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  • Sep 30, 2023
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Gandhi & Ambedkar, then and now

Their disagreements over varna were informed by principled differences on the system’s philosophical foundation.

Relevance

  • GS Paper 1 Modern Indian history from about the middle of the eighteenth century until the present – significant events, personalities, issues.
  • The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
  • Tags #gandhiji #mahatma #ambedkar #currentaffairs #UPSC

Why in the News?

155th Birth anniversary of Gandhiji to be celebrated. Gandhi and Ambedkar, two towering figures in India’s struggle for independence and social reform, held differing views on critical aspects of Indian society. While they clashed on issues like varna (the caste system), they both played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s destiny.

Gandhi’s Enduring Legacy

  • Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on the world stage remains unparalleled. His philosophy transcended boundaries and ideologies. His vast body of work, spanning a hundred volumes, reflects his wisdom.
  • However, reading Gandhi necessitates an open mind to avoid misquoting or misunderstanding his words.
  • He acknowledged his own fallibility, urging readers to choose the later of his conflicting writings on the same subject, displaying both courage and humility.

Commemorating Gandhi and Ambedkar

  • October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Gandhi, a day celebrated with reverence across India.
  • Another significant date in October, October 14, commemorates the day when Babasaheb Ambedkar, Gandhi’s political adversary, renounced Hinduism, embracing Buddhism alongside 300,000 followers.

The Poona Pact: A Historic Accord

  • One of the most profound moments in Indian history was the signing of the Poona Pact by Gandhi and Ambedkar.
  • This agreement was a watershed moment that averted potential catastrophe for Hindu society. Gandhi staked his life on it, and Ambedkar, his honor.
  • The Poona Pact established quotas for the Depressed Classes within the Hindu framework. Ambedkar, who initially advocated for separate electorates for the Depressed Classes, ultimately accepted quotas within Hindu society, influenced in part by Gandhi’s fast unto death.

Converging on Social Status

  • Both Gandhi and Ambedkar concurred on the need to eradicate untouchability and treat untouchables on par with caste Hindus.
  • Gandhi passionately called upon the untouchable community to unite and rebel against the status quo, declaring his intent to dismantle the fortress of caste discrimination.
  • However, their fundamental disagreement lay in the philosophical foundation of societal segregation. Ambedkar sought to eliminate the four-fold segregation of society, as sanctioned by Hindu scriptures.
  • In contrast, Gandhi leaned toward Swami Dayananda Saraswati’s vision of replacing hereditary caste with the Vedic system of varna, where an individual’s caste would be determined based on their qualities and actions.

Varna vs. Caste: A Philosophical Divide

  • Gandhi consistently defended varna dharma as a benevolent law, while emphasizing the imperative need to eliminate untouchability. He believed that the law of varna, discovered by ancient ancestors, was a fundamentally beneficent institution.
  • Ambedkar, however, remained skeptical, asserting that varna dharma was at the root of the issue. He challenged Hindus to produce sacred authority for its removal, maintaining that caste and untouchability were inseparable.

Legacy and Unresolved Debates

  • The Poona Pact, despite its political significance, didn’t resolve the deep-rooted issues of casteism and untouchability.
  • Ambedkar’s rejection of remaining a Hindu post-Pact, coupled with ongoing criticisms of Gandhi, led to continued debates on caste, varna, and Sanatan Dharma in India.

In retrospect, both Gandhi and Ambedkar left an indelible mark on India’s socio-political landscape. Their disagreements on varna and caste, while intense, have served as touchstones for ongoing discussions about social justice and equality in modern India. As the nation commemorates their legacies, it’s crucial to appreciate the nuances of their contrasting philosophies and their enduring impact on India’s quest for a more inclusive and equitable society.

 

Aspect of Difference Gandhi’s Position Ambedkar’s Position
Caste System Advocated the Vedic system of varna, where caste is determined by qualities and actions. Believed it was a beneficial law. Opposed the caste system in all forms and wanted its complete abolition. Saw it as a root cause of social inequality.
Untouchability Urgently called for the eradication of untouchability and full inclusion of untouchables into Hindu society. Demanded the immediate and total abolition of untouchability without compromise.
Religion Practiced and promoted Hinduism. Sought to reform and cleanse it from within. Initially part of Hinduism but later renounced it and embraced Buddhism, advocating for the conversion of untouchables.
Political Approach Emphasized non-violent civil disobedience and dialogue as the means to achieve social and political change. Advocated for legal and constitutional methods to secure rights for the Depressed Classes.
Reservation Supported quotas (based on the Poona Pact) for the Depressed Classes within the Hindu framework. Demanded separate electorates for the Depressed Classes during the Round Table Conferences.
Sacred Texts Respected and cited Hindu scriptures, finding value in them. Criticized Hindu scriptures for justifying caste discrimination and untouchability.
Religious Conversion  Opposed religious conversion and advocated for reform within existing religions. Supported religious conversion as a means for untouchables to escape caste-based discrimination.
Unity Vs. Separation  Emphasized the importance of maintaining unity among Hindus, even if it meant compromises. Initially pushed for separate electorates, advocating the separation of the Depressed Classes from Hindu society.
Social Change Believed in gradual social reform and the power of moral persuasion. Advocated for radical and immediate social change through legal and political means.
Philosophical Foundation Favored the Vedic concept of varna as a basis for social order and assigned caste based on qualities. Opposed the varna system and called for its abolition, seeing it as perpetuating discrimination.

 

Sources: Indian Express

Mains Question

“Examine the ideological differences between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on key aspects of Indian society, including the caste system and untouchability. How did these differences shape their respective approaches to social and political reform? Assess the impact of their contrasting philosophies on the socio-political landscape of India.” 250 words