Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Ambedkar, Bhimrao Ramji
Born April 1893; died Dec. 6, 1956, in New Delhi. Indian political figure and leader of the untouchables movement. Marathi by nationality. Studied in universities in India, the USA, Germany, and England. Awarded the degree of doctor of economics and commerce.
Ambedkar became active in politics in the late 1920’s. He worked against the caste system. A representative of the upper elements of the untouchables, he led various political organizations of the lower castes (the Association of Oppressed Castes and others). A supporter of M. Gandhi, Ambedkar belonged to the right wing of the nationalist movement. After India gained independence in 1947, Ambedkar entered the government as minister of justice (1947–51). He was one of the authors of the Indian constitution (1950). He is the author of many works, mainly about Indian castes—for example, Castes in India and The Annihilation of Caste.