Annihilation of Caste

Annihilation of Caste is an undelivered speech written in 1936 by the Indian academic, politician, eminent jurist, and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Meant to be delivered at a meeting of a group of liberal Hindu caste-reformers in Lahore, Ambedkar’s invitation to the event was revoked when the speech was reviewed by the organizers who found it controversial.

Insisting on social reform, Dr. Ambedkar criticized the Hindu caste system and its religious texts for suppressing women in his speech. He believed that change was possible only once these religious notions were destroyed. This even prompted Mahatma Gandhi to reply in “A Vindication of Caste” with his disagreements to Ambedkar’s notions, who later even published a reply to the same (included in this book).

By showing how the caste system adversely affected society through science, sociology, economics, and religion, Dr. Ambedkar presents a case to abolish it through this important work. His knowledge, command over various subjects, and understanding of the nuances with regards to Indian society shine through in his writing.