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Path-breaking biography of Ambedkar revealing his human essence, shedding myths

By Harsh Thakor* 
In Iconoclast, Dr. Anand Teltumbde, a prominent scholar of the Dalit movement, delivers an in-depth biography of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, examining his journey as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Teltumbde skillfully dissects the events and influences that molded Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar into "Babasahaeb," transforming him into an emblem for Dalit aspirations. Rather than merely celebrating him, the book provides a critical examination of his work, motivations, and his profound impact on society. Teltumbde delves beyond historical narratives to explore Ambedkar’s significance in contemporary India, portraying his battle for liberation with both depth and authenticity.
Through rigorous research and intellectual integrity, Teltumbde illuminates Ambedkar's persona, situating him within the particular historical and social dynamics of his time. The book presents Ambedkar not only as a visionary but as a deeply human figure driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Teltumbde examines Ambedkar's lifelong dedication to advocating for Dalits and his broader vision for a society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity. Iconoclast thus brings Ambedkar's legacy to life, inspiring readers across generations to take up the work of fighting inequality and injustice.

De-mythifying Ambedkar

In Iconoclast, Teltumbde strips away the myths surrounding Ambedkar, presenting him as a person with strengths and weaknesses, not as a deity. Departing from the exaggerated reverence often associated with his legacy, Teltumbde offers a grounded portrait of Ambedkar. He applies the same rigorous analytical approach that Ambedkar used to assess figures like the Buddha—whom he revered—to Ambedkar himself. “A biography often becomes a eulogy, an unquestioning celebration,” Teltumbde remarks. “That wasn’t the book I wanted to write, especially today when Ambedkar’s legacy is being co-opted across the political spectrum.” Reflecting on the title’s subtitle, Reflective Biography, Teltumbde adds, “I agreed to look at him not as a god to be worshipped but a case study. If we are to be inspired by him, we must see him as a real person.”
Teltumbde unpacks the contradictions in Ambedkar's life, such as his initial support for the creation of Pakistan before later retracting his stance. Ambedkar, as presented in this work, emerges as a complex figure, offering a rich source of lessons for present-day readers. Teltumbde shows Ambedkar’s life and contributions through a critical lens rather than mere eulogy, revealing the human behind the legend.

Ambedkar’s Distinctive Leadership

Teltumbde highlights Ambedkar’s unique contributions to social reform. While other leaders tackled a range of societal issues, few among the upper-caste-led movements addressed caste-based oppression directly. Ambedkar’s understanding of caste as the primary impediment to India’s progress led him to call for its total eradication. He saw caste as not only a social evil but a religious one and once remarked that he wanted to "dynamite the Hindu Dharmashastras" that upheld the caste system. This led him to political confrontations with figures like Mahatma Gandhi and intellectual debates with icons like Bertrand Russell and John Maynard Keynes. His fearless challenges to these established figures make him the true "iconoclast" the book describes.

Debunking the Myth of Ambedkar as Constitution Architect

Teltumbde addresses the widespread myth that Ambedkar single-handedly authored the Indian Constitution. Ambedkar himself expressed frustration at this designation, once stating, “I was a hack... My friends tell me that I have made the Constitution. But I am quite prepared to say that I shall be the first person to burn it out. I do not want it. It does not suit anybody.” While he indeed made substantial contributions, particularly as a Drafting Committee member, his role was more collaborative than often acknowledged. T.T. Krishnamachari, another member of the Drafting Committee, noted in 1948 that much of the work fell on Ambedkar because other members faced illness or other constraints.

Ambedkar’s Interactions with Historical Events

Teltumbde extensively explores Ambedkar’s engagements with crucial events in India’s history, shedding light on his critique of the caste system as enshrined in religious texts and his work to dismantle it. Teltumbde recounts Ambedkar’s antagonism with Hinduism, which he linked to the loss of his first wife, Ramabai, and his eventual conversion to Buddhism. The book details Ambedkar's involvement in the temple-entry movements, such as the Mahad Satyagraha, and his advocacy for Dalit rights in Nasik and Pune.

The biography captures Ambedkar’s role in the pre-Independence period, including his participation in the class-caste struggle, electoral politics, and his founding of the Independent Labour Party. His interactions with key events like the Round Table Conferences, Cripps Mission, and Gandhi-Irwin Pact are chronicled. Teltumbde also discusses Ambedkar’s support for the Municipal Workers’ Union strike, where he aligned with Communists, though the latter did not officially recognize Ambedkar or his party. Ambedkar’s opposition to Gandhi’s Wardha education system and his disappointment with post-Independence India’s governance system, encapsulated in his "Taste of Swaraj," are also explored in depth.

Inspiring the New Generation

Teltumbde wrote Iconoclast to inspire the younger generation of Dalits to move beyond mere reverence for Ambedkar and instead engage critically with his legacy. According to Teltumbde, many have been encouraged by vested interests to worship Ambedkar without truly understanding his ideas, leading to a generation susceptible to opportunism. The biography emphasizes that, since the late 1960s, Ambedkar’s image has been manipulated by political parties aiming to secure Dalit votes. This trend has continued, as illustrated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent initiative to build “Panchtirths” in Ambedkar’s honor.
By revisiting Ambedkar with a critical perspective, the book encourages young readers to shape their politics and strategies for the future in ways that honor his transformative goals.

Ambedkar’s Opposition to Brahmanical Fascism

Iconoclast illustrates how, if Ambedkar were alive today, he would likely be a vocal critic of India’s current political landscape, which glorifies Brahmanism. Teltumbde posits that Ambedkar would have condemned the regime for promoting “Hindu Raj,” which he once described as “the greatest calamity for this country… [it] must be prevented at any cost.” Today, however, Ambedkar would find little support from even self-described Ambedkarites, who often stray from his uncompromising values.

Critiques of the Book

Teltumbde’s work has some debatable elements. Some argue that it inadequately addresses Ambedkar’s reluctance to promote revolutionary class struggles, especially in the workers’ movement. The book also criticizes the Communist Party of India’s approach to caste, presenting Ambedkar more as a social reformer than a revolutionary. The book does not address the limitations of Ambedkar’s approach to class struggles or his divergence from Communist ideologies.

Conclusion

In his concluding chapter, "Iconisation of the Iconoclast," Teltumbde reflects on how Ambedkar’s movement has fractured, with leaders now promoting an Ambedkar cult that is nurtured by the ruling classes. Rather than challenging Brahminical zealots, these leaders target Marxists and Communists. Teltumbde sees this division as rooted in Ambedkar’s anti-Communist views, which persist in contemporary Ambedkarite politics. Despite these challenges, Teltumbde underscores Ambedkar’s unique role in India’s history, his immense contributions to the struggle for equality, and the complexities that accompanied his vision.
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*Freelance journalist

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