His greatest contribution was playing a key role in drafting the Hindu Marriage Bill.
April 14 marks the 133rd birth anniversary of Ambedkar, the greatest statesman and social and economic reformer of modern India. His vision needs to be seriously studied on many issues that are still challenges for an inclusive and equitable order. Amrit Kaal and Vikshit Bharat 2047 have been guided by the vision of Nari Shakti and women-led development. The Uniform Civil Code is also a tribute to this visionary leader of modern India. A common civil code was Babasaheb’s dream. It is primarily a tribute by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the greatest leader and greatest icon of India, Dr. BRR Ambedkar. The recognition of women’s independence and agency in certain matters contrasts with the historical patriarchal norms of the past centuries, which have often downplayed women’s ownership and control of assets. Father of the Constitution, a true social reformer and a foremost figure of independent India, Dr BR Ambedkar was one of the few prominent personalities of his time who was a passionate advocate of women rights and empowerment.
“I measure the progress of my community by the degree of progress achieved by women,” Ambedkar said. Though his thoughts and actions on women’s empowerment are numerous, this one sentence summarises how he believed women to be respected and essential in society and the nation. Historical records and subsequent analyses often limit his efforts towards the upliftment of marginalized groups, including Dalits, but this view does not do justice to Ambedkar’s immense contribution to women’s empowerment. Unlike some leftists and ultra-liberals who see social justice as a political tool to acquire power and divide society, for Ambedkar, social justice was a fundamental value to which he dedicated his life and fought through words and deeds. His commitment to the progress and empowerment of women underscored the depth of his vision for a just and equal society that transcended caste and class boundaries.
Among his many notable works, The Hindu Mysteries stands out as a work that reflects Ambedkar’s insightful meditation on women’s rights, a theme that has often been overlooked by many of his contemporaries and predecessors. While the fight against external enemies, especially British colonialism, was a major focus of the Indian independence movement, Ambedkar also recognized another battle against internal evils such as the caste system and gender-based discrimination. In his writings, Ambedkar delved into the root causes of women’s backwardness in the Indian society of his time. He concluded that discrimination, coupled with social evils such as sati, child marriage, dowry, and restrictive marriage rituals, hindered women’s education and led to their isolation from the mainstream. Ambedkar’s deep look into ancient texts reveals that women’s rights were not always restricted and, except in certain texts such as the Manu Smriti, women’s rights were supported in a generous manner. In his writings, Ambedkar emphasizes that “knowledge and learning are not for men alone…”[but] It’s also essential for women… [to bring change] Educating girls is very important.”
In contemplating these issues, the importance of education emerges as a crucial force for social development, with a special emphasis on providing equal educational opportunities to both men and women. Insights from the writings of Dr BR Ambedkar underscore this point, highlighting the transformative potential of education in addressing gender disparities and promoting inclusive development. Ambedkar’s championing of women’s education reflects his deep awareness of the role of education in eradicating deep-rooted inequalities. In his voluminous writings, especially in the third volume of his Collected Works, Ambedkar sharply criticized practices such as polygamy and concubinage, shedding light on the challenges faced by women in different cultural and religious contexts.
By comparing and contrasting these practices, Ambedkar not only condemns them but also reveals how caste discrimination intersects with the treatment of women. This nuanced analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of gender inequality and the enduring struggle for women’s rights in India. Ambedkar’s insights are a poignant reminder of the complex interplay of social norms, cultural practices, and systemic discrimination, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to addressing gender disparities. By championing education and challenging regressive practices, Ambedkar contributed to the ongoing dialogue around women’s rights and social justice in India, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire change.
Undoubtedly, history has shown that Ambedkar was not only a man of great intellectuals but also a man of action. Beyond theoretical speculation, he made immense contributions to the upliftment of women. His contributions ranged from the Mines Maternity Benefit Act, where he played a key role in drafting legislation to ensure equal pay and rights for coal miners. But his most brilliant contribution was his pivotal role in drafting the Hindu Marriage Bill, which later evolved into four Acts. These Acts should also be read in the context of independent India’s challenge of integrating the various Indian states into a unitary nation, which meant the challenge of harmonizing various legal codes, including those that governed Hindu law. Above all, the four Acts gave women unprecedented agency, enabling them to shape their own lives and achieve an equal status in society. These legislative efforts gave women the right to inherit property, the ability to seek divorce (and maintenance), the legal power to adopt children, and the status of natural guardian of children. These fundamental measures laid the foundation for the expansion of women’s rights in independent India.
Thus, Ambedkar summed it up perfectly when he said that social progress should be measured by the status of women. Encouraging women to claim equality in marriage relationships and championing women’s education and empowerment are fundamental to social progress. This reflects a broader movement towards gender equality and women’s empowerment that gained momentum in India by people like Ambedkar who led not only in words but also in deeds. Today, the Modi government’s efforts, summed up in its call for women-led development, build on the achievements of Ambedkar and many others. Nari Shakti (women power) has a key role to play in developing a progressive India. Though challenges remain, the past decade has been a truly transformative time for women’s status and ability to make choices. As the journey towards a more equitable and just society continues, the contributions of Ambedkar, one of independent India’s greatest feminist politicians, should be remembered and celebrated.
Prof. Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice Chancellor of JNU.
Tara Thomas Agency stands at the forefront of the entertainment industry, with years of experience dedicated to nurturing the most exceptional talents and successful acts.
