The Doctor and the Saint

1. Caste is a Brutal, Hierarchical System, Not Just a Social Construct

“To the Untouchables,” Ambedkar said, with the sort of nerve that present-day intellectuals in India find hard to summon, “Hinduism is a veritable chamber of horrors.”

Systemic oppression. Caste is not merely a social hierarchy but a brutal system of graded inequality, enforced through violence and discrimination. It's a structure that assigns individuals to specific social strata based on birth, dictating their access to resources, opportunities, and even basic human dignity. This system is deeply embedded in Hindu society, with its roots in religious texts and traditions.

Purity and pollution. The caste system is built on the concept of purity and pollution, with the Brahmins at the top considered the purest and the Untouchables at the bottom considered the most polluted. This hierarchy is not just a matter of social status but also dictates daily life, including occupation, marriage, and access to public spaces. The system is enforced through social boycotts, violence, and the denial of basic rights.

Modern manifestations. Despite legal reforms, caste discrimination continues to be a pervasive reality in India. It manifests in various forms, including violence against Dalits, denial of access to resources, and discrimination in employment and education. The system is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing form of oppression that continues to shape the lives of millions.

2. Gandhi's Complex Legacy: Saint of Status Quo, Not a True Ally of the Oppressed

He is the Saint of the Status Quo.

Contradictory views. Gandhi, often revered as a saint and a champion of the oppressed, held complex and often contradictory views on caste. While he opposed untouchability, he also believed in the varna system, the four-tiered structure that is the foundation of the caste system. This contradiction made him an unreliable ally for those seeking true liberation from caste.

Myth of Mahatmahood. Gandhi's image as a Mahatma was carefully constructed and promoted, often obscuring his problematic views on caste and race. His experiments with celibacy, poverty, and self-purification, while seemingly noble, often served to reinforce existing power structures and hierarchies. His actions in South Africa, where he actively collaborated with the British and distanced himself from Black Africans, reveal a complex and troubling side to his legacy.

Limited vision. Gandhi's vision of a harmonious society was based on a romanticized view of the Indian village, ignoring the inherent inequalities and injustices of the caste system. His focus on individual self-purification and trusteeship, rather than systemic change, ultimately served to maintain the status quo. He was a master of political maneuvering, but his actions often prioritized the interests of the privileged castes over the liberation of the oppressed.

3. Ambedkar's Radical Vision: Annihilation of Caste, Not Just Reform

“Nothing can emancipate the outcaste except the destruction of the caste system”.

Beyond reform. Unlike Gandhi, Ambedkar believed that the caste system could not be reformed but had to be completely annihilated. He saw it as a system of inherent inequality and oppression that could not be reconciled with justice and equality. His vision was not just about ending untouchability but about dismantling the entire structure of caste.

Intellectual assault. Ambedkar launched an intellectual assault on the Hindu scriptures and traditions that legitimized the caste system. He argued that the system was not divinely ordained but a human construct designed to maintain the power and privilege of the upper castes. His writings and speeches were a call for radical social and political change.

Champion of the oppressed. Ambedkar was a champion of the oppressed, particularly the Untouchables, and dedicated his life to their liberation. He understood that true freedom required not just legal rights but also social and economic justice. His vision was not just about ending discrimination but about creating a society where all individuals were treated with dignity and respect.

4. The Myth of Hindu Unity: Caste as a Tool of Division and Control

“The first and foremost thing that must be recognised is that Hindu society is a myth. The name Hindu is itself a foreign name”.

Manufactured identity. The idea of a unified Hindu identity is a relatively recent construct, used by privileged-caste reformers to consolidate their power and control. Before the rise of Hindu nationalism, people identified primarily with their caste, not with a broader Hindu identity. The term "Hindu" itself is a foreign term, not used in ancient texts.

Caste as a divider. The caste system is not a unifying force but a tool of division and control. It creates a hierarchy of privilege and oppression, preventing solidarity and cooperation among different groups. The system is designed to keep the lower castes in a state of perpetual servitude, while the upper castes maintain their power and privilege.

Political Hinduism. The concept of a "Hindu nation" is a political project, not a reflection of a shared cultural or religious identity. It is used to marginalize and exclude minority groups, particularly Muslims and Dalits. This political Hinduism is a dangerous force that threatens the very fabric of Indian society.

5. The Failure of the Indian Left: Ignoring Caste in Favor of Class

By force-fitting caste into reductive Marxist class analysis, the progressive and left-leaning Indian intelligentsia has made seeing caste even harder.

Class reductionism. The Indian left has often failed to address the issue of caste, reducing it to a mere byproduct of class relations. This reductionist approach ignores the unique and pervasive nature of caste oppression, which cannot be explained solely through economic factors. This has led to a disconnect between the left and the most oppressed sections of Indian society.

Privileged leadership. The leadership of the Indian left has often been dominated by privileged-caste individuals, who lack a deep understanding of the lived experiences of Dalits and other marginalized groups. This has resulted in a failure to address the specific needs and concerns of these communities.

