Annihilation of Caste by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
B. R. Ambedkar was a key figure in Indian politics for many years and one I wish I was introduced to sooner! He fiercely debated Gandhi on many issues, often being the one to side with the downtrodden whether that is through speeches like this one or by fighting for a more revolutionary constitution in an independent India. This book contains a speech I have heard many good things about from very few people as it does not seem to be well circulated? This is primarily due to Ambedkar not being allowed to make the speech due to its subject matter being too controversial, which I find baffling as they invited Ambedkar to make a speech on that particular subject?
Over half the book is dedicated to an introduction to Ambedkar and the “Annihilation of Caste” speech. Arundhati Roy offers context surrounding Ambedkar’s clashes with Gandhi who believed that the caste system was basically fine, beyond some slight tweaks, compared to Ambedkar who believed the new constitution could only go so far with the caste system still in place. Roy’s extensive introduction establishes who the speechwriter was, however, to gain a greater understanding of the complexities of caste I will be exploring other resources to unpick the nuances. From what I have previously seen caste seemed like an abstract concept. It’s not religion, it’s not race (although it does target people for their descent), and it goes way beyond class and requires its own analysis. Ambedkar made the case that the system works to divide labourers and prevent unity. His more naive or callous political opponents would claim the system merely divided different types of labour. The type of job a person does being determined by caste in a world where a wage is required to survive seems strange to me? An individual could not take a job due to their ancestry and this is a problem that would surely impact on everyone in society? Maybe there is potential for solidarity under these conditions as the contradictions of the system deepen.
Like in any social hierarchy there are groups that are exploited and oppressed more than others. In the case of caste this would be the Dalit community (often referred to as “Untouchables”) who fall below the four-tier Varna system (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras). “Untouchability” has no legal definition despite being a banned practice and my confusion was somewhat central to this reflection, which will compel me to learn more! As I understand it, the caste system inhibits social progress in ways that cannot be resolved through legislation alone, how communities interact is much deeper than that in ways that Ambedkar puts across expertly, with passion and empathy. If the majority have vested interests in keeping the system so they do not lose the status they have, it does not matter how cruel the system is to those with less. I was appalled by the cruelties embedded in this social hierarchy. A black thread around the neck was used to mark someone as an “untouchable” which was used as a way to ostracise Dalits from the rest of society. In some cases, to further ensure distance from Dalits was maintained individuals were forced to tie a broom handle to their waist. I need to look into what practices are still maintained but in any case, the system is largely unchanged and due to that the cruelties within it remain. Humiliating, alienating and downright despicable, what I have read is only the tip of the iceberg regarding the cruelties of caste which this book puts into the context of post-independence India.
