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He opposed the notion that land is only a source of livelihood. His view was that in India, land was also the determinant of one’s social status: a landowner considered himself to be of a higher social standing than a landless person; that was why no Hindu wanted the Dalits to become landowners and be on a par with the upper castes. Kanwal Bharti analyzes Ambedkar’s ideas

His vision of India’s freedom is most revolutionary because it calls for the annihilation of caste, which is more fundamental than economic socialism, writes D. Raja

Heeding the much-publicized “Nagpur Chalo” call, thousands of women converged on the city on 10 March for a convention. An exchange that took place at the convention is proof of how caste is a hurdle in the unity of women. Manisha Bangar gives an eyewitness account

Ever since Shahu ji Maharaj introduced reservation, the governments have increased its scope in a phased manner in the hope of building a more equal society. Today, though, reservation is under threat. Uday Che explains

Gaadge Baba was an institution. He was not only a great saint but a great social reformer, too. Dr Ambedkar had described him as the greatest servant of the people after Jotiba Phule

Is the use of the word “Dalit” in conformity with Ambedkarite thought? Was Dr Ambedkar in favour of using this word? Ish Kumar Gangania attempts to answer these and other related questions

Janardan Gond tries to understand the political and social battles that Dr Ambedkar fought through letters addressed to and written by him. These historical documents also help us understand the personal struggles of Ambedkar

Sadanand Fulzale presided over the mass-conversion ceremony in Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. He had joined Ambedkar in adopting Buddhism at the same venue 60 years ago and was the deputy mayor of Nagpur at the time

In this second part of the interview with S.V. Rajadurai and V. Geetha, Vidyabhusan Rawat discovers that “during 1925-1931, Periyar and his Self-Respect Movement espoused a radical atheism, and strong commitment to ending untouchability; to the cause of civil rights, of Dalits, to access public spaces, including temples”

Ironically, Indian Independence saw the Pasmandas sink deeper into the mire of casteism. The heart of the problem was Article 341 and the presidential order that followed