Book Review: The Foresighted Ambedkar Idea That Shaped Indian Constitutional Discourse”, Written By 'Anurag Bhaskar'

Apart from above narrated ideas the book also plays a decisive role in debunking myths like Dr Ambedkar had ideas, such as his desire to burn the Constitution and his proposal for job and education quotas to be discontinued after ten years. And also the book disagrees with writers like Arundhati Roy and Shashi Tharoor on point that Dr Ambedkar didn't pursue the cause of Schedule Tribes (ST) and gives a detail description of Dr Ambedkars contributions concerning the ST issue.

In the recent times, while an attempt is going on for redefining constitutional jurisprudence in India, the formidable repute of Dr Ambedkar is being debated heavily, both inside the parliament and outside. Dr Ambedkar is relevant for everyone else, not just to those only, who agree or disagree with him.

Considering the present day reality and to understand the why Dr Ambedkar is being rightly called as the 'Father of Indian Constitution' this book becomes an urgent read for everyone.

Layout of the Book

The book runs through 'twenty-one' chapters ranging from early life to educational achievements, which ultimately shaped Dr Ambedkar to the kind of socio-political ideology that he asserted throughout of his life. In the initial two chapter of the book Anurag Bhaskar depicts the early life of Dr Ambedkar, about his caste, family, his father's profession, the education which he received in India as well as in abroad and the atrocities which he faced “as Dalit and as a Dalit professional”.

Followed by this, the book probes into discourse of colonial constitutional reforms in two phases, one before 1915, this phase preserved the interest of upper caste ruling elite only, the dual policy of non-interference and codification of customs effectively enabled the power of Brahmins to maintain pre-existing subaltern trajectory. The second phase (1915-1950) begins with advent of Dr Ambedkar in constitutional discourse, wherein he brought true constitutional philosophy, a radical departure from governance to human right based governance, he demanded a just and inclusive social-contract for all.

Further, Bhaskar's work examines Dr Ambedkar's ideas on popular government and citizenship, highlighting how Dr Ambedkar viewed democracy as more than just elections and majority rule. He believed true democracy required social and economic justice, with fair distribution of resources to enable marginalized communities to participate equally in politics. Through Dr Ambedkar's speeches and debates, Bhaskar shows how Dr Ambedkar's focus on linking political democracy with economic justice shaped his constitutional vision. Dr Ambedkar opposed the idea of democracy based solely on numerical majorities, instead advocating for constitutional safeguards to protect minority rights, especially for Dalit's and oppressed castes.

Subsequently, Bhaskar depicts how Dr Ambedkar used the language of rights to situate the concerns of the Depressed Classes. In order to accomplish this, he set for two aims: first to awaken the consciousness of the Depressed classes, and second, to place their concern before the British authorities and within the national discourse.

The book analyses key moments in Dr Ambedkar's political career, focusing on the Mahad Satyagraha as a significant event that shaped his legal and constitutional ideas. This struggle for the right to access public water sources symbolized a broader fight for equality and social justice. Bhaskar also highlights Dr Ambedkar's seminal support for universal adult franchise, advocating for equal voting rights for all citizens despite widespread illiteracy and social divisions. This push for democracy was a core part of Dr Ambedkar's vision for a just India and continues to influence the fight for equality and representation in modern society.

Furthermore, the book presents the tyranny of meritocracy­­­—that reservation would suppress merit and in return efficiency in administration would be compromised. Dr Ambedkar made it clear that education system in India has been overwhelmingly undemocratic, Backward Classes had been denied access to education from the dawn of the history. According to him, the notion of 'efficiency of administration' was an exclusionary construct in the colonial and pre-colonial era. Bhaskar carefully analyses how Dr Ambedkar played a decisive role in securing the inclusion of Backward Classes in the colonial administration through his efforts at all three 'Round Table Conferences.' These efforts ultimately led to the recognition of the rights of Backward Classes in the final draft of the Government of India Act, 1935.

In addition, Bhaskar pointed out Dr Ambedkar's idea of 'Annihilation of Caste from the Constitutional Perspective, which says that political reform couldn't happen unless it was accompanied by social reform because only political reform alone can't address the Structural Discriminations. He proposed that an ideal society, devoid of caste hierarchy, 'would be society based on liberty, equality and fraternity'. Beyond his focus on constitutional rights and justice, Bhaskar also explores Dr Ambedkar's views on the structure and functioning of government. The book highlights Dr Ambedkar's strong support for a system of checks and balances, his advocacy for an independent judiciary, and his belief in federalism as a way to address India's complex social and linguistic diversity. Bhaskar examines Dr Ambedkar's role in key debates within the Constituent Assembly to show how his ideas about government structure were shaped by both a profound understanding of constitutional principles and a practical recognition of India's unique social and political challenges.

From chapter thirteen to chapter nineteen, Bhaskar offers a detailed exploration of Dr Ambedkar's monumental contributions to institution building in India. Beginning with Foundations of the Indian Constitution, Bhaskar traces how Dr Ambedkar laid the groundwork for a democratic framework. The discussion then moves to the Interrelation between Civil-Political and Socio-Economic Rights, highlighting Ambedkar's holistic vision of justice. In Being Chosen as Chairman of the Drafting Committee and Constitution-Making, the narrative focuses on the critical role Dr Ambedkar played in drafting the Constitution. Bhaskar further emphasizes his towering legacy by referring to him as the Father of the Indian Constitution. The subsequent chapters, Conditions Precedent for the Successful Working of Democracy and A Constitutional Vision for Political Democracy, underline Dr Ambedkar's foresight in outlining the essential conditions and principles necessary for sustaining a vibrant democracy. Together, these chapters present a comprehensive account of Dr Ambedkar's enduring impact on India's constitutional and political landscape.

The last two chapters—twenty and twenty-one—are particularly focused on debunking myths. As previously mentioned, there is a common misconception that Dr Ambedkar wanted to burn the Constitution and believed that reservation provisions should end ten years after the Constitution's adoption. Bhaskar addresses this historical error in detail, correcting the misrepresentation with thorough analysis and appropriate references.

Bhaskar's work provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Dr Ambedkar's multifaceted contributions to India's constitutional, political, and social landscape. Through meticulous analysis of Dr Ambedkar's early life, his transformative role in constitutional debates, and his radical vision for democracy, Bhaskar crafts a narrative that not only celebrates Dr Ambedkar as the architect of modern India but also challenges readers to reconsider the conventional myths surrounding his legacy. The book's detailed examination of key events, such as the Mahad Satyagraha and the drafting of the Constitution, serves not just as historical recounting but as a powerful reminder of Dr Ambedkar's relentless struggle against injustice. The myth-busting chapters, in particular, are not just corrective footnotes; they are deliberate confrontations with the sanitized versions of history that often overshadow Dr Ambedkar's radicalism. Bhaskar doesn't just recount Dr Ambedkar's achievements—he compels us to struggle with the uncomfortable truths and enduring contradictions of his journey, making this work both enlightening and provocatively reflective.

This article was first published on The Leaflet. Views are personal.