B.R. Ambedkar's Annihilation of Caste is one of the most important, yet neglected, works of political writing from India. Written in 1936, it is an audacious denunciation of Hinduism and its caste system. Ambedkar - a figure like W.E.B. Du Bois - offers a scholarly critique of Hindu scriptures, scriptures that sanction a rigidly hierarchical and iniquitous social system. The world's best-known Hindu, Mahatma Gandhi, responded publicly to the provocation.
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Books






The Buddha and His Dhamma
- 378 pages
- 14 hours of reading
The book explores the complexities surrounding the life and teachings of Buddha, particularly the pivotal moment of his renunciation, known as Parivraja. It challenges traditional explanations for this event, questioning the common narrative that it stemmed from witnessing suffering. The author aims to clarify these issues and stimulate discussion among Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. Key topics include Siddhartha Gautama's transformation into the Buddha, his teachings, the role of the Sangha, and his interactions with contemporaries, ultimately seeking to provide a cohesive understanding of Buddhism.
Who were the Shudras
- 298 pages
- 11 hours of reading
The book explores the complexities of the Chaturvarnya system in Indo-Aryan society, highlighting how it enforces a hierarchy that relegates Shudras to the lowest social status. It critiques the simplistic understanding of this classification as merely a division into four classes, emphasizing the deep-seated inequalities and restrictions placed upon Shudras. The text delves into the historical context and implications of this social structure, revealing the significant challenges faced by the Shudras and the broader societal indifference to their plight.
Communal Deadlock And A Way To Solve It
- 40 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Focusing on communal tensions in India, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar critiques existing political structures that exacerbate divisions between Hindus and Muslims. His 1942 speech proposes radical reforms, including separate electorates and protections for minorities, aimed at achieving social justice and harmony. Through incisive analysis and bold recommendations, he outlines a plan for political reorganization to resolve communal deadlock. Ambedkar's visionary insights remain relevant, inspiring ongoing efforts for communal harmony and social cohesion in contemporary society.
Beef, Brahmins, and Broken Men
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
B. R. Ambedkar spent his life battling Untouchability and instigating the end of the caste system. In his 1948 book The Untouchables, he sought to trace the origin of Untouchability. Beef, Brahmins, and Broken Men is an annotated selection from this work, produced in a time when the oppression of and discrimination against Dalits remains pervasive.
Maharashtra as a Linguistic Province
- 64 pages
- 3 hours of reading
The memorandum discusses the reconstitution of Maharashtra based on linguistic lines, referencing various authors for the accuracy of the figures presented. It emphasizes that the attached map is not definitive but serves to illustrate the envisioned layout of the province after reconstitution. The focus is on the conceptual framework rather than precise details, highlighting the importance of linguistic identity in administrative boundaries.
Federation Versus Freedom
- 98 pages
- 4 hours of reading
The book examines the intricate balance between centralized governance and individual liberties in federal systems. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a pivotal figure in the Indian Constitution's creation, provides a thorough analysis of federalism's complexities. He highlights the tension between the benefits of centralized authority for stability and the necessity of protecting individual freedoms and local autonomy. By referencing historical examples and current debates, Ambedkar advocates for measures to ensure citizen and regional rights, enriching the discourse on constitutional design and governance globally.
Castes In India
- 34 pages
- 2 hours of reading
Evils like rigid caste system and religious fanaticism have existed in India since a long time. Dr B.R. Ambedkar has accomplished a tremendous work out of making the voices of the people of the scheduled caste heard. He has been one of the social reformers who stood fearlessly against so many difficulties but only spoke what was stark reality. This made everyone sit up and take note of how a stagnant way of dividing the society was keeping the country away for accelerating on the path to progress. With the help of this book, he has tried to bring about a clarity in the concept that the origin of caste system was based on the idea of division of labour, but over a period of time it has become so rigid that it has established itself as a hierarchy and now it is simply division of labourers.