CHAPTER - II A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR.

Transcription

1 CHAPTER - II A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR.

2 CHAPTER - U A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR. * Genealogy. A - THE FIRST PHASE ( ) 1. Introduction. 2. Birth and Primary Education. 3. Secondary Education. 4. Higher Education. 5. Higher Education in Foreign Universities. B- THE SECOND PHASE ( ) 1. Mook Nayak \ Conferences at Mangaon and Nagpur. 2. Again Back to London. 3. Legal Practice. 4. Bahishkrit Hitkurini Sabha 5. Member of Bombay Legislative Council 6. Mahad Satyagraha. 7. Bahishkrit Bharat l 8. A Thakurdwar Incident. ^ 9. Manusmriti Burnt. 10. Samata Samaj Sangha ( A League For Equality),2/-

3 C- THE THIRD PHASE ( ) 1. Abolition of Mahar Watan. 2. Simon Commission and Or. Ambedkar. 3. Samata'. 4. Textile Workers* Strike and Dr. Ambedkar. 5. Parvati Satyagraha. 6. Kalaram Temple Entry. 7. The Round Table Conferences. 8. The First Round Table Conference. 9. The Second Round Table Conference. 10. The Third Round Table Conference. 11. The First Encounter with Mahatma Gandhi. 12. Raja Munje Pact 13. Poona Pact. 14. Witnesses Examined, D - THE FOURTH PHASE ( ) 1. The Independent Labour Party. 2. Abolition of Khoti System. 3. A Clash Regarding die Expression1 Harijan *. 4. Kamatak issue, 5. industrial Disput Bill. 6. The First Meeting with Jawaharlal Nehru 7. All India Scheduled Castes Federation. 8. A Labour Member. E - THE LAST PHASE ( ) 1. A Constitution For the State. 2. Making of the Indian Constitution. 3. Hindu Code Bill. 4. On the Council of States. 5. LL.D. and D. litt. Conferred. 6. The Great Conversion. 7. Parinibban. F- A CHRONOLOGY IN OUTLINE. REFERENCES! PHOTOGRAPHS.

4 Maloji Alias Malnak Sakpal Ganga Ramabai Anandrao Manjula Tulsa _Bhiwa alias Bhimrao = Lakawadekar = Malwankar = Laxmibai = Yesu Ramji Pandirkar = Dharma Kantekar _= 1) Ramabai Dhiitre = 2} Sharda Kabir Mukund Gangadhar (d) Yashwant Gangadhar Ramesh Indu Rajratna =Mirabai (d) (d) (d) (d) Praltash Ashok Bhimrao Anand Rama =) Balwant (ascetic) Alias Fakira Ba iram Sakhubai From First Wife Anand Mirabai Ramji (Subedar Major )- _=1) Bhimabai (Murbadkar) = 2} Jijabai (Shirkawale) Means married to, 1d * means died young)

5 CHAPTER - II 62 A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF DR. B,.R. AMBEDKAR A) THE FIRST PHASE ( ) 1. INTRODUCTION The life of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar is a saga of great conflict of a man. The man, though born in a family of untouchables rose to an extreme height and by dint of his intellectual abilities and hard work occupied an important place in the history of India. Dr.B.R. Ambedkar is one of the illustrious sons of India. Both, the old and young generations, before and after independence have been inspired and influenced by his work. 2. BIRTH AND PRIMARY EDUCATION Fourteen children were born to Ramji. Of these fourteen, seven survived. Bhimrao was born on Monday 14th April 1891 at Mhow. He began schooling at Dapoli. Soon thereafter, Subhedar Ramji moved his family to Satara and he was re-employed in the Public Works Department at Goregaon in the Satara District (1896). Bhimrao's name was then enrolled in the primary school of Satara. After completing the Marathi Education under

6 63 the guidance of a teacher named Ambedkar, Bhimrao's name was enrolled in Satara High School ( ) standard First English. 3. SECONDARY EDUCATION In 1901, the examinations were held. Bhimrao passed the fourth standard. Ramji moved his family to Bombay. Ramji enrolled him in Elphinstone High School. In April, 1906 Bhimrao married Ramabai. In 1907, he passed the matriculation examination of the university of Bombay. (Examination No.872, marks obtained 282/750, University Calender Part-I, P.414, ) 4. HIGHER EDUCATION Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad granted a scholarship of rupees twenty five per month. On , he joined the Elphinstone College, Bombay. He passed B.A. of the University of Bombay in After graduation he went to Baroda ( ). He was appointed to the post of a Lieutenant in the Baroda State Force. In Baroda he was treated in a bad way. 5. HIGHER EDUCATION IN FOREIGN UNIVERSITIES On , the Maharaja of Baroda sanctioned a scholarship of ; per month for a duration of three years ( till ). r

