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Ambedkar on democracy and citizenship
Indian Political Thought-II (University of Delhi)
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INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
INDIAN POLITICAL THOUGHT-2
Name- Shriyam Mishra
Roll no- 2021/2075
Semester- 6th
Ques. Critically analyze Dr Ambedkar's as a democrat socialist through his views on
democracy and citizenship
Introduction
Ambedkarji was a firm believer of democracy. But his thought on democracy was tempered by
his inclination towards socialism and social justice. To him, the democracy should work towards
socialism but have its bases in a regime of individual rights. Thus, he mixed democracy with
socialism. Therefore, he seems to support democratic socialism. This is the type of democracy,
called social democracy, currently followed in Scandinavian countries (Norway, Sweden,
Finland, Denmark) and in some of the countries in mainland Europe. In the social democracy of
Ambedkar, the form of government would be parliamentary cabinet based, representative
democratic government, but the state instead of adopting laissez-faire approach, will actively
intervene to bring about social Justice. He also differentiated between democracy in political and
social life. To him political democracy denotes the institutionalized structure of power whereas
democracy in social life is following the spirit of liberty, equality, and fraternity and adopting
democracy as a way of life. To him democracy is a mode of social living which enables
individual to unfold his/ her limitless potentialities to the maximum possible extent without
harming the equality, interest, and aspirations of others.
Ambedkar Ji is considered as champion of Social Justice. To him, Social Justice is concerned
with ensuring liberty in positive sense, providing fair equality of opportunity, justice as fairness,
and rights to each individual to let him develop his potentials to the maximum possible without
any hindrance. To him, trinity of liberty, equality, and fraternity may ensure Social Justice with
active support of the state/govt. In Indian context, he was certain that for ensuring social justice,
abolition of the caste system was necessary.
Brief Life Sketch
● Born in 1891 at Mhow in MP, by caste ‘Mahar’; his father was headmaster in Army
school there.
● Education: graduate from Elphinstone college Mumbai, Ph.D from Colombia university,
USA, M.Sc. And D.Sc from LSE, London, and Law from Grey’s Inn. From the support of
Gaikwad of Baroda, and Sahuji Maharaj of Kolhapur.
● During education, his political thoughts crystallized- flexible parliamentary democracy,
rationalist Humanism, rights and social justice.
● 1923- returned India, started teaching and doing legal practice in Bombay and played an
active role in the political mobilization and organization of the untouchables
● By publishing Journals, pamphlets, petitions to Govt, Depressed class conferences
● 1927: nominated to the Bombay Legislative Council; Mahad conference; Satyagraha at
Chowdar Tank; Burnt ‘ManuSmriti’
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● 1928: evidence before Simon Commission; Satyagraha at Kalaram temple, Nasik
● 1930 : Chaired All India Depressed Classes Congress, held in Nagpur
● 1930-32: Round table conference, separate electorate to Dalits, difference with Gandhiji,
Poona pact
● 1935-36: Declared that he would not die a Hindu; 1936: pamphlet: ‘Annihilation of Caste’
● 1942-46: member of Viceroy’s executive Council- socio-economic benefits to depressed
class through state/Govt
● 1946: chairman of the drafting committee of constituent assembly; 1947: first law
minister of India
● 1951: resigned from central cabinet; 1956: converted to Buddhism; died same year.
● Books/Essays/papers:
Castes in India- 1916 ;
Annihilation of caste-1936
Who Were the Shudras? 1946 ;
The Untouchables -1948
The Budhha and his Dhamma-1957
INDIA AND CITIZENSHIP
1. Colonial Influence on Citizenship: The concept of citizenship in India was introduced
by European powers, particularly the British. Before British rule, Indian society was
primarily organized around kinship-based communities. However, the British colonial
administration crystallized identities for administrative purposes, emphasizing recognition
and stratification based on factors like caste and religion. The census, conducted by the
British, played a role in solidifying caste identities and creating a system where
individuals were tied to their communities.
2. Impact of Modernity and Colonialism: Modernity and colonialism together reshaped
Indian society, introducing new ideas of governance and citizenship. However, while
modernity recognized societal fragmentation, it failed to eliminate it entirely. Indian
society, historically holistic, did not prioritize the individual to the extent that modern
citizenship does.
