On 25 December 1927, Ambedkar lit it in Mahad village of MaharashtraThere was a lot of resentment among the upper castes over this step of Bhimrao Ambedkar Dalits always view Manusmriti as a text of social injustice
There has been a controversy in Maharashtra over a chapter in the new school curriculum that began with a verse from Manusmriti. After growing resentment, the government removed it. Manusmriti has always been considered a socially controversial text in the country. Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar had called it casteist and unjust towards backward castes. He had burnt it considering it a symbol of injustice towards backward castes. However, there was a lot of opposition to it at that time. Resentment also spread.
In fact, last week in Maharashtra, the State Council of Educational Research and Training unveiled the new Maharashtra State Curriculum Framework (SCF). In which a chapter of a book focused on character building of students. It started with a Sanskrit verse from Manusmriti. When its inclusion was criticized from all sides, the state government took a step back.
In fact, Dalits and backward classes have always seen it as a socially unjust Hindu text. Do you know why Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar burnt it publicly? Manusmriti Dahan Diwas is celebrated every year even today.
On which day did Ambedkar do this work
It was 25 December 1927 when Dr. Ambedkar publicly burnt the Manusmriti. Ambedkar had announced in advance that he would burn this Hindu scripture. The place he chose for this was the coastal area of Maharashtra named Mahad, which was in the Colaba (now Raigad) district. Ambedkar reached there by a boat from Dasgaon port. He did not go by road because he feared that he might face opposition during the bus journey.
What was the thinking behind doing this
Ambedkar considered Manusmriti to be against casteist and patriarchal norms. According to him, Manusmriti is a Hindu text that institutionalized caste oppression. It justified the exploitation and discrimination of lower castes, especially Dalits and women. It was seen as a way to register protest against this and make the oppressed communities aware. He believed that only after the end of such texts can an egalitarian society be created. Where everyone will live with equality and respect.
How was the altar made for cremation
An altar was built in Mahad to burn the Manusmriti. A pit 6 inches deep and 1.5 feet square was dug for the altar. Sandalwood was placed in it. The altar had banners on three sides of it.
One by one the pages were torn and placed on the altar
On 25 December 1927, at 9 am, Dr. Ambedkar, Sahastrbuddhe and six other Dalit saints tore each page of Manusmriti and placed it on the altar.
Reasons for protest that were repeated again
On this occasion it was told on what basis Manusmriti should be opposed and the people present here should take a pledge that they will oppose these things.
Institutionalised casteism and untouchability- Manusmriti perpetuated the system of caste-based discrimination and untouchability. This led to oppression and exploitation of the lower castes, especially the Dalits.
Patriarchal and sexist norms – The book degraded women, portraying them as mere objects for men’s pleasure and control.
Brahmanical dominance – Manu Smriti strengthened the dominance of the Brahmin class over other castes, which Dr. Ambedkar saw as a major obstacle to social equality and progress.
Lack of human rights and dignity – The book deprived women and lower castes of basic human rights and respect.
What did Ambedkar think would change from this
Dr. Ambedkar saw the burning of the Manusmriti as a symbolic act of protest against oppressive ideologies. He compared it to other acts of protest, such as Gandhi’s burning of foreign clothes.
Empowerment and equality – Dr. Ambedkar believed that the burning of Manusmriti would act as a catalyst for the empowerment of Dalits and women, ultimately leading to a more egalitarian society.
The resolution which was given to the people present
All the people present there that day took this pledge together. Which is still taken every year on Manusmriti Dahan Diwas
1. I do not believe in the four Varnas (castes) based on birth
2. I do not believe in caste discrimination.
3. I believe that casteism is a blot on Hinduism. I will try to eradicate it.
4. Believing that there is no high or low, I will not accept any restrictions on food and drink at least among Hindus.
5. I believe that Dalits have equal rights to temples, ponds and other facilities.
What was its effect later on
– Empowered the Dalit community and sensitized them about the need to challenge these injustices
– Tireless advocacy for the rights of Dalits and marginalised communities began. Organisations like the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha were founded to promote educational and economic development.
– In 1932, Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact with Gandhiji, securing reserved seats for Dalits in provincial legislatures. This was a significant political victory that gave them a greater place in the democratic process.
– As chairman of the drafting committee of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar ensured the inclusion of provisions to protect the rights of Dalits and other marginalised groups. These included the abolition of untouchability, affirmative action policies, and the establishment of a National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
what is manusmriti
Manusmriti is one of the oldest texts of Hinduism. It has 12 chapters and 2,694 verses. However, in some versions the number of verses is 2964. It is also considered as the ‘code of conduct’ of Hindus. A section claims that the original Manusmriti did not have caste discrimination and derogatory remarks towards women. These were added later. It was translated into English in 1776.
Tags: BR Ambedkar, Dalit Community, Dalit Leader, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar
FIRST PUBLISHED : May 30, 2024, 17:18 IST