Singhi 1

Shruti Singhi

Prof. Ashutosh Mishra

Political Thought

4th December 2017

A Response to Ambedkar’s Annihilation of Caste

In his annihilation of caste, Ambedkar talks about the unfairness and inhumaneness of the

caste system.

When called to talk at the Jat Pat Sammelan, Ambedkar has written a speech well in

advance which, upon being read by the members of the Sammelan, was decided to be a possibly

controversial speech, which had the potential to cause discord in the society.

When asked to eliminate/ rewrite some parts of his speech, Ambedkar took offence and said that

he “wouldn’t change a single comma” in his speech.

His speech highlighted the unjust and vile nature of the then existent caste system in the society,

which in reality hasn’t changed a lot since.

He argued that inter caste marriage and inter caste dining did nothing to bridge the gaps

in the society which were caused due to the hierarchy caused by the caste structure.

According to Ambedkar, destroying religious divide is the only manner in which this divide of

caste can be started to overcome. This divide, however, has been existing since ages, from during

the Vedic Times. During that time, however, the caste divides during that time was based on the

role of the citizens in the social structure which was decided by the kind of work that they did.

In a way, it was quite difficult and problematic to break this ‘tradition’ which dated back to the

farther points in history. This had the ability to cause severe discord and potentially even anarchy

in the society.
 Singhi 2

Gandhi, thus, on this, had quite opposite views from those of Ambedkar. He believed that

the existence of the caste structure was very important for a peaceful society.

Also, Ambedkar, while he had the best for the community in mind when he introduced

provisions like Aarakshan for people of the Dalit castes and all the other castes that needed

upliftment; these provisions did nothing but establish the caste differences that existed in the

society. It was unfair, and the entire purpose for which these provisions were introduced was

defeated by the very fact that we still need them to exist. The provisions were introduced so that

the people who have not been well represented in the society can be brought to an equal footing

with the other classes of the society and hence create a society which would be more equal and

would uplift itself after a point. However, that, clearly didn’t happen.

Religion was a major part and determinant of the caste structure in the society. To

condemn this divide, Ambedkar changed his religion to a more neutral and accepting religion,

Buddhism. There were Dalits and people of the ‘lower caste’ who also followed in his footsteps.

Ambedkar was a leader, and an inspiration for many. He gave strength to the underrepresented to

find a place in the society and be treated as equals. He was an enigma, a genius and the most

vivid indian liberalist thinker.

 Singhi 3

Works Cited

1. Ambedkar, B. R. The Annihilation of Caste. Print.