3. Ambedkar's Critique: B.R. Ambedkar, in his essay "Castes in India," critiqued the
fragmented nature of Indian society based on factors like patriarchy, caste, class, and
religion. He argued that a nation requires shared emotions and experiences among its
citizens, which was lacking in India due to its deeply divided social structure.
4. Meaning of Citizenship: The concept of citizenship has evolved over time. In ancient
Greece, citizenship was discriminatory and excluded certain groups. In Rome,
citizenship expanded to include judicial safeguards. During the Renaissance, citizenship
shifted towards a relationship between the individual and the state, particularly with the
decline of monarchy and rise of republicanism. In modern times, citizenship
encompasses not only political rights but also social and civil rights, along with
corresponding duties.
5. Interpretations of Citizenship: Various thinkers have interpreted citizenship differently.
Turner categorized citizenship based on public/private and active/passive dimensions.
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Gunsteren and Leca viewed citizenship as historically contingent and refused to define it
rigidly. Liberalist and civic republican perspectives emphasized the rights and obligations
of citizens, with T.H. Marshall integrating social, political, and civil rights into his theory.
6. Ambedkar's Influence: B.R. Ambedkar was influenced by both liberalist and civic
republican perspectives in understanding citizenship in the Indian context. He advocated
for the right to human dignity for all individuals, irrespective of caste, creed, color, or sex.
Ambedkar emphasized the role of the state in protecting the interests of autonomous
individuals and fostering a healthy relationship between the state and its citizens.
INDIVIDUAL, SOCIETY AND STATE: AMBEDKAR’S PERSPECTIVE
1. Embedded Individual within Society: Ambedkar viewed the individual as inherently
connected to society, rejecting atomistic notions. Society categorized individuals into
groups or castes, determining their social status and privileges. Dalits, excluded from
higher castes, faced exploitation and marginalization.
2. Ambedkar's View on Society: According to Partha Chatterjee, Ambedkar emphasized
both individual relationships and the collective nature of society. Society, for Ambedkar,
was a product of individuals' associations, with individuals having the capacity to shape
societal environments to protect rights. This places Ambedkar between liberalism and
communitarianism.
3. Ambedkar's Role in Constitution Drafting: As a member of the Drafting Committee of
the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar aimed to safeguard the rights of all Indians, especially
marginalized groups like Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, women, and religious
minorities. He believed that a society entrenched in caste inequality was susceptible to
instability.
4. Ambedkar's View on State and Society: Unlike other modern Indian political thinkers
such as Ranade, Gandhi, and Jinnah, who distinguished between the social and political
realms, Ambedkar advocated for reform from social to political spheres to achieve true
citizenship recognition. While society was fundamental, the state was deemed a
necessary institution.
5. Ambedkar's Political Philosophy: Ambedkar's political philosophy was influenced by
democratic socialism and the French Revolution. He envisioned a government dedicated
to social, political, and economic justice within the framework of liberty, equality, and
fraternity. Ambedkar believed democracy was the best form of government to ensure
citizens' rights and societal progress.
6. Contrasts with Gandhi and Tagore: Unlike Gandhi's anarchic approach to the state or
Tagore's dismissal of the political, Ambedkar had faith in the political system as a
pragmatic means for the good of individuals. He believed that the state must fulfill the
needs of the people and contribute to societal progress.
AMBEDKAR’S IDEA ON DEMOCRACY AND CITIZENSHIP
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Ambedkar's views on democracy and citizenship are deeply rooted in the social fabric of
society and the challenges posed by caste-based discrimination. Here are some key
points from his perspective:
1. Democracy as Associated Life: Ambedkar saw democracy not just as a political
system but as a way of life that fosters association among individuals and groups. He
emphasized the concept of "endosmosis," where individuals and groups interact and
share common interests within society. This association is essential for the advancement
of both individuals and society as a whole.
2. Caste System as a Barrier to Social Endosmosis: Ambedkar identified the caste
system as a major impediment to social endosmosis in Indian society. The rigid caste
hierarchy, predetermined by birth, created divisions and isolation among different caste
groups. Despite practicing the same varna system, castes were segregated and had
limited interaction, hindering the integration of society.
3. Promotion of Kinship and Buddhism: To overcome the barriers imposed by the caste
system, Ambedkar advocated for the establishment of kinship and promoted Buddhism
as a means of liberation. He rejected Hinduism due to its conservative beliefs and
embraced Buddhism as a path towards emancipation and social equality. Conversion to
Buddhism was seen as a transformative tool in the struggle against caste-based
discrimination.
