Caste Oppression In Indian History

The study of caste oppression in Indian history is a contentious exercise because the caste system itself is so deeply embedded in the political, economic, social, cultural and religious spheres of the country. The sense of caste being rooted in nationalism and Indian identity makes it impossible to ignore when dealing with Indian history and historical issues. Oppression of the minority group known as the Untouchables (also referred to as Scheduled/Depressed Classes or Dalits) was an issue adopted by both Ambedkar and Gandhi during the campaigns for Indian independence from the colonial British Government. Although both desired the emancipation from Untouchability, they held different opinions over strategy and long-term policies. These differences continued to drive the leaders apart and resulted in failure to find a united constitutional solution, and contributed to Ambedkar's denunciation of Hinduism. The identification of the differences between Ambedkar and Gandhi, both personally and politically, will aid the consideration of an overarching issue; expectation versus reality and limitations of the cause. These issues stemmed from the elite in which Indian national Congress' interest in and subsequent pressures towards independence overshadowed the issue of caste oppression. Furthermore, the motives of the fasts undertaken by Gandhi throughout this period can be criticised; controversial debates over whether they helped or hindered the Untouchability cause. The use of the terms "right" and "wrong" in the practice of history are inappropriate and offer only simplistic responses. The two leaders can be seen to have developed a symbiotic relationship that was crucial to giving a voice to the oppressed and exploited. Both Ambedka...

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...t the momentum that has continued to the modern day; for example the efforts of Kanshi Ram and Ram Vilas Paswan.17 Ultimately, Ambedkar’s vision was shadowed by elite desires for independence combined with the power and control this permitted. Both Gandhi and Ambedkar fought for a better future for the Untouchables, but believed their own strategies would ensure success. The denunciation of Hinduism by Ambedkar revealed the ignorance of the elites over caste oppression and its inseparability from religion and politics. The constitution of 1950 embarked on improving the lives of the minority groups but has yet to achieve full emancipation. The reason for this is firmly embedded in the existence of the caste system which will continue to perpetuate caste oppression as long as it exists. In doing so, condemnation of attitudes to caste oppression will also be retained.