Section Article

CONTRASTING PERSPECTIVES OF SAVARKAR AND AMBEDKAR ON THE CASTE SYSTEM
Author(s): Swati Sinha

Abstract
The caste system in India has been a central determinant of social hierarchy identity and access to resources for centuries. Its influence extends into various spheres including occupation education political representation and cultural practices. Within the modern discourse on caste reform two prominent thinkers—Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar—emerge as contrasting intellectual figures. Ambedkar approached caste as a system of structural oppression deeply embedded within Hindu religious texts and social customs which perpetuated inequality and denied dignity to marginalized communities. He advocated for the complete dismantling of caste through social legal and constitutional measures emphasizing human rights social justice and equality. Conversion to Buddhism and affirmative action policies were among the strategies he proposed to eradicate caste-based discrimination and empower oppressed communities. His critique was both philosophical and empirical informed by his lived experience and scholarly engagement with law economics and political science.