niyatee_narkar's review against another edition
5.0
Annihilation of Caste is Dr. Ambedkar's undelivered speech that was considered too blasphemous by the Jat-Pat Todak Mandal's mostly privileged caste Hindu organizers for their annual conference in 1935. Ambedkar provides a scathing indictment of the sacred texts of Hinduism (most prominently the Manusmriti) and how privileged caste Hindus religiously cling to them as a defense to maintain the social hierarchy established by the caste system. The power the higher castes hold is sustained through the social and economic oppression and resulting inhumane treatment that is inflicted on the Dalits, to this day. But unlike race, caste is invisible and yet all pervading. Ambedkar proposes questioning the sanctity of these texts as one of the major solutions to social reform and implores people to not be passive observers but to become more conscious thinkers, especially since our practices forces million of people to lead deplorable lives.
A friend had remarked that he finds Ambedkar to be too critical of the Hindu religion. I am also reminded of how my parents would often emphasize that they don't see caste. But having read about the instances of gruesome caste discrimination in the 1930s presented by Ambedkar and the present day atrocious crimes against Dalits cited by Arundhati Roy in the introduction, I am severely disturbed and forced to acknowledge my privilege of never having to think about my caste. Because my caste and seemingly entangled class has not disadvantaged me in any aspect of life. But Ambedkar was embittered by his cruel experiences and I think that justifies his decision to not die as a Hindu even though he was born as one.
I can't stress enough how critical this piece of work is, it has really shaken my view of the Hindu society (read also Indian society as caste even permeates the boundaries of religion in our country). It must be read, at least to understand that privileged caste experiences are not universal, to burst that comfortable bubble of reality we have lived in so far. That should be a good start?
I have also come to realize that the only two times, the privileged caste-Hindus and especially the politicians care about Dalits is either for Votes or when they want to convert to another religion in the hope of escaping the tyranny of the caste system (*coughs Hindu nationalists *). So it doesn't come as a surprise how seemingly both the left and right have assimilated Ambedkar as someone to be proud of. Or as Roy says in the introduction, 'as junior partner to Gandhi in their joint fight against untouchability'. And ah coming to the larger than life Mahatma!, how brutally Arundhati Roy strips him of his saintly title. She breaks down the tailored version of Gandhi's life in South Africa that we have been raised on. Gandhi's own writings are referenced to display his stubbornness in continuing to exult the merits of the caste system and his disdain for any Dalits trying to free themselves from the shackles of the lowly professions prescribed for their caste. She also presents a good overview of Ambedkar's desperate efforts to obtain political rights and representation for his caste members and how he died with the disappointment of the compromises he was browbeaten to make.
I still feel conflicted about Gandhi and would like to read more of the other side. However above all, Arundhati Roy makes it abundantly clear that Gandhi may not be a saint but was a good politician with all his contradictions and craftiness. And despite his erudition and formidable intellect, Ambedkar wasn't. And yet I believe Ambedkar's life itself was the most radical act.
A friend had remarked that he finds Ambedkar to be too critical of the Hindu religion. I am also reminded of how my parents would often emphasize that they don't see caste. But having read about the instances of gruesome caste discrimination in the 1930s presented by Ambedkar and the present day atrocious crimes against Dalits cited by Arundhati Roy in the introduction, I am severely disturbed and forced to acknowledge my privilege of never having to think about my caste. Because my caste and seemingly entangled class has not disadvantaged me in any aspect of life. But Ambedkar was embittered by his cruel experiences and I think that justifies his decision to not die as a Hindu even though he was born as one.
I can't stress enough how critical this piece of work is, it has really shaken my view of the Hindu society (read also Indian society as caste even permeates the boundaries of religion in our country). It must be read, at least to understand that privileged caste experiences are not universal, to burst that comfortable bubble of reality we have lived in so far. That should be a good start?
I have also come to realize that the only two times, the privileged caste-Hindus and especially the politicians care about Dalits is either for Votes or when they want to convert to another religion in the hope of escaping the tyranny of the caste system (*coughs Hindu nationalists *). So it doesn't come as a surprise how seemingly both the left and right have assimilated Ambedkar as someone to be proud of. Or as Roy says in the introduction, 'as junior partner to Gandhi in their joint fight against untouchability'. And ah coming to the larger than life Mahatma!, how brutally Arundhati Roy strips him of his saintly title. She breaks down the tailored version of Gandhi's life in South Africa that we have been raised on. Gandhi's own writings are referenced to display his stubbornness in continuing to exult the merits of the caste system and his disdain for any Dalits trying to free themselves from the shackles of the lowly professions prescribed for their caste. She also presents a good overview of Ambedkar's desperate efforts to obtain political rights and representation for his caste members and how he died with the disappointment of the compromises he was browbeaten to make.