7 64 On he arrived at New York and joined the Columbia University in the faculty of political science. "Among the first rate Indian political leaders Ambedkar was the first to receive instruction in the land of Lincoln and Booker T Washington."1 On he passed the M.A. examination of the Columbia University with Economics as his principle subject. In 1917 the Columbia University accepted the printed copies of his thesis for Ph.D. and allowed him to use^ the degree for all practical purposes. In the first week of October, 1916, he took admission in London School of Economics and Political Science. On he enrolled his name in Gray's Inn to study Bar at Law. His progress in Economics was so considerable that his professors allowed him to prepare for D.Sc. For the Degree of M.Sc. he decided to write a thesis. But in the meanwhile, he was informed by the Baroda Government that the period of scholarship was over. He was called back to India. But again on his request to the Baroda Government, the period was extended by one year. In confirmity with the agreement he came to Baroda in September, 1917 and stayed in cognito at a Parsee Dharmashala. He was appointed Military Secretary r

8 to the Maharaj. In Baroda he was ill treated. 65 On he joined his duties as a professor of Political Economy in the Sydenham College of Commerce Bombay. He held the Post till B) THE SECOND PHASE ( ) 1. MOOK NAYAK, CONFERENCES AT MANGAON AND NAGPUR On he gave evidence before the Southborough Committee. He demanded separate electorate and researved seats for the Depressed Classes in proportion to their population. He secured Rs.2500 from Shahu Chhatrapati of Kolhapur for the fortnightly paper which he had proposed to start. It was ' Mook Nayak'. (Leader of the Dumb) It was started on He started it to champion the cause of Depressed classes of India. It was his mouthpiece. On he resigned from the professorship at the Sydenham college to resume studies in London. On March 21, 1920 he presided over the Mangaon Conference at Kolhapur State. Chhatrapati Shahu attended it. In this conference Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj announced in a prophetic utterance. "You have found your saviour in Ambedkar. I am confident that he will break your

9 66 L > shackles. Not only that a time will come when, so whisper my conscience, Ambedkar will shine as a front rank leader of all. India fame and appeal."2 He attended the first all India Depressed Class Conference at Nagpur ( to ). Shahu Chhatrapati presided over this conference. This was the first' All India conference convened by untouchables. 2. AGAIN BACK TO LONDON His desire to resume had remai ned unfulfilled. Shahu He left for London on admission in London School of Science, for Master of Science. his studies at London sanctioned him Rs On he took Economics and Political He also enrolled his name in Gray's Inn for Law. In June 1921 he submitted his thesis 'The Provincial Decentralization of Imperial Finance in British India'. This thesis was accepted by the University of London and he was awarded M.Sc. (Economics). In October, 1922 he submitted his thesis 'The Problem of the Rupee' t 0 the University of London. In the meantime he went t 0 Bonn University (Germany) t 0 write thesis on Economi cs. He was there hardly for a quarter of a year

10 67 3. LEGAL PRACTICE On he started legal practice as a Barrister at Bombay. But in court also he was met with ill treatment. 4. BAHISHKRIT HITKARINI SABHA On , he convened a meeting at Parel (Bombay)_ to found Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha in order to launch his movement for the social uplift of the depressed classes. Thus on 'Bahishkrit Hitkarni Sabha' was founded. Its motto was,'educate, Agitate and Organize'. The era of self respect dawned with the birth of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha. On At Solapur, a hostel for High School students coming from depressed classes was started. The expenses were borne by the Sabha. On he was appointed as a lecturer at Batliboi's Accountancy Training Institute. He taught there Merchantile Law. On the royal commission on Indian Currency was appointed under the chairmanship of Edward Hilton Young. On Dr. Ambedkar gave evidence before the Royal Commission on Indian Currency.

11 5. MEMBER OF BOMBAY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL There wps one of the chances in December He was nominated as a member of the Bombay Legislative Council. In the council he delivered a number of speeches. The content of his speeches was the welfare of Indians. 6. MAHAD SATYAGRAHA In accordance with the Bole Resolution passed in 1923 and Mahad Municipality Resolution No.67, and as well as reaffirmed with a slight change in 1926, the Mahad Municipality had thrown open the Chawadar Tank to the untouchables. However, the resolution remained a mere gesture and the untouchables failed to exercise their right owing to the hostility of the Savarnas. He launched a Satyagraha and took the water from Chawdar t ank and drank it. Carlyle Thomas ( ) says that the END OF MAN IS ACTION. Under the able leadership of Dr.B.R. Ambedkar, a new chapter was opened in the annals of India by the down t rodd'en., dehumanised and dumb millions. The untouchables voiced their age long grievances. The courage was summoned up by drinking water. The flame of self respect and self elevation was enkindled by this event at Mahad. This was the consequence of Mahad Conference.

12 i BAHISHKRIT BHARAT1 Now, Dr. Ambedkar had to face the attack of criticism. So he felt the need for a mouth piece as never before. So, on he started fortnightly Marathi paper 'Bahishkrit Bharat' ('outcast India') He himself was its editor. 8. A THAKURDWAR INCIDENT In June, 1927 it had been announced that the new temple in Thakurdwar was opened to all Hindus.. Dr. Ambedkar fixed an appointment with the authority of the temple and went there. But the Savarnas did not allow him to enter it. He was mobbed and heckled. The temple authority cancelled his appointment and purified the temple. 9. MANUSMRITI BURNT The Manusmriti is the most revered work of Caste Hindus and the most hated by depressed classes. This book was ruthlessly condemned. It was resolved to burn it. On it was placed on a pyre. A pit was specially dug for it in front of the pandal (at Mahad) and was ceremoniously burnt at the hands of Bapusaheb Sahastrabudhe and untouchable hermits.

