Introduction
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, was one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. He stood up for the rights of oppressed communities, fought for women’s equality, and promoted the values of justice, equality, and fraternity. Ambedkar completed his doctorate in economics at Columbia University and the London School of Economics. His deep knowledge of law, politics, and economics helped him make significant changes in Indian society. He also wrote many articles and journals to educate people about their rights. Ambedkar played an essential role in India’s freedom movement and the creation of modern India.
What is the Varna System?
The Varna system has been a part of Indian society since ancient Vedic times. It divided people into four main groups based on their roles and duties:
1. Brahmins : Scholars and priests who were considered the most knowledgeable.
2. Kshatriyas: Warriors, kings, and rulers who were responsible for protection and governance.
3. Vaishyas: Merchants, farmers, and traders who took care of the economy.
4. Shudras: Workers and artisans who served the other three groups.
Although this system was initially created to organize society, over time it became rigid, leading to discrimination and inequality.
Ambedkar’s Criticism of the Varna System
In his famous work Annihilation of Caste, Ambedkar strongly criticized both the caste and Varna systems. Below are his main arguments against the Varna system, which are still relevant today.
1. The Problem with Labels
Ambedkar questioned why society needed to label people as Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, or Shudras. He believed a person’s qualities and actions should be enough to earn them respect, without attaching permanent labels. For example, a scholar should be respected for their knowledge, not because they are called a Brahmin. Similarly, a soldier should be honored for their bravery, not because they are labeled a Kshatriya. Ambedkar compared this with European society, where soldiers and workers are respected without such labels. He criticized Hindu society for being unable to move beyond these outdated divisions.
2. Ignoring Individual Differences
Ambedkar argued that it's impossible to classify people into four definite classes. The Varna system wrongly grouped people into just four categories, ignoring their unique qualities and talents. He believed that every person is different and has the potential to do many things, which cannot be limited to a single label like Brahmin or Shudra. He explained that modern science shows how diverse people are, and it is impossible to divide them into fixed classes. He also pointed out that the original four classes of the Varna system have now turned into thousands of castes, which proves how flawed the system is. Ambedkar said that trying to force people into rigid categories, like in Plato’s Republic, would never work because it denies human diversity and potential.
3. The Exploitation of Shudras
Ambedkar was deeply concerned about how the Varna system treated Shudras, the lowest group in the hierarchy. According to this system, Shudras were completely dependent on the other three groups—Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas—for education, protection, and survival.
He asked important questions, such as:
What happens if these three groups fail to do their duties?
What if they work together to oppress Shudras instead of helping them?
Who will protect Shudras if the Brahmins exploit their ignorance or the Kshatriyas take away their freedom?
Ambedkar believed it was wrong to make one group rely entirely on others for basic needs like education or self-defense. He argued that every person needs knowledge and the ability to protect themselves to survive.
He also criticized how the three higher groups maintained their power:
Brahmins gained favor by flattering the Kshatriyas.
Together, Brahmins and Kshatriyas allowed Vaishyas to thrive because they benefited from their wealth.
All three groups oppressed Shudras by denying them education, wealth, and the right to defend themselves.
Ambedkar called this system unfair and harmful, emphasizing the urgent need to question and reject it.
My argument against Varna system
The supporters of the Varna system claim that it divides people into four groups (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras) but doesn’t treat any group as superior or inferior. They argue that all Varnas are equal and important in their own way. However, this idea raises a serious question: Can this system really stop discrimination? Let’s consider an example. If you had to choose between being a servant (a role traditionally linked to Shudras) or a scientist (a role associated with intellectual work, often linked to Brahmins), which would you choose? Most people would pick "scientist" because our society views jobs like scientist, businessman, or professor as "high-class" and respectable, while seeing jobs like servant as "low-class." This shows a problem with the Varna system. It's true that it is more of a problem of human nature, but the Varna system only fuels this kind of mindset by classifying people into four definite classes. Even if it says all groups are equal, people don’t see them that way. Society naturally values some roles more than others, which leads to discrimination. Over time, people in roles seen as "low-class," like the Shudras, are treated unfairly or looked down upon. In simple terms, the Varna system creates a division that encourages people to rank others based on their work. Even if the system says it’s fair, human attitudes and biases make true equality impossible. This is why discrimination in the Varna system is inevitable.
As Ambedkar once said:
"Chaturvarnya is impracticable, harmful, and has turned out to be a miserable failure."
How the Varna System Changed Over Time
Ambedkar explained that the original Varna system, which was meant to organize society, eventually became rigid and turned into the caste system. This rigid structure led to discrimination, untouchability, and division in society, making it a tool for oppression rather than harmony.
Why Ambedkar’s Ideas Still Matter Today
Ambedkar’s views on the Varna system are still important today because caste-based discrimination continues to exist in many parts of India. His arguments remind us of the importance of treating everyone equally and respecting individual abilities. They also challenge us to address the inequalities that still exist in society.
Conclusion
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s critique of the Varna system in Annihilation of Caste highlights its flaws and shows why such rigid structures should not exist. He believed that society should respect people for their qualities and actions, not their labels. His ideas continue to inspire efforts toward equality and justice. By learning from his work, we can move closer to building a fair and inclusive society.
Ambedkar's critique of the varna System