Movements of lower castes for social justice

Challenges to Caste HierarchyBuddhism: 6 century BC

Other movements: Bhakti, Kabir etc.

Colonial Period 18th to 1947

British did not oppose caste system

Reinforced it through Manusmriti

Change in socio-economic formation led to questioning old system

19th CenturyJyotiba (Mahatma) Phule raised issue of social

equalityJustice Part in Madras Presidency led by EVR

Naicker challenged caste hierarchy. Linked to rationalist (atheist) movementLater founded Dravida Kazgham (DK)Caste was a North Indian phenomenon

Dr. B. R. AmbedkarForemost in fight for equalityAnnihilation of Caste: Questioned basis of

permanent division of labour based on caste1.There must be laws to dismantle caste system2.Should be only one standard book for Hindus

that should be accepted by all, including the untouchable castes

3. Abolish traditional caste-based priesthood. Suggested examination for priests

4. Priests should be servants of the state5. Proposed ideal social order based on liberty

(choice of occupation), equality (of opportunity) and fraternity (no discrimination based on caste, freedom of association)

Caste and ClassRelated but not identicalEconomic basis versus social basisCaste is more important in Indian contextStress on class overlooks caste

IdeologiesAmbedkarism defines ideology of broader

anti-caste movementAnnihilation of caste and ending

Brahaminical superiorityLater believed that there was no solution

within Hindu fold. Buddhaism

Questioned Gandhi’s views on development—rural development and gram swaraj (self-governing villages)

Challenged communist view of base and superstructure: said superstructure should be knocked down to change base

Suggested united working class struggle on the eradication of caste and untouchability

Linguistic basis of nationalismStrong state for transforming society