13 SAMATA SAMAJ SANGHA (LEAGUE FOR EQUALITY) The touchables and untouchables used to level criticism against the movements launched by Dr. Ambedkar Dr. Ambedkar was facing this criticism and as well as expediting his work. The masses were now conscious about their equality in social life. At some places such activities were being undertaken. In Punjab, such sort of work was undertaken by Bhai Parmanand on behalf of Jat Paat Todak Mandal. It was the desire of Dr. Ambedkar to undertake such type of work. So, after discussing with his colleagues, he founded SAMATA SAMAJ SANGHA on C) THE THIRD PHASE ( ) 1) ABOLITION OF MAHAR WATAN In Bombay Legislative Council he appealed to the house.'that, I submit, Sir, is an atrocious system, a system which has no justice in it whatsoever. If the Government desires that these people should work for it, it is absolutely necessary that the Government should take upon its shoulder the responsibility of paying these Mahars. It ought not vicariously to throw off his burden in a most careless way upon a third party, the ryot; but that is exactly what is happening under the present system."3

14 71 On he submitted a memorial to Sir Roger Lumely, Governor of Bombay, regarding Mahar Watan. Linlithgow remonstrated with Government of Bombay for having alienateed the depressed classes. The Government revoked its unjust orders and the day was won by Dr. Ambedkar. 2. SIMON COMMISSION AND DR. AMBEDKAR On Indian Statutory Commission arrived at Bombay Dr. Ambedkar did not oppose the Simon Commission because ; 1) The problems, difficulties of untouchables differ from those of touchables. 2) No adequate efforts were made to solve their problems by so called leaders in India. Dr. Ambedkar submitted a memorandum to this commission on behalf of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha on This is a statement concerning the state of education of the depressed classes in the Bombay Presidency. Here, the necessity of education, the survey from 1813 to 1854 and from 1923 and thereafter have bceen scholarly discussed. He also demanded j oint electroates wi th reservations of seats for depressed classes. (Indian Statutory Commission, Vol. XVI PP 37-47)

15 72 On he was appointed as a professor at the Government Law College, Bombay. His impression and influence as a well read professor of Law on his students was enthrilling and lasting. He taught constitutional law. His career as a professor was devoted. His study was deep and knowledge of the subject was profound. 3. SAMATA Samaj Samata Sangha was founded on Within a short period it was endowed with success. It was necessary to put forth the programmes that the League intended. The League was in the need of a means. The opponents had such means and they had been using them freely and ably. They were criticising League's programmes. To reply them a journal was necessary. So on, the monthly 'Samata' was started. 4. TEXTILE WORKERS 'STRIKE AND DR, AMBEDKAR. In October, 1928, textile mill workers' strike was started in Bombay. It involved 1,50,000 workers. The Depressed Class workers were hardest hit. The poorest of the poor desired to be relieved of the growing trouble. Dr. Ambedkar did not favour the strike because during the last eighty years the depressed classes were not allowed to work in any profitable departments like weaving

16 73 etc. No labour organization had so far cared to eradicate the interceptions to the welfare of the untouchables in the textile industry. Dr; Ambedkar knew that the labour movement did not aim so much at the economic welfare of labourers as at political revolution. 5. PARYATI SATYAGRAHA On the Parvati Satyagraha began. The opponents pelted the Satyagrahis with stones. On Dr. Ambedkar supported this Satyagraha. In his stirring speech at Bombay he said he could not help deprecating the mentality of those who put in the plea,"wait for some time and await the change of heart on the part of the touchables."4 6. KALARAM TAMPLE ENTRY On the Nashik Kalaram Temple Satyagraha was started. On , the Nashik Kalaram Temple Satyagraha entered into its third stage. Dadasaheb Gaikwad and Amritrao Rankhambe were arrested. The situation worried Dr. Ambedkar. He considered the struggle for political rights to be more important than the problem of temple entry. The agitation continued right as far as the end of October, THE ROUND TABLE CONFERENCES He attended the Round Table Conferences

17 74 thrice * 1) to ) to ) to THE FIRST ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE A scheme of political safeguards for the protection of the depressed clases in the future constitution of a sel f governing India, submitted to the Indian Round Table Conference by Dr. Ambedkar is o f greater importance. The nature of the scheme was as under : 1) Equal citizenship, 2) Fundamental Rights, 3) Free Enjoyment of Equal Rights, 4) Offence of Boycott Defined, 5) Protection Against Discrimination, 6) Adequate Representation in the Legislatures, 7) Special Departmental Care --- etc. These were the conditions, 9. THE SECOND ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE The main work of this conference was to be done in the Federal Structure Committee and the Minorities

