His most extraordinary contribution was his pivotal role in drafting the Hindu Marriage Bills.
This 14 April we celebrate the 133rd birth anniversary of the greatest statesman and social and economic reformer of modern India. His vision needs to be studied seriously on many issues that are still challenges to an inclusive and equitable order. Amrit Kaal and Viksit Bharat 2047 have been led 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. This is largely a tribute that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is paying to the tallest leader and greatest icon, Bharat Ratna Dr B.R. Ambedkar. The recognition of women’s autonomy and agency in certain matters contrasted with historical patriarchal norms of the past centuries that often have marginalised women’s ownership and control over assets. Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the father of the Constitution, a true social reformer, and a foremost feminist of independent India, was among the few luminaries of his time who passionately advocated for women’s rights and their empowerment.
“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved,” noted Ambedkar. While his thoughts and actions on women’s empowerment were numerous, this single line encapsulates how revered and fundamental he believed women to be in society and the nation. Despite historical accounts and subsequent analyses often limiting his efforts to uplift marginalised groups, including the Dalits, this perspective fails to do justice to Ambedkar’s profound contribution to women’s empowerment. Unlike some in the Left and ultra-liberal circles, who may view social justice as a political tool for gaining power and dividing society, for Ambedkar, social justice was a cardinal value he dedicated his lifetime to, fighting for through his words and actions. His commitment to the progress and empowerment of women underscored the depth of his vision for a just and equitable society that extended beyond the boundaries of caste or class.
Among his many notable works, “Riddles of Hinduism” stands out as a reflection of Ambedkar’s insightful meditations on women’s rights, a topic often overlooked by many of his contemporaries and predecessors. While the fight against external adversaries, particularly British colonialism, was a prominent focus in India’s freedom struggle, Ambedkar recognised another battle against domestic evils such as casteism and gender-based discrimination. In his writings, Ambedkar delved into the root causes of women’s backwardness in Indian society during his time. He concluded that discrimination, coupled with societal ills like sati, child marriage, dowry, and restrictive marriage rites, hindered women from gaining education and led to their seclusion from the mainstream. Ambedkar’s deep dive into ancient texts revealed that women’s rights were not always curtailed; they were upheld in gracious ways, except in certain texts, particularly the Manu Smriti. In one of his writings, Ambedkar emphasised, “Knowledge and learning are not for men alone…[but] essential for women too… [to bring change] educating girls is very important.”
While pondering over such issues, the significance of education emerges as a pivotal force for societal advancement, with a particular emphasis on providing equal educational opportunities for both males and females. The insights gleaned from the works of Dr B.R. Ambedkar underscore this, highlighting the transformative potential of education in addressing gender disparities and fostering inclusive development. Ambedkar’s advocacy for women’s education reflects a profound recognition of its role in dismantling entrenched inequalities. In his extensive writings, particularly in Volume Three of his collected works, Ambedkar offers incisive critiques of practices such as polygamy and concubinage, shedding light on the challenges faced by women within various cultural and religious contexts.
By comparing and contrasting these practices, Ambedkar not only condemns them but also illuminates how caste discrimination intersects with the treatment of women. This nuanced analysis underscores the multifaceted nature of gender inequality and the enduring struggle for women’s rights in India. Ambedkar’s insights serve as a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between social norms, cultural practices, and systemic discrimination, emphasising the need for comprehensive approaches to address gender disparities. By advocating for education and challenging regressive practices, Ambedkar contributed to the ongoing dialogue surrounding women’s rights and social justice in India, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire transformative change.
Undoubtedly, history illustrates that Ambedkar was not only a masterful intellectual but also a man of action. Beyond his theoretical meditations, he made significant contributions to the upliftment of women. His contribution extends to the Mines Maternity Benefit Act, where he played a key role in drafting the legislation, ensuring equal pay and rights for coal mine workers. However, his most extraordinary contribution was his pivotal role in drafting the Hindu Marriage Bills, which later evolved into four Acts. These Acts should also be read in the context of challenges independent India faced with integrating diverse Indian states into a unified nation, which meant the challenge of reconciling the varying legal codes, including those governing Hindu law. Among other things, the four Acts granted women unprecedented agency in shaping their lives and achieving equal status in society. These legislative efforts granted women the right to inherit property, the ability to seek divorce (and maintenance), the legal authority to adopt a child, and the position of the natural guardian for their children. These fundamental measures laid the foundation for women’s empowerment in independent India.
Thus, Ambedkar summed it up perfectly when he said that progression of a society should be gauged by the status of its women. Encouraging women to assert their equality within marital relationships and advocating for their education and empowerment are fundamental to societal advancement. This echoes the broader movement towards gender equality and women’s empowerment that gained momentum in India with the likes of Ambedkar, who not only led by his words but also by his actions. Today, the efforts of the Modi government, encapsulated under the call for women-led development, stand on the shoulders of the works of Ambedkar and many others. Nari Shakti (women’s power) plays a crucial role in developing a progressive India. Although challenges remain, the last decade was genuinely transformational for women’s status and ability to choose. Moving ahead, as the journey toward a more equitable and just society continues, the contributions of Ambedkar, one of the foremost feminist statesmen of independent India, should be remembered and celebrated.
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice-Chancellor of JNU.