Who Were The Shudras? How they came to be the Fourth Varna in the Indo-Aryan Society

Who Were the Shudras is a seminal work by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar one of India''s most iconic and visionary leaders. The book sheds light on the history and socio-economic status of the Shudra community in India who were once considered the lowest rung of the caste system. Dr. Ambedkar''s insightful analysis traces the origins of the Shudras their role in ancient Indian society and the factors that led to their marginalization and exploitation over the centuries. He also presents a compelling argument against the Brahminical interpretation of the Vedas and argues that the Shudras were not a separate caste but a part of the larger Aryan community. The book is divided into five parts each of which delves into a different aspect of Shudra history and society. Part one deals with the origin and status of the Shudras in ancient India while part two focuses on the emergence of the caste system and its impact on Shudras. Part three examines the role of Shudras in Buddhism Jainism and Hinduism while part four discusses the issues of land and labor in relation to the Shudras. The final part of the book provides a detailed analysis of the Varna system and its impact on Indian society. Who Were the Shudras is a seminal work that challenges traditional notions of caste and provides a powerful critique of India''s social and economic system. The book remains relevant today as caste-based discrimination continues to be a major issue in India and other parts of the world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian history society and politics and is sure to become a classic in the field of social sciences.