18 75 "r: i Committee. On , the Minorities Committee for the first time. During the Seventh sitting Ambedkar said," I don't wish that any doubt be left met Dr. on this question at all. Those who are negotiating ought to understand that they are not plenipotentiaries at all, that, whatever may be the representative character of Mr. Gandhi or the Congress people, they certainly are not in a position to bind us certainly not. I say that most emphatically in this meeting."5 10. THE THIRD ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE "The heartening outcome of the Third Round Table Conference was its recommendation that a provision may be made to enfranchise a larger portion of the depressed classes."6 11. THE FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH MAHATMA GANDHI On , the first encounter took place between Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Ambedkar at Man! Bhawan Bombay. Mahatma Gandhi maintained that the untouchables were the integral part of the Hindus. So, they can not, politically, be alienated from the Hindus. Dr. Ambedkar asserted that the congressmen had opposed the movements of untouchables at Mahad and Nashik Satyagraha. The president of the Nashik District Congress Committee was himsel.f the Chairman of the orthodox group that

19 78 opposed the Satyagraha. Congress wanted to divide and rule in the untouchables' case. Congress was eager to reconcile with Muslims and Sikhs, but not with., the untouchables. 12. RAJA MOONJE PACT On , The Raja Moonje Pact was made at Delhi. It stood for joint electroate and reserved seats for the depressed classes in proportion to their population. This pact brewed for Dr. Ambedkar. Mahatma Gandhi was not in favour of separate electorate for depressed classes. After Rajah Moonje Pact, there was tense atmosphere. The members of the opposite party were spreading wrong views with regard to the views of Dr. Ambedkar. To stop this and to make clear the factuals, the Depressed Classes Congress was held on 7th and 8th May, 1932, at Nagpur (Kamptee). In this conference the Rajah Moonje Pact was repudiaiedd and it was declared that the Minorities Pact contained the irreducible minimum demands of the Depressed Classes. It was detrimental to the interest of Depressed Classes. 13. POONA PACT On Dr. Ambedkar, Pandit Malviya, and M.C. Rajah met Mahatma Gandhi in the Yerawada jail to discuss the terms for ending Mahatma Gandhi's fast.

20 On Mahatma Gandhi agreed to accept the terms o f s e 111emen t reached at a conference of the leaders. The Conference resolved " Henceforward among Hindus no one shall be regarded as an untouchable by reason of his birth."7 On , Mahatma Gandhi said to Dr. Ambedkar,"I am here today to ask you for a reprieve for my caste Hindu brethern."8 At 5 p.m. the agreement was signed by Dr. Ambedkar and other 23 persons. This agreement went down in history as the POONA PACT. 14. WITNESSES EXAMINED Prom to and from to Dr. Ambedkar participated in the transactions of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Indian Constitutional Reforms under the chairmanship of Lord Linlithgow. During this period he examined 19 witnesses such as, Right Hon. Sir Winston Churchill, Lieut, Col. Sir Henry Gidney, Right Hon. Sir Samuel Horace etc. Dr. Ambedkar fully discussed the constitutional problem of India in sittings of Round Table Conferences during During the period of 1933 to 1950 Dr. Ambedkar was a fellow of the University of Bombay, faculties

21 78 of Arts and Law. In June 1934 he was appointed as a part-time professor at the Government Law College, Bombay. D) THE FOURTH PHASE ( ) On he was appointed as a principal of the Government Law College Bombay and Perry professor of Jurisprudence. He served there for two years. He did much to improve the institute. He resigned the post in May On , the Jat Pat Todak Mandal of Lahore invited Dr. Ambedkar to preside over its conference. The Mandal informed him to omit some portion of his printed address. Dr. Ambedkar refused to do so and on he informed them that he would not preside over the conference. 1. INDEPENDENT LABOUR PARTY To contest the general election under the Government of India Act, 1935, Dr. Ambedkar founded Independent Labour Party on In this regard Dhananjay Keer writes,"in order to raise efficiency and productive capacity of the people, the partly declared itself in favour of an extensive programme of technical education and the principle of state management and state ownership of industries where necessary."9

22 79 2 ABOLITION OF KHDTI SYSTEM On , Dr. Ambedkar introduced a bill in Bombay Legislative Assembly to abolish Khoti system of land tenure in Konkan area. The matter to be remembered is that in the first popular Provincial Assemblies Dr. Ambedkar was the first legislator in India to introduce this bill for the abolition of the serfdom of agricultural tenents. He aimed at abolishing the tenure with a view to securing occupancy right to the tenents. He desired abolition of the Khoti tenure and substitution of the 'ryotwari' system to make provision for payment of reasonable compensation to the khots for the loss of their rights and to give those inferior holders, who were in actual possessions of land, the status of occupants within the meaning of the Land Revenue Code A CLASH REGARDING THE EXPRESSION 1HARJJAN1 There was a major clash between Dr. Ambedkar and ruling party. It was an i ssue from the point of view of the depressed classes. One of the clauses of the new bill aiming a t the amendment of the Local Board Act defined the Scheduled Castes as 'HARIJANS' (The people of God) B.K. Gaikwad objected to the term Scheduled Castes as 'Harijan'^ Dr. Ambedkar supported B.K. Gaikwad in this regard. But when the ruling party forced the appelation 'Harijan' down the thorats of Scheduled Castes,