Missed opportunity. By ignoring caste, the Indian left has missed a crucial opportunity to build a broad-based movement for social and economic justice. The failure to address caste has alienated many Dalits and other marginalized groups, who have sought alternative political avenues.

6. The Poona Pact: A Betrayal of Dalit Rights, Not a Victory

There was nothing noble in the fast. It was a foul and filthy act… [I]t was the worst form of coercion against a helpless people to give up the constitutional safeguards of which they had become possessed under the Prime Minister’s Award and agree to live on the mercy of the Hindus. It was a vile and wicked act.

Coercive tactics. Gandhi's fast unto death to oppose separate electorates for Untouchables was a form of blackmail, not a genuine act of self-sacrifice. It was a coercive tactic designed to force Ambedkar and the Untouchables to give up their hard-won political rights. The Poona Pact, which resulted from this fast, was a betrayal of Dalit rights.

Reserved seats. The Poona Pact replaced separate electorates with reserved seats in general constituencies, which meant that Dalit candidates had to be acceptable to the privileged-caste majority. This effectively undermined the political autonomy of the Untouchables and ensured that they would remain dependent on the goodwill of the upper castes.

Undermining autonomy. The Poona Pact was a setback for the Dalit movement, as it undermined their ability to elect their own representatives and to advocate for their own interests. It was a victory for the privileged castes, who were able to maintain their control over the political system.

7. The Constitution: A Subversive Tool, Not a Panacea

Constitutionalism can come in the way of revolution. And the Dalit revolution has not happened yet. We still await it. Before that there cannot be any other, not in India.

Limited impact. While Ambedkar played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution, he was also aware of its limitations. He understood that a constitution alone could not solve the deep-seated problems of caste and inequality. The Constitution, while providing some legal safeguards, has not been able to eradicate caste discrimination.

Constitutional morality. Ambedkar believed that "constitutional morality" had to be cultivated, as it was not a natural sentiment in Indian society. He understood that the traditional social morality of the caste system was deeply ingrained and would continue to undermine the principles of equality and justice.

Work in progress. Ambedkar saw the Constitution as a work in progress, not a final solution. He believed that every generation had the right to create a new constitution for itself. The Constitution, while a valuable tool, is not a substitute for radical social and political change.

8. The Ongoing Struggle: Caste Remains Entrenched in Modern India

Democracy hasn’t eradicated caste. It has entrenched and modernised it. This is why it’s time to read Ambedkar.

Modernized caste. Despite legal reforms and social progress, caste remains deeply entrenched in modern India. It has adapted to the changing times, manifesting in new forms of discrimination and oppression. Caste networks continue to influence economic and political power, with the upper castes maintaining their dominance.

Economic disparities. Caste continues to be a major factor in economic inequality, with Dalits and other marginalized groups disproportionately represented among the poor and landless. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few upper-caste individuals further reinforces the existing power structures.

Social exclusion. Caste discrimination continues to manifest in various forms of social exclusion, including segregation, violence, and denial of access to public spaces. The system is not just a relic of the past but a living, breathing form of oppression that continues to shape the lives of millions.

9. Ambedkar's Buddhism: A Path to Liberation, Not Just a Religion

The purpose of Religion is to explain the origin of the world, the purpose of Dhamma is to reconstruct the world.

Beyond Hinduism. Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism was not just a religious act but a political statement. He rejected Hinduism as a religion that legitimized the caste system and sought a path to liberation that was based on equality and justice. His Buddhism was a radical departure from traditional forms of the religion.

Navayana Buddhism. Ambedkar's Buddhism, known as Navayana or the Fourth Way, emphasized social justice and equality over traditional religious dogma. It was a form of Buddhism that was rooted in the lived experiences of the oppressed and sought to transform the world.

Reconstruction of society. Ambedkar saw Buddhism as a tool for social and political change, not just a path to personal salvation. His vision was to create a society based on the principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which he saw as essential for the liberation of the oppressed.

10. The Need for Radical Change: Beyond Reform, Towards Annihilation

Not unless we show the courage to rearrange the stars in our firmament.

Systemic change. The problems of caste and inequality cannot be solved through piecemeal reforms or individual acts of charity. What is needed is a radical transformation of the social, economic, and political structures that perpetuate oppression. This requires a fundamental shift in power relations and a dismantling of the caste system.

Courage and action. The task of annihilating caste requires courage, vision, and a willingness to challenge the status quo. It requires a commitment to justice and equality, and a willingness to fight for the rights of the oppressed. It is a task that requires the participation of all those who believe in a more just and equitable world.

Ambedkar's legacy. Ambedkar's legacy is a call to action, a reminder that the struggle for liberation is not over. His writings and speeches continue to inspire those who seek to create a world free from caste and oppression. His vision is a beacon of hope for a more just and equitable future.

Last updated: January 28, 2025