Explore the ideological differences and similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar, including their views on untouchability, democracy, social reforms, and political change.

The contrasting yet complementary philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar shaped the discourse of Indian freedom struggle, social reform, and the vision of democracy. While Gandhi stressed spirituality, moral reform, and non-violence, Ambedkar championed legal remedies, rationality, and structural transformation. This comparative study highlights their similarities, differences, and shared goals of building an equal society.

Comparative Analysis of Gandhi and Ambedkar: Social, Political, and Ideological Perspectives

• Symbolism and Beliefs: Resistance Against Oppression

  Both Gandhi and Ambedkar used symbolic acts to reject oppression and assert dignity, though their interpretation of freedom differed.

  • Symbolic Acts of Resistance

    • (i) Gandhi: Burned foreign cloth as a statement against economic bondage and colonial slavery.
    • (ii) Ambedkar: Burned the Manusmriti to challenge caste oppression and religious orthodoxy.

  • Different Perceptions of Freedom

    • (i) Gandhi: Saw freedom as something to be actively wrested by the people.
    • (ii) Ambedkar: Believed that genuine freedom should be secured through rulers and institutional frameworks.

• Democracy and Government: Gandhi’s Skepticism vs. Ambedkar’s Advocacy

  While Gandhi doubted the effectiveness of parliamentary democracy, Ambedkar regarded it as the strongest framework for public participation.

  • (i) Gandhi’s View: Suspicious of parliamentary institutions, believing they led to domination by leaders over masses.
  • (ii) Ambedkar’s View: Championed parliamentary democracy as a means for people to hold the government accountable.

• Ideology and Social Views: Practicality vs. Liberalism

  Their social philosophies differed significantly: Gandhi relied on practical solutions rooted in villages, while Ambedkar favored liberal ideologies for systemic equality.

  • (i) Gandhi: Advocated no rigid ideology, envisioned Gramraj as the essence of independence.
  • (ii) Ambedkar: Criticized the village system for perpetuating inequality, and preferred rational, liberal ideology.

• Social Reforms and Untouchability: Moral Reform vs. Legal Remedies

  Both leaders addressed untouchability, but Gandhi approached it as a moral issue, whereas Ambedkar demanded structural and legal changes.

  • (i) Gandhi: Saw untouchability as a sin within Hinduism; emphasized moral reform, atonement, and integration.
  • (ii) Ambedkar: Treated untouchables as a separate religious minority; rejected the term "Harijan" and pushed for legal safeguards.

• Religion and State: Freedom vs. Secularism

  Their views on religion and politics diverged: Gandhi promoted religious freedom as a tool for reform, while Ambedkar advocated for strict separation of State and religion.

  • (i) Ambedkar: Emphasized secularism, treating religion as human-centered and separate from State affairs.
  • (ii) Gandhi: Supported freedom of religion but opposed separating religion from politics, considering it a moral force for social change.

• Violence and Non-Violence: Purity of Means vs. Justified Ends

  Non-violence lay at the heart of Gandhi’s philosophy, while Ambedkar allowed for pragmatic use of violence under just causes.

  • (i) Gandhi: Opposed all forms of violence, upholding purity of means to justify the end.
  • (ii) Ambedkar: Considered non-violence as an end, but accepted violence if the ends were just and necessary.

• Mechanisation and Production: Traditional Skepticism vs. Modern Advocacy

  The two leaders differed in their perception of modern machinery and industrialization, reflecting their visions for economic progress.

  • (i) Gandhi: Feared mechanisation would dehumanize society and reinforce exploitation.
  • (ii) Ambedkar: Favored machinery and modern civilization, believing industrial growth would strengthen democracy.

• Shared Goals: Vision of Equality and Social Reform

  Despite disagreements, Gandhi and Ambedkar shared a common commitment to social justice and equality.

  • (i) Non-Violent Transformation: Both sought social change through peaceful and democratic measures.
  • (ii) Communication Methods: Gandhi mobilized through local vernacular and mass movements like non-cooperation, while Ambedkar emphasized legality, constitutional methods, and English for mobilization.
  • (iii) On Untouchability: Gandhi approached it as a moral concern; Ambedkar regarded it as a legal and structural challenge.

• Summary of Gandhi and Ambedkar’s Comparative Views

  The philosophies of Gandhi and Ambedkar reveal a spectrum of approaches toward social reform, religion, democracy, and economic development. Gandhi relied on moral reform, spiritual strength, and grassroots mobilization, while Ambedkar pushed for legal safeguards, constitutional democracy, and modern industrial growth. Their combined legacies shaped modern India’s pursuit of equality, justice, and freedom.