23 ' 80 Dr. Ambedkar and his partymen walked out in protest. 4. KARNATAK ISSUE On , an. issue, demand of Karnatak for its separation from the. Bombay Province was discussed in Bombay Assembly. In April, 1938 Dr. Ambedkar told that if Karnatak was created a separate province, it would be a province of Lingayat against any body. He declared that the common goal was the building of a feeling that they were all Indians. 5. INDUSTRIAL PISPOTS BILL Meanwhile the Bombay Legislative Assembly took up in September 1938, the consideration of Industrial Disputs Bill. Jamanadas Mehta and Dr. Ambedkar opposed this bill strongly. Dr. Ambedkar opined the bill to be bad inasmuch as it made a strike under certain circumstances illegal and affected the right of the labourers to strike. From the view point of Dr. Ambedkar the strike was not a crime but- a civil wrong. It was making a man serve against his will hence it was nothing else than making him a slave. To penalise means to make the worker slave and as has been defined in the United State's Constitution, slavery was nothing else than involuntary servitude. Dr. Ambedkar added that it was a democracy that was enslaving the working class

24 81 and therefore it was a mockery of democracy. 6. THE FIRST MEETING WITH JAWAHARLAL NEHRU In October, 1939 Jawaharlal Nehru, Chairman of the war sub committee, held talks for two days with Dr. Ambedkar in. Bombay. This was their first meeting. Dr. Ambedkar reiterated his statement on war policy and declared that the untouchables could.never..accept a political status that would make them Political Shudras. He also told that he would not tolerate it if to the social, economic and religious dominance which the Hindus had been exercising over untouchables, was added the political dominance. He described also how the majority were denying liberty, equality and fraternity for the gromthof untouchables. m Dr. Ambedkar wanted the untouchables to be recruited in military. The militarization policy of Government had excluded the Mahars on the ground of distinction between martial and nor-martial classes. Dr. Ambedkar saw the Governor of Bombay and voiced his grievances against this policy. He explained that the Mahars had played an important role under the East India Company. Afterwards the Mahars were prohibited from admission into military forces. He appealed to the Government to raise Mahar Battalion. The Government decided to raise a Mahar Battalion and Dr. Ambedkar issued an appeal to the Mahars to seize the opportunity both for their own sake and for the sake of country. (May 1941)

25 82 7. ALL INDIA SCHEDULED CASTES FEDERATION In April 1942 Dr. Ambedkar founded All India Scheduled Caste Federation. N. Shivaraj was its president. It was announced during the All India Scheduled Castes Conference held at Nagpur on 17th to 20th July,1942. s 8. A LABOUR MEMBER^...>r " Dr. Ambedkar telegraphically took over the charge of the Labour Portfolio on the morning of July 20, He held the position upto June During this period he piloted and introduced measures for Labour Welfare. He placed great emphasis on technical training and upgradation of skills. Dr. Ambedkar efforts were directed towards bringing the workers under the protective umbrella of social security. In October 1943, the central Assembly passed a resolution for removal of restrictions on recruitment of Scheduled Castes in defence services. On , the annual session of Scheduled Caste Federation was held in Bombay at Parel. Dr. Ambedkar spoke on 'The Communal Deadlock and a Way to Solve it.' He said,"it purports to be a constructive proposal put forth on behalf of. the Scheduled Castes for the future consitution of India."10

26 83 "Dr. Ambedkar's proposal was mainly for a United India; but even if the partition of India eventuates, he expects, the Muslims of Pakistan not to deny the benefit of these principles to non-muslim resident of their country. Their co-religionists, who otherwise would be a helpless minority in India, will have their interests safeguarded by the acceptance of these principles. Abandonment of the principles of majority rule in politics can not, in the opinion of Dr. Ambedkar, affect the Hindus in other walks, of life such as social and-economic" 11 On Dr. Ambedkar placed a memorandum before the mission (A delegation of three Cabinet ministers Sir Stafford Cripps, A. V. Alexander and Lord Pethick Lawrence, sent out by the British Premier to India) asking for a provision to be made in the Constitution for the election of Scheduled Castes through separate electorates.. He stressed the importance of separate settlement. He also emphasized the need for the appointment of a settlement commission. He demanded adequate representation in the Central and Provincial Legislatures as well as in the Central and Provincial Executives, in the public services and public service commissions, Federal as well as Provincial and urged for earmarked sums for their education.

