AMBEDKAR

Ambedkar was against the caste-based discriminations in society and advocated for the
Dalits to organise and demand their rights.
He promoted the education of Dalits and made representations to the government in
various capacities in this regard.
He was part of the Bombay Presidency Committee that worked with the Simon Commission
in 1925.
He established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha to promote education and socio-economic
improvements among the Dalits. He started magazines like Mooknayak, Equality Janta and
Bahishkrit Bharat.
In 1927, he launched active agitation against untouchability. He organised and agitated for
the right of Dalits to enter temples and to draw water from public water resources.
He condemned Hindu scriptures that he thought propagated caste discrimination.
He advocated separate electorates for the ‘Depressed Classes’, the term with which Dalits
were called at that time.
Ambedkar founded the Independent Labour Party (later transformed into the Scheduled
Castes Federation) in 1936 and contested in 1937 from Bombay to the Central Legislative
Assembly. He also contested from Bombay (north central) after independence in the
country’s first general elections. But he lost both times.
He also worked as Minister of Labour in the Viceroy’s Executive Council. After
independence, Ambedkar became the first Law Minister in 1947 under the Congress-led
government. Later he resigned due to differences with Jawaharlal Nehru on the Hindu
Code Bill.
He was appointed to the Rajya Sabha in 1952 and remained a member till his death.
He advocated a free economy with a stable Rupee. He also mooted birth control for
economic development. He also emphasised equal rights for women.
Served as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee
Advocated for the abolition of the caste system and women’s rights
Founded the People’s Education Society to promote education among marginalized
communities Labour He contributed to the reduction of working hours to 48 hours per
week, advocated equal pay for equal work, lifted the ban on the employment of women for
underground work in coal mines, and introduced the provisions of overtime, paid leave
and minimum wage.
Economic : Advocated for reservations in education and employment for Dalits; the
Reserve Bank of India was based on the idea of Ambedkar, which he had presented to the
Hilton Young Commission.
In 1951, Ambedkar established the Finance Commission of India. He opposed income tax
for low-income groups

ROLE OF B.R.AMBEDKAR
All India Scheduled Caste Federation : He organised the All India Scheduled Castes Federation,
while several other leaders of the depressed classes founded the All India Depressed Classes
Association. Ambedkar condemned the hierarchical and insular caste system as a whole, and
advocated the annihilation of the institution of caste for the real progress of the nation.

Special Representation : Struggle of the depressed classes led to the provision of special
representation for these classes in the Government of India Act, 1935.

Institution : Dr Ambedkar established the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha in 1924 to highlight the
difficulties and grievances of the dalits before the government. Its motto was: ‘Educate, Agitate
and Organise’.

Architect of the Indian Constitution: Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee of the
Constituent Assembly and played a central role in framing the Indian Constitution. His
contributions ensured the inclusion of principles promoting equality, justice, and fundamental
rights.

Champion of Dalit Rights: Ambedkar dedicated his life to advocating for the rights of Dalits
(formerly untouchables). He campaigned against untouchability and caste-based discrimination,
working towards the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Leader of the Dalit Movement: Ambedkar emerged as a prominent leader of the Dalit movement,
founding the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). His efforts aimed at addressing the socio-economic and
political challenges faced by Dalits in India.

Advocate for Social Justice: Ambedkar’s vision extended beyond caste issues. He emphasized the
need for social justice, equality, and the abolition of oppressive practices, advocating for the
rights of women and other marginalized groups.

Education Reformer: Recognizing the transformative power of education, Ambedkar worked

towards making education accessible to all sections of society. He emphasized the importance of
education in empowering individuals and communities.

Economic Reforms: Ambedkar advocated for economic reforms to address the socio-economic
disparities in India. His ideas included land reforms and reservations to ensure equitable
distribution of resources and opportunities.

Conversion to Buddhism: In 1956, Ambedkar, along with a large number of followers, converted
to Buddhism as a symbolic rejection of the caste system. This conversion was seen as a move
towards embracing a more egalitarian and humane philosophy.

Member of the Executive Council: Ambedkar served as the first Law Minister of independent India
and a member of the Executive Council of the Governor-General. His contributions to legal and
administrative matters were significant during the early years of the Republic.

Legacy and Inspiration: Ambedkar’s ideas and legacy continue to inspire social and political
movements in India. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the discourse around social
justice, constitutional rights, and inclusive development.
 Evaluate the role of Indian women in the Indian National Movement. (150 words)

 Introduction
 The Indian National Movement was a political and social struggle aimed at securing
independence for India from British colonial rule. The movement was a long and complex
struggle that lasted for several decades, from the late 19th century to 1947.
 Indian women played a significant role in the Indian National Movement. Their contributions have
been instrumental in shaping the course of the movement and securing independence for India.

Body

 Role of Indian women in Indian National Movement:

o Non-violent resistance: Indian women actively participated in non-violent resistance movements,
such as the Salt Satyagraha and the Quit India Movement.
 For example, women like Aruna Asaf Ali and Sucheta Kriplani were prominent leaders in the
Quit India Movement and played a crucial role in organizing mass demonstrations and strikes.
o Mass demonstrations and strikes: Indian women were involved in mass demonstrations and
strikes, and organized boycotts of British goods as a form of protest against colonial rule.
 For example, women like Kasturba Gandhi, wife of Mahatma Gandhi, participated in the Salt
Satyagraha and was imprisoned for her activism.
o Underground activities: Indian women were involved in underground activities, such as
the production and distribution of anti-colonial literature, which played a crucial role
in spreading awareness about the independence movement.
 For example, women like Captain Lakshmi Sehgal, who was part of the Indian National Army,
played a key role in the underground movement.
o Support to political prisoners: Indian women provided support to political prisoners
and participated in fundraising activities to support the independence movement.
 For example, women like Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay played a crucial role in organizing relief
efforts for political prisoners and their families.
o Social reform movements: Indian women became involved in social reform movements during
the independence struggle, working towards issues such as women's rights, education, and
poverty alleviation.
 For example, women like Sarojini Naidu and Annie Besant were prominent leaders in the women's
rights movement and played a key role in advocating for women's empowerment.
 The role of women in India’s freedom struggle is immeasurable and significant, but there were
some challenges that were faced by them which are mentioned below:
o Patriarchy and cultural norms: They posed a major challenge for Indian women who wanted to
participate in the national movement.
 Women were often viewed as second-class citizens.
 Cultural and social barriers limited women's mobility and participation in public life.
 Lack of education and political representation.
o Economic and social constraints: They also played a role in limiting women's involvement in the
national movement.
 Poverty and financial circumstances.
 Social stigma and discrimination.
 Physical violence and abuse.

Conclusion

 Despite facing numerous challenges, Indian women made significant contributions to the Indian
National Movement.
 Their efforts and sacrifices have been instrumental in securing independence for India and
shaping the course of the movement.
 The role of Indian women in the national movement serves as an inspiration and a testament to
the strength and resilience of women in the face of adversity.