Individuals such as Mahatma Gandhi shamefully continued to defend caste distinctions (his response is included here). In Annihilation of Caste, rationally and methodically, he takes apart the basis on which caste exists, and which has delivered harm, pain and misery on untold generations – and continues to do so. In 1936 Dr Ambedkar wrote a speech – famously not delivered – in which he outlined the case against the whole existence of caste divisions in India. He was the chief architect of the Indian constitution introduced at Independence in 1947 and saw the concept of Untouchability made illegal. But Dr Ambedkar’s natural ability and determination (and some good fortune) enabled him to rise above caste prejudice and become one of the founding fathers of modern India. He was born in poor circumstances as an Untouchable – high castes regarded physical contact with Untouchables as polluting and condemned them to do the dirtiest of jobs, sweeping and the collection of human detritus. Ambedkar (1891-1956) was one of the most extraordinary figures in the history of India.
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