27 84 E) THE LAST PHASE( ) (S' 1. A CONSTITUTION FOR THE STATE On November 1946 Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal. The Constituent Assembly opened on December 9, On he was re-elected to the Constituent Assembly in the vacancy caused by Mr. M. R. Jaykar's resignation. On August 3rd 1947, the names of Cabinet Ministers were announced with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as Minister of Law. "For the first time in history, an untouchable Hindu became a popular minister in the Central Cabinet of India" MAKING OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION On the drafting committee of the Constituent Assembly was set up with Dr. B. R. Ambedkar as its chairman. He performed this duty singly and perseverent ly. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar is called the chief architect of the constitution because, "The house is perhaps aware that of the seven members nominated by you, one hafll resigned from the liouse^ and was replaced. One died and was not replaced. One was away in America and his place was not filled up and another person was

28 / 85 c engaged in state affairs and there was void to that extent. One or two people were far away from Delhi and perhaps reasons of health did not permit them to attend. So it happened ultimately that the burden of drafting the constitution fell on Dr. Arabedkar and I have no doubt that we are greatful to him for having achieved this task in a manner which is undoubtedly commendable." 13 This is the speech delivered by T. T. Krishnamachari on November 5, 1948 In the last week of February 1948, Dr. Ambedkar completed the draft constitution. The Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on November 26, The Constitution of India originally contained 395 articles and 8 Schedules. It took' two years, elevanth months and 17 days to complete the draft constitution. Dr. B. R. Ambedkar1 s authority in Law, Social and economic conditions of our country, history, anthropology, constitutions of the world, Jurisprudence etc was of intense help. The members in the Constituent Assembly expressed their appreciation of the excellent and monumental work done by him. 3. HINDU CODE BILL The Hindu Law, applicable to Hindus was enacted during British period. The two commentaries, Mitaksba?a^

29 86 and Dayabhag were prevalent In different parts of the country. Therefore there was discripancy and irrelevancy in the decisions of the courts. The jurists knew this fact. On , a select committee was constituted under the chairmanship of Dr. B. - R. Ambedkar to study the Hindu Code Bill. Dr. Ambedkar revised and submitted the Bill to the Constituent Assembly. It gave a shock to the opponents. On Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru reiterated his commitment to the Bill. On Dr. Ambedkar introduced Hindu Code Bill in the Parliament on behalf of -the Government. Pandit Nehru let Dr. Ambedkar down in the matter of the Hindu Code Bill. On Dr. Ambedkar, who was utterly disappointed, resigned from the Nehru Cabinet. Then, on the Hindu Code Bill was rejected after C four clauses were passed. *' / ON THE COUNCIL OF STATES On Dr. Ambedkar was defeated in General Election. But some people were thinking that there should be a critic in the central Government. Dr. Ambedkar"s colleagues requested him in this regard. Dr. Ambedkar was not prepared to consent. But ultimately

30 87 s. i his colleagues succeeded and on he was elected to the Parliament on the Council of states, from Bombay state. 5. LL.D. AND D.LITT CONFERRED Dr. Ambedkar had been a student nf Columbia University. As a student he had achieved a great success. Learning commands universal respect. For this the Columbia University conferred the honorary degree of Doctor of I Laws and Letters on Dr. Ambedkar. On the Osmania University conferred on Dr. Ambedkar the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws. On he declared his intention to start the Republican party of India. 6. THE GREAT CONVERSION Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was met evil treatment by Caste Hindus. He pondered on the matter, studied the religious books, experienced the evil treatment and came to conclusion that Hindu mind will not be changed. So he decided to embrace other religion. On he had proclaimed at Yeola not to die as a Hindu. On he issued a statement on the ensuing conversion to Buddhism. Thus, on the great conversion to Buddhism took place. Dr. Ambedkar took the Buddhist vows administered to him by Mahasthavir Chandramani

31 88 v from 9.40 a.m. t a.m. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar then administered the Buddhist vows and 22 precepts to the vast concourse of the people. 7. PARINIBBAN Dr. Ambedkar made considerable efforts for the welfare of untouchables, made them 'men', gave India a Constitution, gave untouchables Buddha Dhamma and passed away on 6th December, 1956.

32 i 83 F- A CHRONOLOGY IN OUTLINE Birth of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, a t MHow Bhimraois name was enrolled in the Government Middle School (later renamed as Pratapsingh High School at Satara) ins tandard I Bhimrao was admitted in the Maratha High School, and soon thereafter in the Elphinstone High School. April 1906 Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar married Ramabai B.R. Ambedkar passed the Matriculation examination of the University of Bombay B.R. Ambedkar joined the Elphinstone College,* Bombay. June, 1912 B.R. Ambedkar passed B.A. Degree examination of the Bombay University with Economics and Politics He went to Baroda. He was appointed in the State Service with the rank of Lieutenant The Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad sanctioned a scholarship of JL per month for a duration of 3 years ( till ) to B.R. Ambedkar B.R. Ambedkar joined the Columbia University, in the faculty of political sciences.

33 He passed the M.A. examination with Economics as his principal subject, and sociology, History, Philosophy, Anthropology and politics as his other subjects. May, 1916 He left America to join the London School of Economics and Political Science for the degree of M.Sc. (Economics) and D.Sc. (Economics and for Barrister - at Law The Columbia University accepted his thesis for Ph.D The Columbia University allowed him the use of the degree for all practical purposes. Sept He joined his appointment in the Government of Baroda but due to illtreatment to had to return to Bombay He was appointed professor of Political Economy, in the Sydenham College of Commerce, Bombay. He held the post till ? He gave evidence before the South borough Committee on Franchise :r- ' He started'/ the weekly journal Mook Nayak He presided over a conference at Mangaon in the then Kolhapur State To He attended the First All India. Depressed.Class Conference at Nagpur He left for London to complete his s tudies

34 He rejoined the London school of Economics and Political Science and also Gray's Inn He was invited by Bertrand Russel for the discussion on the Principle of Social Reconstruction. April, 1922 He visited the Bonn University to arrange for his admission in that Universi ty He submitted his thesis for D.Sc. to the London University He was called to the Bar He started his legal practice. Nov The London University accepted his thesis. 'The problem of the Rupee' and conferred the degree of D.Sc. on him He convened a meeting to found the Bahishkrit Hitkwrini Sabha in order to launch his movement for the social uplift of the Depressed Classes He convened a meeting at the Damodar Hall-Parel when it was formerly resolved to found the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha He gave evidence before the University Reform Committee He was appointed as a Part-time lecturer at Batliboi's Accountancy Training Institute.

