Modern-indian-history / Civil Disobedience Movement and Round Table Conferences / Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar
Similarities between Gandhi and Ambedkar
Gandhi and Ambedkar, though both significant figures in India's struggle for independence and social reform, held distinct ideological perspectives. Here's an overview of their similarities and differences:
- Symbolic Actions: Both Gandhi and Ambedkar employed symbolic actions to challenge societal norms. Gandhi burned foreign cloth, while Ambedkar burned the Manusmriti, representing bondage and oppression. Both actions aimed at highlighting injustices.
- Views on Freedom: Gandhi believed in wresting freedom from authority through people's efforts, while Ambedkar expected freedom to be granted by imperial rulers.
- Democracy: Ambedkar advocated for a parliamentary system, viewing mass democracy as empowering for the oppressed. Gandhi was skeptical of mass democracy, fearing domination by leaders.
- Rigidity of Principles: Ambedkar's principles were more rigid compared to Gandhi, who emphasized practical alternatives over ideological rigidity.
- Views on Indian Unity: Gandhi emphasized Indian unity, attributing disunity to British rule. Ambedkar saw Indian unity as a by-product of British colonial policies.
- Approach to Caste: Gandhi distinguished between untouchability and the caste system, while Ambedkar advocated for the annihilation of the caste system to eradicate untouchability.
- Religious Views: Ambedkar denounced Hindu scriptures and advocated for freedom of religion, while Gandhi endorsed religion as an agent of social change and emphasized the unity of religion and politics.
- Views on Violence: Ambedkar justified relative violence for just ends, while Gandhi opposed violence of any kind.
- Industrialization: Gandhi was cautious of mechanization's dehumanizing effects, while Ambedkar saw machinery as beneficial when combined with a democratic society.
- Methods of Social Transformation: Both Gandhi and Ambedkar advocated for democratic and peaceful means of social transformation, although their target groups and methods of communication differed.
- Approach to Law: Gandhi supported disobedience to unjust laws to make them more just, while Ambedkar emphasized the observance of law and constitutionality.
- View on Untouchability: Gandhi viewed untouchables as part of Hindu society and aimed for their upliftment through moral acts. Ambedkar regarded them as a separate political minority and sought legal remedies for their emancipation.
These differences and similarities reflect the complex nature of their ideologies and their respective approaches to addressing social and political issues in India.
