Ambedkar-Philosophy of Hinduism

AMBEDKAR'S PHILOSOPHY OF HINDUISM AND CONTEMPORARY CRITIQUES
PROF. M. M. NINAN
dharma. This biased approach stilted the growth of the nation and contributed to its downfall in course of
time.
5. Political and military implications: The caste system placed the foreigners on par with the untouchables
and prevented healthy exchange of knowledge and ideas. This worked to the disadvantage of Indians in
general and the armies in particular as it isolated people from the rest of the world and prevented them
from knowing about the invading foreigners, their strategic moves and counter moves and methods of
warfare. The caste system also divided Indian soldiers on caste lines and created groups within groups,
making coordination a difficult task for the army generals.
6. Conversion to other religions. Caste system indirectly contributed to the decline of Hindu religion as
many people belonging to the lower castes were converted to other religions to escape the social
indignities and inequalities associated with their castes. Buddhism, Christianity and Islam thrived in India on
the weaknesses of Hinduism rather their own merits. Speaking of this subject, Swami Vivekananda
commented in the following words, "Was there ever a sillier thing before in the world than what I saw in
Malabar country? The poor Pariah is not allowed to pass through the same street as the high-caste man,
but if he changes his name to a hodge-podge English name, it is all right; or to a Moahammedan name, it is
all right. What inference would you draw except that these Malabaris are all lunatics, their homes so many
lunatic asylums, and that they are to be treated with derision by every race in India until they mend their
manners and know better."
7. Instrument of oppression. The caste system became an instrument of oppression in the hands of socially
privileged castes. Landlords and wealthy merchants exploited the lower castes and subjected them to
inhuman treatment without fear as the lower castes did not enjoy equal rights nor the confidence of those
who enforced the laws.
8. Untouchability: Caste system created a class of individuals who were regarded as untouchables and
treated as less than human beings. They were not allowed to enter the cities and villages freely. People of
higher castes were advised not to touch them or let their shadows fall on them because the shadows were
also treated as sources of defilement. They were not allowed to draw water from the wells or ponds used
by the upper castes. In modern times, many untouchables converted to other religions because they saw
no hope in sticking with their traditional castes and among those who did not opt for converstion, the
educated ones are its worst critics.
9. Low self-esteem: The caste system lowers the self-esteem of many and makes them feel bad about their
social status and caste identity. Since it is based on birth, there is nothing much anyone can do about one's
caste other than changing one's religion, a decision that may have other social implications such as
alienation from one's own family, friends or community, accompanied by feelings of guilt and fear of divine
retribution. The caste system is a blistering and festering ancient sore of Hindu society that evokes painful
memories and keeps the Hindu society divided for ever.
Caste System in Modern Hindu Society
Today untouchability is a serious crime. But the idea of caste system still prevails in the minds of many Hindus. The
following points are worth noticing:
1. Inter caste marriages are not approved in many traditional and rural families.
2. Caste based organizations and associations still exist in India and play a crucial role in perpetuating the idea of
caste.
3. Upper caste people are unhappy with the government's reservation policy and their grievance is not entirely
unfound. Some castes demand the government to recognize them as scheduled castes or tribes and from time to
time resort to violent agitation over the issue.
4. Caste conflicts often lead to violence and bloodshed in the rural areas and college campuses.
5. In many educational institutions students tend to group themselves on the basis of castes, often with the tacit
connivance of teaching faculty and local politicians. A similar trend is often noticeable in the work places also.
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