35 He gave evidence before the Royal Commission of Indian Currency, - headed by Hilton Young. Dec He was nominated as member.of the Bombay Legislative Council. Oct He won the 'Deshache. Dushman' law suit of Pune. 19 and 20 March,!Hd/led the Satyagraha at Mahad He started his fortnightly 'Bahishkrit Bharat The Columbia University conferred a Ph.D. degree on him. June 1927 to August 1928 He was appointed on Editorial Committee of the Bombay Law Journal The Samata Samaj Sangha was founded. Sept 1927 C.B. Khairmode first suggested the use of the Subriquets "Babasaheb" for Dr. Ambedkar The Mahad Conference started He introduced a bill.to amend the Hereditary offices Act of He sent a printed memorandum to the Simon Commission on. behalf of the Bahishkrit Hitkarini Sabha He was appointed as a professor at the Government Law College, Bombay He spoke in the assembly on maternity leave facilties to women workers He moved a bill in the Assembly for the abolition of Mahar Watans.

36 i -a S3 The Bombay Legislative Assembly elected him to work on the Simon Commission. He gave the evidence before the Simon Commission at Pune. He submitted a separate, report to \ the Simon Commission, emphasizing on the political rights of the Depressed Classes. He supported the Parvati temple Satyagraha started by S.J. Kamble. The Janata fortnightly was started. He went to Nashik to support the Kalaram temple entry Satyagraha A. procession was taken out. He was appointed on the select Committee on the Bombay University (Amendment Bill) He left for London for Table Conference (First) the Round Janata was started in place of 'Bahishkrit Bharat.' Dr. Ambedkar met M.K. Gandhi at Mani Bhavan, that was his first encounter with M.K. Gandhi. Dr. Ambedkar left for London for the Second Round Table Conference. Dr. Ambedkar signed with Gandhi the Poona Pact. He left Bombay for London to participate in the third RTC.

37 * to 1950 June to June 1937 Dr. Ambedkar interviewed Winston Churchill while in England. Dr. Ambedkar was fellow of The University of Bombay., faculties of Arts and Law. He was appointed part-time professor at the Government Law. College, Bombay. Dr. Ambedkar was appointed principal of the Government Law College, Bombay and Perry Professor of Jurisprudence. At the Yeola Conference he made the ephich-inaking announcement of his determination to leave Hinduism for another religion. He was a member of the Academic Council and the Syndicate of the University o f Bombay. He informed the Jat Pat Todak Mandal he would not preside over their conference, as he waas not prepared to.alter his presidential address. He founded the Independent Labour Party. The Mahad Chavadar Tank case was decided in favour of the Depressed classes by Justice Broomfield and Justice N.J. Wadia. The Khalsa College was started at Bombay. Dr. Ambedkar was associated withthe college.

38 r 95 c During the course of a debate in the Bombay Legislative Assembly, on a bill for amendment of the Local Boards Acit. B.K. Gaikwad objected to the definition of the term Scheduled Castes' as 'Harijan' Dr. Ambedkar rose to support Gaikwad. When the ruling party forced the appelation 'Harijan' down the throats of the scheduled castes, Dr. Ambedkar and his partymen walked out in protest. April, 1938 Jan In the national interest he opposed the creation of a separate Karnatak Province. -He pursued the question of recruitment of Scheduled Castes in the Army. Mahar Battalions were formed after a lapse of 49 years. April 1942 He founded the All India Scheduled Castes Federation He was included into the Viceroy's Executive Council, as Labour Member 1942 He took steps to have scholarships sanctioned to Scheduled Caste students for studies abroad. July, 1945 Dr. Ambedkar founded the people's Education Society of Bombay He gave evidence before the British Parliamentary delegation Nov He started Siddharth College, Bombay. He was elected to the Constituent Assembly from Bengal.

39 He was re-elected to the constituent Assembly i>n the vacancy caused by Dr. M.R. Jaykar's resignation Names of Cabinet Ministers were announced with Dr. Ambedkar as Minister for Law The Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly was set up, with Dr. Ambedkar as its Chairman. Feb Dr. Ambedkar completed the Draft Constitution A select committe was constituted under the Chairmanship of Dr. Ambedkar to study the Hindu Code Bill His second marriage with Dr. (Miss.) Sharada Kabir The constitution was adopted He visited Colombo and addressed the Young Men's Buddist. Association. June, 1950 Milind College was started at Aurangabad He introduced his Hindu Code Bill in Parliament, on behalf of the Government. July, 1951 He founded the Bhartiya Baudha Jana Sangha Dr. Ambedkar utterly disappointed, resigned from the Nehru Cabinet The Hindu Code Bill was killed, without a tear being shed over it.

