Dr. B R Ambedkar: 6 books to understand his approach

One individual who has influenced me the most is the Creator of the Indian constitution Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

I learned the importance of asking questions from Ambedkar. He was always curious, looking for answers to the things he witness in his early life. His life is this quest of finding answers. Which not only gave him clarity of purpose and later enlightened the masses in India and the world.

Each of his books and essays was a result of his deep inquiry and his scientific approach to finding answers.

Remembering Ambedkar’s legacy

His life as a socio-political reformer had a deep effect on modern India. In post-Independence India, his socio-political thought is respected across the political spectrum. His initiatives have influenced various spheres of life and transformed the way India today looks at socio-economic policies, education, and affirmative action.

Although marked as a Dalit leader, his contribution to the upliftment of women and labor, and his contribution to the Indian economy is lesser-known.

The Reserve Bank of India was conceptualized in accordance with the guidelines presented by Dr. Ambedkar to the Hilton Young Commission based on his book, The Problem of the Rupee – Its Origin and Its Solution.

He is known for several reforms in labor such as changing working hours from 12 hours to 8 hours and introducing measures like dearness allowance, leave benefit, employee insurance, medical leave, equal pay for equal work, minimum wages, and timely revision of scale of pay.

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

Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas influence the enactment of a number of subsequent pro-women Acts, such as The Child Marriage Restraint Act(1929), Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (1956), Dowry Prohibition Act (1961), The Maternity Benefit Act (1961,) The Equal Remuneration Act (1976), The Sati Prevention Act (1987), among others.

In a 2018 study evaluating Ambedkar’s role in women’s empowerment, the authors wrote in the conclusion, “Due to Ambedkarite reforms women got independence and learned to live with honor and pride. With self-confidence, women started getting an education, and employment and become a part of the whole system. It is only due to the efforts and contribution of Babasaheb that women are self-dependent today and the government has initiated many schemes and implemented many laws for the empowerment of women in Indian society.”

In a poll conducted by History TV and CNN-News18 (formerly CNN IBN) in 2012, Dr. Ambedkar was voted ‘the Greatest Indian’.

The following 6 books by Ambedkar shaped my understanding of this great man’s thoughts on society, religion, and economics.

6 books to understand Ambedkar’s thoughts and approach

1. Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development (1916)

Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development’ is an in-depth study of how classes went on to become castes and sub-castes to dot the Indian social system. This powerful narrative is a radical eye-opener.

2. The Problem of the Rupee: Its origin and its solution (1923)

3. The Annihilation of Caste (1936)

‘Annihilation of Caste’ is one of Ambedkar’s best works in putting together how caste as a system has been eating up the roots of a rich cultural melting pot like India.

4. Who were the Shudras (1948)

5. The Untouchables (1948)

6. The Buddha and his Dhamma (1957)

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