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

Ideological Differences and Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar

Symbolism and Beliefs

  • Similar Actions: Burning of foreign cloth (Gandhi) and Manusmriti (Ambedkar) symbolized resistance against bondage and slavery.
  • Freedom: Gandhi believed freedom must be wrested by the people; Ambedkar expected it to be bestowed by rulers.

Democracy and Government

  • Gandhi's View: Distrusted parliamentary democracy, saw it as prone to mass domination by leaders.
  • Ambedkar's View: Supported parliamentary democracy and mass democracy as a means to pressure the government.

Ideology and Social Views

  • Gandhi's Approach: No rigid ideology, preferred practical alternatives; saw ‘Gramraj’ as a vision of independence.
  • Ambedkar's Approach: Rigid principles, saw the Indian village system as perpetuating inequality, favored liberal ideology.

Social Reforms and Untouchability

  • Gandhi’s View: Untouchability as a moral issue, part of the Hindu whole; advocated for reforms and atonement.
  • Ambedkar’s View: Untouchables as a religious minority; criticized the term ‘Harijan’, preferred legal and constitutional remedies.

Religion and State

  • Ambedkar’s View: Advocated for separation of religion and State, and saw religion as a human-centered concept.
  • Gandhi’s View: Supported freedom of religion but opposed separation of politics and religion; saw religion as a tool for social change.

Violence and Non-Violence

  • Ambedkar’s View: Held non-violence as an end, justified means if ends were just.
  • Gandhi’s View: Opposed all forms of violence; believed in purity of means to determine the end.

Mechanisation and Production

  • Gandhi’s View: Apprehensive about mechanisation’s dehumanizing impact; saw it as sustaining exploitative orders.
  • Ambedkar’s View: Believed in the benefits of machinery and modern civilization; advocated for more machinery in a democratic society.

Shared Goals

  • Non-Violent Social Transformation: Both leaders sought social transformation through democratic and peaceful means.
  • Communication and Mobilisation: Gandhi used local vernacular; Ambedkar used English. Gandhi’s methods included non-cooperation and civil disobedience; Ambedkar emphasized legality and constitutionality.
  • Untouchability: Gandhi viewed it as a moral issue within Hinduism; Ambedkar saw it as a major problem requiring legal remedies.
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