple. In the South Idian state of Travancore, untouchables had to carry a bell that announced their presence so higher caste Hindus would not be defiled by their proximity. Like African-American reformer Frederick Douglas, Ambedkar became a spokesman for an oppressed people. Ambedkar devoted himself to improving the lives of untouchables. He soon found himself in conflict with Gandhi, who had declared himself an untouchable by choice.. Ambedkar recognized that it was easier to change laws than to change people’s hearts and heads. In 1935, after an unsuccessful five-year campaign to gain the right to enter Hindu temples, Ambedkar decided if you can’t beat them, leave them. The present book shed a light on Ambedkar’s beliefs and work related to caste, untouchables and Untouchability. The book will be useful for understanding caste and untouchability issues. A must read book for all interested on the subject.
9788195669349
Social Sector
Racism; Caste and Untouchability; Dalits-India; Social Condition- India; Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956)
305.56 MIS
Ambedkar on caste and untouchability - New Delhi Writers World 2023 - 232p.
Ambedkar was born into the “untouchable” caste of Mahars in the Indian state of Maharashtra. At the time, untouchables suffered under legal restrictions that made the Jim Crow laws of the United States look mild by comparison. They traditionally performed jobs considered “unclean” by Hindu theology: a religious and economic catch-22 in which they were ritually unclean because of the work they did and could only do certain types of work because they were ritually unclean. They were not allowed to enter Hindu temples–in some regions they couldn’t even walk on the road in front of a temple. In the South Idian state of Travancore, untouchables had to carry a bell that announced their presence so higher caste Hindus would not be defiled by their proximity. Like African-American reformer Frederick Douglas, Ambedkar became a spokesman for an oppressed people. Ambedkar devoted himself to improving the lives of untouchables. He soon found himself in conflict with Gandhi, who had declared himself an untouchable by choice.. Ambedkar recognized that it was easier to change laws than to change people’s hearts and heads. In 1935, after an unsuccessful five-year campaign to gain the right to enter Hindu temples, Ambedkar decided if you can’t beat them, leave them. The present book shed a light on Ambedkar’s beliefs and work related to caste, untouchables and Untouchability. The book will be useful for understanding caste and untouchability issues. A must read book for all interested on the subject.
9788195669349
Social Sector
Racism; Caste and Untouchability; Dalits-India; Social Condition- India; Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956)
305.56 MIS