Why did BR Ambedkar choose Buddhism rather than Islam or Christianity? Is this a strategic action to empower the Dalits?
The historic public ceremony held in Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur is considered an important moment in Dalit’s history. This is the opportunity for Dalit leaders to choose Buddhism as a way to liberate from oppressive and inhuman caste systems. However, the question of the debate is: Why did he choose Buddha
Br Ambedkar, Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, Embrace Buddhism
Dr. Br Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, shocked the world, as well as more than 360,000 followers when embracing Buddhism on October 14, 1956. The historic public ceremony held in Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur is considered an important moment in Dalit’s history. This is the opportunity for Dalit leaders to choose Buddhism as a way to liberate from oppressive and inhuman caste systems. But the question of the debate is: Why did he choose Buddhism over Islam?
Buddhism rejects caste hierarchy
As a core scholar, he studied all major religions and gained insight into the central philosophy and social and moral courses of all beliefs at that time. Ambedkar is deeply focused on the humanistic and egalitarian ideals, and believes that Buddhism’s emphasis on reason, morality, and non-theology is more compatible with his philosophy. The fact that Buddhism rejects caste hierarchy, rituals and the idea of the creator God deeply attracted him. Babasaheb believes these things are tools of oppression.
Why does Ambedkar not choose Islam?
Although Islam is an equal religion, based on equality, Ambedkar is very clear that Muslim society in India is still practicing social discrimination, while the Dalit Azar caste within Islam is subject to an oppressive caste system. Architects of the Indian Constitution are worried that the conversion by Islam may replace Hindu caste identity with Muslim social stratification. It will not lift the Dalits out of oppression.
When forced to leave homes and furnaces, thousands of people were killed, rape and other forms of sexual atrocities committed enormous sexual atrocities, the country hardly appeared in a tragic situation. The conversion to Islam will reopen these wounds and polarized Indian society.
Does Ambedkar want to revive lost Indian traditions?
Buddhism, on the other hand, is regarded as an indigenous religion, Islam or Christianity. He might think of restoring Buddhism as a way to reclaim India’s lost tradition. Ambedkar was so impressed by Buddhism that he said, “I like to teach freedom, equality and brotherly religion.”
Dr. Ambedkar also did not walk with Islam and Christianity because he considered these to be foreign religions and carried historic luggage. He may have been aware of the rigid dogma and social hierarchy of these beliefs. He strategically chose his religion, aiming to empower Dalits with unique identities in Indian cultural structures.
