‘Pity caste still has its defenders’: 5 books on Ambedkar every Indian should read

While Ambedkar is widely revered today, his writings are still not read as widely or as deeply as they deserve to be. Many have heard of ‘Annihilation of Caste’, his fiery indictment of the caste system, where he famously wrote: “…turn in any direction you like, caste is the monster that crosses your path. You cannot have political reform, you cannot have economic reform, unless you kill this monster.” But Ambedkar’s thought goes far beyond this oft-quoted line. To truly understand the depth of his intellect and his vision for India, one must engage with the full range of his work. Whether you’re a student, a curious reader, a truth-seeker, or someone looking to challenge inherited beliefs, these five books offer invaluable insights into Ambedkar’s life, ideas, and his enduring relevance.

1. Annihilation of Caste by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

Annihilation of Caste by Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Amazon)

More than just a speech, this is a searing moral and political treatise. Originally written in 1936 for a conference that ultimately disinvited him, Annihilation of Caste is Ambedkar’s boldest and most unflinching critique of the Hindu caste system. In it, he dismantles the religious and social structures that uphold caste-based discrimination and makes a radical call for its complete abolition. This essay remains one of the most powerful texts on social justice in India.

2. Becoming Babasaheb: The Life and Times of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Volume 1: 1891–1929) by Aakash Singh Rathore

Becoming Babasaheb: The Life and Times of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (Amazon)

Published in 2023 by HarperCollins India, this is the first volume of an ambitious biographical project. Rathore explores Ambedkar’s formative years—from his birth to the pivotal Mahad Satyagraha—through meticulous research and narrative depth. The book sheds light on the early experiences that shaped Ambedkar’s intellect and resolve, offering a rich, empathetic portrait of the young Babasaheb.

3. A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar by Ashok Gopal

A Part Apart: The Life and Thought of B.R. Ambedkar by Ashok Gopal (Amazon)

This 2023 release from Navayana is a sweeping, deeply researched biography that examines Ambedkar’s personal life, his evolving philosophy, and his role in reshaping India’s social and political fabric. Gopal’s work goes beyond the standard life story to engage with Ambedkar’s intellectual development and his reinterpretation of Buddhism as a vehicle for liberation. A vital read for anyone seeking to understand Ambedkar’s multifaceted legacy.

4. Iconoclast: A Reflective Biography of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by Anand Teltumbde

Iconoclast: A Reflective Biography of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar by Anand Teltumbde (Amazon)

Published in 2024 by Penguin Random House India, this book takes a reflective and critical approach to Ambedkar’s life. Teltumbde, a scholar and activist himself, presents a layered and sometimes provocative account that challenges simplified hagiographies. By situating Ambedkar within the socio-political currents of his time, Iconoclast offers a complex but humanizing portrait of the man who reimagined Indian democracy.

5. Dr. Ambedkar and Untouchability: Fighting the Indian Caste System by Christophe Jaffrelot

Dr. Ambedkar and Untouchability: Fighting the Indian Caste System by Christophe Jaffrelot (Amazon)

First published in 2005 by Hurst Publishers, this concise but impactful biography by French political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot focuses on Ambedkar’s relentless battle against caste oppression. The book examines how Ambedkar used both political and symbolic strategies to empower Dalits, many of which remain relevant today. Jaffrelot’s clear, accessible style makes this an excellent introduction for new readers.

(The writer is an intern with indianexpress.com)