Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and RSS: An Ideological Clash Between Equality and Hindutva
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and RSS: An Ideological Clash Between Equality and Hindutva
Two Contrasting Visions of India
Modern India stands upon competing visions of nationhood — one envisioned by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, rooted in equality, liberty, and fraternity, and the other by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), based on the ideology of Hindutva and cultural nationalism Ambedkar vs RSS ideology .
While both emerged during the same era of India’s freedom struggle, their goals were worlds apart. Ambedkar’s mission was to annihilate caste and build a society based on constitutional morality, whereas the RSS sought to unite Hindus under a single cultural identity — even if that meant preserving the traditional structure of society.
This blog examines this ideological clash from an Ambedkarite perspective — not as a political rivalry, but as a conflict of two fundamentally opposite ideas about India, democracy, and humanity.
1. Ambedkar’s Vision: Equality Beyond Religion
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, believed that no nation can truly progress without social equality. His life’s mission was to end the oppressive caste system that had divided Indian society for thousands of years.
In his writings like Annihilation of Caste, Ambedkar argued that Hindu social order was the root of untouchability and inequality. He envisioned a new India where people were not defined by birth or caste but by human dignity.
“Political democracy cannot last unless there lies at the base of it social democracy,” Ambedkar said.
This foundational idea clashed sharply with the RSS’s concept of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation) — a society centered around Hindu identity rather than universal equality.
2. RSS Ideology: Cultural Nationalism and the Hindu Rashtra
Founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the RSS was inspired by European models of nationalism, especially Fascist Italy under Mussolini. Its goal was to create unity among Hindus and defend Hindu society against perceived external threats — mainly Muslims and Christians.
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The RSS emphasized the concept of “Hindu Rashtra” — a nation for Hindus based on Hindu values, symbols, and traditions. However, it never openly rejected the varna (caste) system; in fact, early RSS texts saw caste as a natural form of social organization.
For Ambedkar, this was unacceptable.
He saw the Hindu Rashtra as a threat to democracy, because it would legitimize the same social hierarchies he had fought his whole life to dismantle.
3. Ambedkar’s Critique of RSS and Hindu Rashtra Ambedkar vs RSS ideology
Dr. Ambedkar was outspoken about his opposition to the idea of Hindu Rashtra. In his famous book “Pakistan or the Partition of India” (1945), he warned:
“If Hindu Raj does become a fact, it will no doubt be the greatest calamity for this country… Hindu Raj must be prevented at any cost.”
Ambedkar saw the RSS and the Hindu Mahasabha as political movements that wanted to replace British rule not with democracy, but with Brahmanical domination.
To him, the idea of a Hindu nation was exclusionary, particularly to Dalits, Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians — anyone who didn’t fit within the RSS’s definition of “Hindu.”
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4. Ambedkar’s Idea of Nationhood vs. RSS’s
| Vision | Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | RSS / Hindutva |
|---|---|---|
| Core Principle | Liberty, Equality, Fraternity | Hindu unity & cultural nationalism |
| Source of Identity | Constitutional citizenship | Hindu religion and culture |
| Social Goal | End of caste and untouchability | Preservation of Hindu society |
| Form of Government | Democratic and secular | Culturally Hindu nation |
| Inspiration | Buddhism, Rationalism, Humanism | Manusmriti, Hindu texts, tradition |
Ambedkar’s Constitutional India was inclusive and democratic, while RSS’s Hindu Rashtra vision was rooted in exclusivity and hierarchy.
5. The Conflict Over the Constitution
When India’s Constitution was being drafted, Ambedkar ensured that it guaranteed fundamental rights, abolished untouchability, and established a secular framework.
The RSS, however, was critical of this vision.
In its mouthpiece Organiser (November 1949 issue), the RSS wrote:
“There is no mention of the unique constitutional development in ancient Bharat… Manu’s laws were the basis of social order.”
This was a direct rejection of Ambedkar’s democratic constitution. The RSS favored Manusmriti, a text that Ambedkar had publicly burned in 1927, calling it a symbol of Brahmanical oppression.
This single contrast — Ambedkar burning Manusmriti vs. RSS glorifying it — represents the core ideological divide between the two.
6. Ambedkar’s Path of Liberation vs. RSS’s Social Order
Dr. Ambedkar believed that social reform must precede political reform. For him, freedom without equality was meaningless.
He worked tirelessly to uplift the oppressed classes — advocating education, reservation, and political representation.
The RSS, on the other hand, claimed to promote unity among Hindus, but never took a firm stand against the caste system. Even today, many scholars argue that its focus on “Hindu identity” ignores internal discrimination among Hindus.
In contrast, Ambedkar’s approach was revolutionary — he sought not to reform Hinduism, but to move beyond it.
This culminated in his historic conversion to Buddhism in 1956, where he and millions of followers embraced the Dhamma as a path to equality and self-respect. Ambedkar vs RSS ideology
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7. Ambedkar’s Conversion: A Final Rejection of RSS’s Vision
When Ambedkar declared,
“I was born a Hindu, but I will not die a Hindu,”
he made a powerful statement — a complete rejection of Hindu orthodoxy and, by extension, the ideology that RSS stood for.
By accepting Buddhism, Ambedkar built a new social movement based on Dhamma, compassion, and rationalism, directly opposing Hindutva’s idea of religious supremacy.
His conversion became a spiritual revolution, inspiring millions of Dalits to find dignity outside the caste hierarchy — something RSS ideology could never accommodate.
8. Legacy: Ambedkar’s Democracy vs. RSS’s Cultural Nationalism
Even decades after his death, the ideological battle between Ambedkarite values and RSS thought continues in India’s socio-political discourse.
Ambedkar’s Constitutional democracy empowers marginalized communities, promotes affirmative action, and upholds secularism.
RSS’s growing influence, however, aims to redefine India as a Hindu cultural state, often sidelining Ambedkar’s principles of equality and justice.
In today’s India, understanding this contrast is crucial — because it determines whether the nation follows the path of constitutional morality or majoritarian nationalism.
9. Ambedkar’s Relevance Today Ambedkar vs RSS ideology
In the 21st century, when caste discrimination and religious intolerance still persist, Ambedkar’s message rings louder than ever.
He didn’t fight for a Hindu nation — he fought for a human nation, where everyone could live with dignity, justice, and liberty.
His teachings remind us that true patriotism lies not in religion, but in respecting human rights and equality for all.
The Ambedkarite movement continues to challenge any ideology — including RSS — that promotes hierarchy in the name of culture or faith.
Conclusion: Two Paths, One Nation — Which Will India Choose?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the RSS represent two competing visions of India’s soul.
Ambedkar’s India stands on the Constitution, equality, and rationalism.
RSS’s India stands on religious identity, tradition, and hierarchy.
From an Ambedkarite perspective, the choice is clear:
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India’s survival as a democracy depends on Ambedkar’s ideals — not on the ideology of Hindutva.
If India truly wants to be a “great nation,” it must uphold the light of Dhamma, not the shadow of caste.
Ambedkar’s path leads to freedom, fraternity, and justice — the pillars on which a truly united India can stand. Ambedkar vs RSS ideology
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