The Radical In Ambedkar

Edited and introduced by Anand Teltumbde and Suraj Yengde, the collection gathers essays by leading scholars such as Jean Drèze, Partha Chatterjee, Sukhadeo Thorat, Manu Bhagavan, and Anupama Rao. It extends beyond the conventional narratives to explore minority rights, the mass conversion to Buddhism, oppression shaped by racism and anti-Semitism, and how these threads resonate with Marxist and feminist thought. The approach treats Ambedkar as a serious scholar of history, law, and international affairs, not merely a Dalit icon.

What the reader experiences is a cross-disciplinary conversation presented in crisp, accessible prose. The essays illuminate context while inviting readers to draw connections to contemporary debates about rights, inclusion, and social transformation. The editors’ framing helps make complex ideas approachable for a wide audience, from students to informed general readers.

• Interdisciplinary essays exploring equality, rights, and social reform
• Focused analyses of minority rights, mass conversion to Buddhism, and racial justice
• Global perspectives linking Indian history to international debates on feminism and Marxism
• Accessible, evidence-based writing with clear introductions and contextual framing
• Structured for classroom discussion and thoughtful, self-guided reading

Readers finish with a nuanced understanding of Ambedkar’s radical center and its relevance to contemporary debates on equality and human rights. The book invites critical thinking, broadens perspectives on social justice, and leaves a lasting impression of the enduring potential for reform through thoughtful scholarship.