Abstract
The era of modernity is analysed from the point of view of the assumptions underlying the development of this formation controlled by reason, progress, rationality, knowledge and technology. Paradoxically, we cannot deny that in colonial and post-colonial times, Indian society suffered from the combined effects of religious bigotry, patriarchy and colonialism. Ambedkar is to be seen as a man of international stature rather than in the traditional Indian framework. The philosophy of Ambedkar provides a critique of Hinduism and also an alternative to the Hindu religious system through protests like religious conversion. He speaks not only against the caste system but also against the tyranny of the casteism of high castes. It is argued that his contributions need to be observed as modernist rather than as reductionist understanding as a messiah of Dalits.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.