Reconstructing the World: B.R. Ambedkar and Buddhism in India

On 14 October 1956, Babasaheb Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar converted to Buddhism in a public ceremony in Nagpur. This dramatic act which gave rise to an entire movement of religious conversion has often been described as Ambedkar’s ‘last battle cry’ or as a purely ‘political’ act. In this timely and learned volume, fifteen scholars revisit Ambedkar and conclude that a proper understanding of his views on Buddhism is necessary for an authoritative study of his thought. In doing so they link Ambedkar with the vision of reconstructing society at large, and also situate him within the Buddhist tradition. Raising a multidisciplinary voice, this volume shows that Ambedkar’s worldview was one that transcended the Dalit issue, and in fact provided a blueprint for the reconstruction of human society. The essays examine the very core of Ambedkar’s sociology of religion and highlight important influences which played a critical role in the formulation of his ideas. They bring to the fore Ambedkar’s view of religion as a progressive and constructive force in human society, a view which has once again acquired significance in present times. The volume examines how Ambedkar treated the Buddhist scriptures, and innovated Buddhism in an unprecedented manner. His search for a universal approach in visually representing the ‘New’ Buddhism is studied, as are his efforts to overcome gender inequality in Indian society. After having considered the historic dimension to Ambedkarite Buddhism, the volume moves on to discuss what shape the movement has taken in India today, and where it is most likely headed. An invitation for a broader and more interdisciplinary academic debate, this extensive social history of Ambedkar’s Buddhism establishes that his view of the world religion amalgamated universalist ethics and a path of individual purification and liberation. It will be read by students and scholars of Buddhist studies, religious studies, sociology, anthropology and history; activists and members of numerous voluntary organisations; as well as the informed layperson interested in the state of play of religion in India today.