The Problem Of The Rupee : Its Origin and its Solution | Waiting For A Visa

Ever wondered why the rupee struggles or how colonial policies still echo in India’s economy today? Dive into “The Problem of the Rupee”, where Dr. B.R. Ambedkar— visionary leader, economist, and architect of India’s Constitution—unravels the tangled history of India’s currency with the sharpness of a scholar and the clarity of a reformer.
Written as his thesis at the London School of Economics, this isn’t just a dry economic study. It’s a bold critique of how British financial policies drained India’s wealth, a deep dive into the gold standard debate, and a powerful argument for monetary sovereignty. With meticulous research and piercing insight, Dr. Ambedkar exposes the systems that kept India economically shackled—while laying bare ideas that remain startlingly relevant even today.
More than numbers and theories, this book reflects Dr. Ambedkar’s lifelong mission: to dissect inequality, challenge oppressive structures, and empower the marginalized through knowledge. Whether you’re a student of history, an economics enthusiast, or simply curious about India’s financial past, “The Problem of the Rupee” will make you rethink money, power, and justice.

‘Waiting for a Visa’ by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is a brief autobiographical account written in 1935-36. It illuminates the pervasive caste-based discrimination faced by the Dalit community. The title metaphorically suggests the Dalits’ ongoing struggle for acceptance and dignity in Indian society.
Key Chapters
Childhood Experiences : Ambedkar recalls being denied help during his childhood travels due to his ‘untouchable’ status, leaving lasting trauma.
Academic Discrimination : Despite his advanced degrees, Ambedkar was refused accommodation and faced profound disrespect upon returning to India.
Transport Refusal : Hindu tongawallas refused to transport Ambedkar, highlighting dangerous, deep- rooted intolerance.
Superstition of Impurity : Casteism perpetuates beliefs in impurity and contamination, contrary to religious teachings on compassion.
Medical Negligence : A Dalit woman died in childbirth as a doctor refused care, showcasing deadly caste-based discrimination in healthcare.
Professional Disrespect : A Bhangi boy, despite his post as a scribe, faced disrespect due to his caste, forcing him to leave his job.
Historical Context : Discrimination against Shudras and untouchables has deep historical roots, with Ambedkar’s activism aiming to combat these injustices.