The Doctor and the Saint: Caste, Race, and Annihilation of Caste, the Debate Between B.R. Ambedkar and M.K. Gandhi

Just in 124 pages, Roy changes our perspective about Hinduism, Ghandi and a lot of events of Indian independence movement as we know it..The book delves deep into the historical oppression of dalits by casteist Hindus, their transformation into political fodder by opportunist political parties during independence movement and how Gandhi(the saint) and Ambedkar (the doctor), end up in a face-off situation with regards to the rights and acceptance of the untouchables of India..Reading Gandhi’s hypocritical, racist , castiest statements in his own words could make us uncomfortable.. makes us question the credibility of history lessons we were taught in schools..reveals deeply embedded insitutionalised forms of discrimination on the basis of caste

Roy’s ability to write difficult truths without flinching, to make connections that damn the halo of the Mahatma is admirable and exhilarating. It is a revolutionary call to overthrow a system of discrimination, even if that system is a religion.

In this 2014 introduction to B R Ambedkar's undelivered 1936 speech, "Annihilation of Caste", Arunhati Roy reveals the shameful treatment of India's untouchables, the Dalits. The famous but forgotten debate on caste between the great soul Gandhi and Ambedkar, drafter of the constitution and champion of the downtrodden, helped to define the era.Roy examines the plight of the outcastes with an economy of words, yet in heart rending detail. Their condition is described from colony to republic, within the framework of religion and politics. Short biographies of Gandhi and Ambedkar are given, as well an analysis of the demographic upheavals that occurred during the partition of Pakistan.For Gandhi, the living saint, an end to caste struck at the heart of Hinduism. His movement did not challenge caste except to condemn untouchability and encourage intermixing. Rights to public water, schools and roads would need to be fought for. Ambedkar's faith lay in separate electorates and reserved appointments for Dalits. Gandhi opposed these with his life.Mass conversions to Islam and other religions resulted from Hindu society's rejection of the outcastes. British rule exacerbated the problem by an institutional reduction of four thousand castes into four. Ambedkar, outcaste and convert, came to view Buddhism as a reaction against the caste system. Gandhi's campaign to embrace the Dalits would greatly stem the tide.This is work is best read alongside the text of the address, and the subsequent debates of Gandhi and Ambedkar. The combined tracts are available in a different edition. If you read one book on the social background of modern India this might be it. There are also good insights into the roles Hindu nationalism and Marxism have played upon the public stage.

Demolishing myths and shining a light on Babasaheb Ambedkar that helps us understand this incredible and complex man and his incredible work. Rescuing Dr. Ambedkar from the dustbins of history, Arundhati writes with erudition, skill and great anger. She is unsparing of all. Not to be missed.

As usual, Aaron. Arundhati Roy writes knowledgeably and clearly about the subject of race and caste and the classic Indian book on the subject.

In only 124 pages, Arundhati Roy completely deconstructs everything you thought you knew about Gandhi, Hinduism, and India.

excellent

It's a bit jarring to read criticisms of Gandhi, but the author does demonstrate his insensitivity to the problem of caste and to the inability to reconcile caste with a just society. Yet it seems to be inextricably intertwined with Hinduism and to be in an intractable problem. A bit too much of a polemic and hatchet job on Gandhi

Illuminating. Must read

This is a very good book to understand the dynamics of relationship between Gandhi and Ambedkar. It's like Brand Gandhi has been imprinted and integrated into the genes of us Indians, it is very difficult to change the mindset about him. As said by Arundhati Roy, Ambedkar's legacy is not propagated as much one would have expected considering the amount of work he has carried out for the depressed class. But I am really surprised to learn about the brahmanical thought Ambedkar had about Adivashis. As said by Yuval Noah Harari, it's always about Us vs Them and it is and will be very difficult to get humanity out of this mindset. Only immense investment in knowledge can take us there.

Schnelle Lieferung, Produkt sehr gut

Amazing book. Arundhati gives a neutral point of view when describing both the personalities. Liked her writing style and learnt so much which indian school curriculum history books don’t even mention. Must read for those who are fond of intense reading.

I am a big fan of the author and have read most of his books.But while reading this particular book I find the author to be too critical about Mahatma Gandhi.I Feel every great man has his own way of thinking which may differ from one another but bcos of that difference its not a good idea to underfine someone that too who is a father of the nation just becos his ideas or thinking are different from another great indian Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar. I feel this could have been avoided by such a renowned author whose remarks or writings have tremendous impact on the society.