Annihilation of Caste | Buddha Or Karl Marx Combo set

Annihilation of Caste | Buddha Or Karl Marx Combo set

₹250

152 Pages
AUTHOR :- Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
ISBN :- 978-9352207480

“Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar, in his thought-provoking quote, emphasizes the essence of a just society where reverence and contempt are replaced by compassion. His remarkable work, “”Annihilation of Caste,”” serves as a strong condemnation of the Indian social structure, particularly the deplorable treatment of the lowest caste as untouchables.

Although forbidden to deliver this impactful lecture due to its contentious nature, Ambedkar took the courageous step of self-publishing “”Annihilation of Caste,”” which immediately stirred up a storm of controversy. In direct opposition to the Brahmanical caste system and Hinduism, the book advocates for a society that provides equal opportunities for all individuals.

In addition, this significant volume highlights Ambedkar’s perspectives on caste, as opposed to Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of “”Harijans,”” sparking a dynamic debate between these influential figures. By examining this debate, the book offers valuable insights into the pervasive issue of caste in Indian society.

“Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realise that our people have yet to learn it. Democracy in India is only a top-dressing on an Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic.”

― Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

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“‘Buddha or Karl Marx,’ written by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, explores a comparative study of the ideas proposed by Gautama, the Buddha and Karl Marx. The text was first published in 1987 as part of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Writings and Speeches, Vol. 3, and later reprinted by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation in 2014.

Here are some key points from the essay:
1. Dr. Ambedkar attempts to investigate the failings of Indian society, particularly in regards to caste discrimination, by comparing the teachings of Buddha and Marx.

2. Ambedkar highlights how the Buddha’s teachings focus on individual enlightenment and the abolition of private property, which could lead to a more equal society akin to modern-day communism.

3. He contrasts this with Marx’s theory of ‘Scientific Socialism,’ which involves violent means such as the dictatorship of the proletariat.

4. The essay delves into the means proposed by both figures, with Buddha emphasizing personal ethics and moral conduct, while Marx advocates for revolutionary violence and dictatorship.

5. Ambedkar ultimately argues that Buddha’s teachings, emphasizing a casteless society and individual enlightenment, are more relevant and appropriate for India compared to Marx’s ideas.

While Dr. Ambedkar’s opinions are prevalent in the text and may seem biased towards Buddhist teachings, the essay provides an intriguing perspective on the comparison between Buddha and Marx. It encourages readers to rethink both Marxist discourse and Buddhist philosophy in the context of equality and societal change.”

About Author	Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism. After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits. In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".

About Author

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, social reformer and political leader who headed the committee drafting the Constitution of India from the Constituent Assembly debates, served as Law and Justice minister in the first cabinet of Jawaharlal Nehru, and inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement after renouncing Hinduism.
After graduating from Elphinstone College, University of Bombay, Ambedkar studied economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics, receiving doctorates in 1927 and 1923, respectively, and was among a handful of Indian students to have done so at either institution in the 1920s. He also trained in the law at Gray's Inn, London. In his early career, he was an economist, professor, and lawyer. His later life was marked by his political activities; he became involved in campaigning and negotiations for partition, publishing journals, advocating political rights and social freedom for Dalits, and contributing to the establishment of the state of India. In 1956, he converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.
In 1990, the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was posthumously conferred on Ambedkar. The salutation Jai Bhim (lit. "Hail Bhim") used by followers honours him. He is also referred to by the nickname Babasaheb, meaning "Respected Father".