The Shudras are a community of people who have traditionally been seen as the lowest social class in the Hindu caste system. Their status has been largely determined by their birth, and as a result, they have been relegated to a life of poverty and oppression. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India’s most influential civil rights activists, wrote a book about the Shudras, entitled ‘Who Were the Shudras?’ This book is an exploration of the history, culture and social standing of the Shudras, and it is available to download for free as a PDF. Dr. Ambedkar was a pioneer in the fight for equal rights and opportunities for all Indians, and this book is a testament to his efforts. It is an important read for anyone looking to learn more about the Shudras and their place in Indian society. Download this PDF now and gain a greater understanding of the Shudras and the struggles they face.
About Author – Dr. Dabasaheb Ambedkar
Bhimrao Ambedkar was born to Bhimabai and Ramji on 14 April 1891 in Mhow Army Cantonment, Central Provinces (Madhya Pradesh).
Ambedkar’s father was a Subedar in the Indian Army and after his retirement in 1894, the family moved to Satara, also in Central Provinces. Shortly after this, Bhimrao’s mother passed away. Four years later, his father remarried and the family shifted to Bombay.
In 1906, 15 year old Bhimrao married Ramabai, a 9 year old girl. His father Ramji Sakpal died in Bombay, in 1912.
Throughout his childhood, Ambedkar faced the stigmas of caste discrimination. Hailing from the Hindu Mahar caste, his family was viewed as “untouchable” by the upper classes.
Who were the Shudras how they came to be the fourth varna in the Indo-Aryan society?
At the current stage of research on the topic, an in-depth book on the Shudras would not be seen as an unneeded piece of work. It cannot be said to be dealing with a small, insignificant issue either. The basic idea that the social order of the Indo-Aryans was established according to the theory of Chaturvarnya and that Chaturvarnya divides society into four parts—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras—fails to communicate the real complexity of the Shudra issue and its sheer size.
The principle of Chaturvarnya was initially seen as a harmless concept, however, it conceals a much more sinister meaning. This means that it not only divides society into four classes, but it also creates a hierarchy within those groups. This hierarchy is then used to determine the conditions of interaction between the four Varnas
To be sure, this structure of graded inequity is not only an idea. It is a law and involves punishment. In the Chaturvarnya system, the Shudras are not only positioned at the base of the grade but are also subjected to unlimited shame and disabilities so as to stop them from exceeding the position chosen for them by law. In fact, prior to the emergence of the fifth Varna of the Untouchables, the Shudras were looked upon by Hindus as the most inferior of the inferior. This clearly indicates the nature of the problem of the Shudras.
People lack an accurate understanding of the size of the problem due to their lack of interest in learning the population of the Shudras. The census, sadly, doesn’t give an exact figure; however, it can be assumed that when you exclude the Untouchables, more than three-quarters of the Hindu population consists of Shudras. It is therefore, clear that a discussion of such a great number of people cannot be taken lightly.
WHO WERE THE SHUDRAS PDF (Free)
Ambedkar examines the historical roots of the Shudras and their evolution through the ages. He draws from primary sources, such as archaeological evidence, ancient texts, and oral accounts, to explore the social, religious, and economic life of the Shudras as well as their interactions with other castes. Through this book, Ambedkar provides us with an important look into the history of the Shudras and their place in Indian society.
Book Details:-
| Book Name: | Who Were The Shudras |
| Author/Publisher: | B. R. Ambedkar |
| Language: | English |
| No of Pages: | 379 Pages |
| File Type: | PDF (Downloadable) |
| PDF Size: | 2 MB |
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Introducing "Ambedkar's India" - a remarkable collection of three of B.R. Ambedkar's most influential speeches, shedding light on caste and the Indian Constitution. Immerse yourself in the profound thoughts of one of the greatest minds of our time and gain a deeper understanding of India's social dynamics.
- Language: English
- Edition: 2020
- Pdf Quality: Original
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