Untouchables or The Children of India's Ghetto

Ambedkar begins by tracing the historical roots of untouchability challenging the conventional view that it originated solely from Hindu religious practices. He argues that the Untouchables were originally part of the Buddhist community who were persecuted and ostracized following the Brahmanical revival after the decline of Buddhism in India. He suggests that the label of Untouchables was a tool used by the Brahmins to dominate and suppress those who resisted their authority. The book delves into the social and economic mechanisms that perpetuate untouchability. Ambedkar critiques how religion has been used to justify exclusion linking practices like prohibiting certain groups from drawing water from common wells or entering temples to a broader system of systemic inequality. He also highlights the economic exploitation of Untouchables who are relegated to degrading occupations and denied access to opportunities for advancement. Ambedkar concludes by advocating for radical social reform including the abolition of untouchability and the caste system. He underscores the importance of education political representation and social equality in dismantling these structures. For Ambedkar untouchability is not just a social problem but a moral failure of Indian society requiring a collective effort to achieve justice and dignity for the marginalized. This book remains a cornerstone in understanding the history and struggle of Dalits in India.