40 97 n i He was elected to the Parliament on the Council of States, from Bombay State Doctor of Laws and Letters was conferred on him by the Columbia University The Osmania University conferred on him the honorary degree of Doctor o f Laws. June, 1953 Opening of the Siddharth College of Commerce, Bombay. May, 1954 He visited Rangoon on the occasion of the Buddha Jayanti Celebration The Bharatiya Baudha Mahasabha was f ounded He installed an image of the Buddha, at Dehu Road 'Prabuddha Bharat' was started. (The 'Janata* renamed as 'Prabuddha Bharat)' Feb June, 1956 Completed his works 'The Buddha and His Dhamma? The people's Education Society started the Siddharth College of Law, at Bombay The Great Conversion To Buddhism at Nagpur Dr. Ambedkar went to Khatmandu, as a delegate to the world Buddhist Conference The Great Babasaheb Ambedkar passed away at Delhi.

41 98 CHAPTER - II RFERENCES 1. Keer Dhananjay, Dr. Ambedkar Life and Mission, Popular Prakashan, Bombay (1992) P Ibid P.42 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, Vol.2 (On the Hereditary Offices Act Amendment Bill : 1) Education Department, Government of Maharashtra (1982) PP.77, Keer op bit 135. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches Vol.2 Ibid Shahare M.L. Dr. Bhimrao ambedkar - His Life and Work, NCERT, February (1988) P Kadam K.N. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and the significance of His Movement - A Chronology. Bombay, Popular Prakashan 1991 P Ibid P.101 Keer, op cit P.285 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, Vol.l, Education Departments, Government of Maharashtra, Bombay, April 14, 1979, (Introduction) P.XIX Ibid PP XX, XXI. Keer, ' '' Op ctf. 396

42 Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Writings and Speeches. Vol.13, Education Department, Government Maharashtra (1994) P.72.

43 PWTOGRHPfiS

44 100 (BADODA SANSTHAN) OF KOLHAPUR

45 101 "0 (PERSONAL. SECRETARY)

46 102 O RAMJI M. SAKPAL (FATHER) BALARAM (ELDER BROTHER) C AT LONDON - WITH FRIENDS (1920) Q WORSHIPPER OF LEARNING

47 C 103

48 104 SAMAJ SAMATA SANGHA (ESTABLISHED : SEPTEMBER 1927) DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR WITH SOCIAL WORKERS DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR WITH MEMBERS OF SIMON COMMISSION (1928)

49 105 O DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR WITH PROFESSORS AT GOVERNMENT LAW COLLECE, BOMBAY (1928) c O KALARAM TEMPLE (NASHIK) KALARAM TEMPLE ENTR'i (A SIGHT )

50 10G WK' *Tt UK. B.R. AMBEDKAR AT THE SECOND ROUND TABLE CONFERENCE (1931) (RIGHT ROW, ON THE FOURTH SEAT)

51 107 POOMA FACT : uk. b.r. AMBEDKAR WITH BARRISTER MUKUNDRAO SIR TEJBAHADUR SAPRU JAYKAR AND

52 108 DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AS A PRINCIPAL, GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE, BOMBAY (1935)

53 109 f mar INDEPENDENT LABOUR PARTY FOUNDED ( 1936J DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR WITH OTHER LEADERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AS A LABOUR MINISTER, WITH OTHER COLLEAGUES IN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF VICEROY LORD WAVEL (1942)

54 11 o o / 6

55 Ill DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AND WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES AT CONFERENCE OF SCHEDULED CASTES FEDERATION i-> t n A r?kt 'T 10/19

56 112 The Hon ble Dr. B. R. Ambedkar talking to Colliery Labour during his tour of Coalmine areas on December 9, O- DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AND PERI YAR RAM SWAM I NAYAKAR

57 113 PEOPLE'S EDUCATION SOCIETY (FOUNDED IN 1 945) DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR WITH THE MEMBERS OF PEOPLE'S EDUCATION SOCIETY DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR, SWEARINC AS THE FIRST LAW MINISTER OF INDEPENDENT INDIA ( )

58 114 DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR AS A CHAIRMAN OF DRAFTING COMMITTEE (CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY - AUGUST, 1947) DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR PRESENTING DRAFT CONSTITUTION TO SHE PRESIDENT DR. RAJENDRAPRASAD (1949)

59 115 m KARMVEER BHAURAO PAUL, SANT CADGE MAHARAJ AND DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR O

60 116 DR. RAJENDRAPRASAD LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE MILIND COLLEGE f OF Q BR. b.r. ambedkar observing the construction work for MILIND COLLEGE

61 DOCTOR OF LAWS AND LETTERS WAS CONFERRED ON DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR BY COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ( )

62 118

63 AT THE GOLDEN EVENING OF HIS LIFE 119

64 120

65 121