Ambedkar’s theorization on caste.

It is said that the roots of Ambedkar’s philosophy were not in politics but religion, mainly Hindu religion, which laid the foundation of the caste system. His socio-political thought began with his criticism of the Hindu religion because of its evil practices of the caste system and seeking (or presenting) solutions for untouchables to be free from these evil spirits.

As a thinker and writer, Ambedkar gave us a rational and logical understanding of India’s caste system. He contended the caste system in graded inequalities. The four varnas are not only different but also unequal in status — one stands above the other, and accordingly, the distribution of social benefits is unequal. The occupants of higher status get more benefits than the lower status occupants, and the lowest — the untouchable get nothing.

Secondly, the occupation of a person is prescribed for a caste is graded from highest to the lowest. The priestly occupation is the highest assigned to the Brahmins and the menial and the filthiest and degrading occupation to the lowest that is to the Shudras and the untouchables.

Thirdly, restriction on inter-dinning between and among the caste is designed to keep the higher caste exclusive to its group and avoid intermixing with the lower castes.

On Varna Theory

Ambedkar viewed the Varna system as a class hierarchy. People are not treated according to their merit, but according to their class, such as Brahmins, Shudras, Dalits, etc., even in a family, as a man or woman. So, it was a great injustice to the merit of an individual. So, he questioned.

“Does the Hindu Social order recognize equality?”

The Genesis of Caste System

Ambedkar refutes all theories of caste origin proposed by different thinkers when it comes to the genesis of the caste system. Depending on his perspective, the caste system either has been imposed upon the docile population of India by a divine decree or has evolved according to the laws of economic growth. He argued that the superposition of Endogamy on Exogamy is the creation of caste. Ambedkar said that it was not easy to impose endogamy on society. Perhaps through the customs like Sati, Enforced Widowhood, Girl Child marriage was enforced to maintain endogamy within the caste.

Caste and Division of Labour

Ambedkar argues that the caste system assigns tasks to individuals based on the social status of their parents, not on their abilities or merit. It is predestined by birth; and unchangeable. This is against the principle of division of labor. Basically, this is a device for keeping some people in service of others. Therefore, Ambedkar wanted the Annihilation of the Caste system. The caste system divides men into separate groups, placing those groups in a graded order. A caste with a high ranking has many members who adhere to a religion and hold social rights. This is not only inequality but also injustice.

Having analyzed the exploitative nature of the Hindu social order born out of varnas, caste, and sub-caste, Ambedkar gave his vision of an ideal social order that guarantees rights and equality to all Indians in social life.