B.R. Ambedkar

Why in news?

• 6th December was the death anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar.

About Ambedkar:

• Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 in the town and military cantonment of Mhow in the Central Provinces (now in Madhya Pradesh)
• He was the first from his community, a Dalit Community known as Mahars, to pass matriculation.
• He completed his Postgraduate studies at the London School of Economics.

Major Political Actions:

• Manusmriti Dahan Din: On 25 December 1927, he led thousands of followers to burn copies of Manusmriti.
• Kalaram Temple movement: In 1930, for entry into the temple for Dalits.
• For the defence of Dalit rights, he started many periodicals like Mook Nayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, and Equality Janta.
• Poona Pact: It was signed between Ambedkar (on behalf of the depressed classes among Hindus) and Madan Mohan Malaviya (on behalf of the other Hindus) On 25 September 1932.
• Organisations formed: Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha. Independent Labour Party, Scheduled Castes Federation, Republican Party of India.
• Ambedkar converted to Buddhism at Nagpur on 14 October 1956.

Other notable facts about his life:

• Ambedkar was the first Indian to pursue a doctorate in economics abroad.
• The First Finance Commission of India was established in 1951 by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the then-incumbent law minister.
• Ambedkar is recognised as the "Father of the Constitution of India" as he was the chairman of Drafting committee.
• Ambedkar died in his sleep on 6 December 1956 and his death anniversary is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas, a term otherwise used to denote the death of Buddha.

PRELIMS QUESTION

Consider the following statements:
1.The Term Scheduled castes was defined for the first time in 1935 Government of India Act.
2.Indian Constitution reserves seats for Scheduled castes in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and State Legislatures.
Which among the above statements is/are correct?
(a)1 only 
(b)2 only 
(c)Both 1 and 2
(d)Neither 1 nor 2

Answer to prelims question