4. Economic Dimensions of Caste: Ambedkar recognized the economic implications of
the caste system and viewed caste struggle through a Marxist lens. He saw parallels
between Brahmanism and Western capitalism, both perpetuating exploitation and
discrimination. Ambedkar advocated for socialism as a means to address caste-based
inequalities, emphasizing parliamentary means over violent revolution.
5. Reservation Policy and Social Justice: Ambedkar emphasized the importance of
affirmative action, such as the reservation policy, to promote social endosmosis and
provide equal opportunities to marginalized groups. He believed that merely passing
laws would not suffice, and proactive measures were necessary to address entrenched
caste-based discrimination.
6. Empowerment through Education: Education was central to Ambedkar's vision of
citizenship and social justice. He believed in the empowerment of individuals through
education, which would lead to the ultimate freedom from exploitation and the
establishment of social justice. Ambedkar emphasized the role of education in cultivating
social conscience and humanity.
Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles
Ambedkar's perspective on fundamental rights and directive principles is crucial in
understanding his vision for citizenship and social justice. Here are the key points highlighted in
your text:
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1. Fundamental Rights: These rights are enshrined in Part III of the Indian Constitution and
are essential for every citizen. They include the right to equality, freedom, protection
against exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, constitutional
remedies, and education. These rights ensure that citizens have the means to assert
their freedoms and that governmental authorities are obligated to guarantee them.
2. Limitations on Rights: While fundamental rights are fundamental, they are not absolute
and may be subject to restrictions in the interest of state security. This balance ensures
that individual freedoms are upheld while also safeguarding the collective interests of
society.
3. Integration of Marginalized Groups: Ambedkar played a pioneering role in integrating
marginalized groups such as women, scheduled castes, tribes, and minorities into
mainstream society. He advocated for equal legal safeguards and provided reservations
at various levels of governance to promote redistributive justice.
4. Distributive Justice: Ambedkar's theory of distributive justice aimed at providing equal
opportunities for all citizens, critiquing the Hindu caste system, and establishing a
casteless society. He sought to remove arbitrary privileges in social and economic
spheres to ensure the development and preservation of human dignity.
5. Directive Principles: These principles, outlined in Part IV of the Indian Constitution, focus
on creating a welfare state and regulating state policy to facilitate social and economic
frameworks. While non-justiciable, they complement fundamental rights and work
towards protecting the rights of Indian citizens from tyranny, discrimination, and social
ostracism.
6. Definition of Citizens of India: The Constitution of India recognizes citizens as those who
are domiciled in India, born in India, or have migrated to India from other countries. It
acknowledges the diverse composition of Indian society, including various cultures,
castes, races, and genders, and emphasizes equality before the law for all citizens.
Who are the Citizens in India?
The Citizenship Act of 1955 defines who is eligible for citizenship in India. Here are the
categories of individuals acknowledged as citizens:
1. People Born in India: Individuals who are domiciled in India and born within its territory
are considered citizens.
2. Non-Natural Born Domiciled Individuals: Those who are domiciled in India but not born
there naturally, such as Portuguese and French individuals who have settled in India, are
eligible for citizenship.
3. Migrants to Pakistan: Persons who were residents of India but migrated to Pakistan are
considered citizens of India.
4. Migrants from Pakistan: Conversely, individuals who were residents of Pakistan but
migrated to India are also considered citizens of India.
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5. Children of Indian Parents Living Abroad: Persons whose parents are born in India but
are residing outside the country are eligible for citizenship.
India operates under a system of single citizenship, meaning that all citizens are subject to the
same set of rights and obligations regardless of their place of residence within the country.
Natural citizens enjoy full political and civil rights, including the ability to contest for high offices
such as the President, Vice President, and Judges of the Supreme Court.
Ambedkar emphasized the importance of the right to social life for all individuals, as it
contributes to a sense of belonging, association, and identity. Citizenship encompasses not only
political aspects but also social, public, and interpersonal spheres within the cultural and
societal framework.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, Ambedkar’s views on citizenship, society and state, democracy and citizenship. A
citizen is a basic unit of not only a state but Understanding also a society. The concept of
citizenship is value laden as it amalgamates all into one thread for the cause of common good.
In contemporary times when the state is facing the problem of identity politics and fear of
number game in democracy, Ambedkar’s redistribution justice and recognition policy still finds
relevance to protect the identity and rights of the citizens of India.
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