I still feel conflicted about Gandhi and would like to read more of the other side. However above all, Arundhati Roy makes it abundantly clear that Gandhi may not be a saint but was a good politician with all his contradictions and craftiness. And despite his erudition and formidable intellect, Ambedkar wasn't. And yet I believe Ambedkar's life itself was the most radical act.
manny_calavera's review against another edition
5.0
A Radical book based on the speech which Ambedkar was supposed to give in Lahore but was cancelled due to the contents.
The book begins with an introduction by Arundhati Roy which she examines Gandhi and Ambedkar and sets the context. This section has to be taken with a huge pinch of salt.
The crux is what follows where first the letters between the Mandal and Ambedkar are shared followed by the speeech. Ambedkar starts by saying that political and economic reforms are not possible without social reforms first. HE quotes various historical instances including the Plebs in Rome. He then states his arguments against the chaturvarnya system and points out the various impacts of caste. He closes by asking for reforms and reorganization in Hindu religion since that would be the only way to get rid of the caste system.
The book also has Gandhi's arguments against and Ambedkar's response to the arguments.
This should be required reading for all people in India to give a perspective and provide some food for thought.
The book begins with an introduction by Arundhati Roy which she examines Gandhi and Ambedkar and sets the context. This section has to be taken with a huge pinch of salt.
The crux is what follows where first the letters between the Mandal and Ambedkar are shared followed by the speeech. Ambedkar starts by saying that political and economic reforms are not possible without social reforms first. HE quotes various historical instances including the Plebs in Rome. He then states his arguments against the chaturvarnya system and points out the various impacts of caste. He closes by asking for reforms and reorganization in Hindu religion since that would be the only way to get rid of the caste system.
The book also has Gandhi's arguments against and Ambedkar's response to the arguments.
This should be required reading for all people in India to give a perspective and provide some food for thought.
pavanayi's review against another edition
4.0
S.Anand's annotations are thorough and are essential to understand Ambedkar's stance on the Varna system. Arundhati roy's introductory chapter also allows the reader to place Gandhi and Ambedkar as people rather than the 'ideal people' that they are made to be by their respective followers. A must read for those who have been pondering about the caste system in India.
karugraphy's review against another edition
5.0
Dr. Ambedkar's language is so powerful and sophisticated, that I must admit I took my own time to read it carefully and try to grasp it as much as my tiny brain could handle. The concepts and the numerous eloquent points have made me question all my privileges and my barely-there beliefs in my religion. My parents are lucky I didn't get to this book ten years ago because they would not have liked its effects on me. This book is essential reading for everyone born into Hindu families.
omnimarta's review against another edition
5.0
a brilliant, precise indictment of the caste system, and super helpful in understanding modi's hindu nationalist politics in india, especially re: the situation in kashmir
abhinandansridhar's review against another edition
5.0
this book made me aware of the toxic idea called the Hindu caste system - an arrangement that has made it impossible for Hindus to build a society based on liberty, equality and fraternity.
tigerbeam's review against another edition
5.0
I learned about Dr. Ambedkar in my history classes as a mere cursory glance. This book opened my eyes and gave me the language to articulate so many things that I only understood peripherally. My upbringing in India as a non-Hindu allowed me the privilege to be a bystander, yet benefit from certain casteist ideologies but it was never questioned and it barely even exists within the cognizance of the general masses. Despite problematic colonialist messaging towards adivasi groups and other tribes underlying the overall fervor, given the zeitgeist of an India on the cusp of Independence from the British Raj, I think Dr. Ambedkar still captures the key ideas about what ails Hindutva.
I wish I read this earlier, but Arundhati Roy’s excellent and poignant foreword and stellar annotations make up for all the time I was ignorant of Dr. Ambedkar’s powerful message.
I wish I read this earlier, but Arundhati Roy’s excellent and poignant foreword and stellar annotations make up for all the time I was ignorant of Dr. Ambedkar’s powerful message.