Ambedkar and the Indian Communists: The absence of conciliation

B. R. Ambedkar's role as an Indian political leader during the late colonial period has attracted increased attention politically and historically. However, there is a startling disconnect between the modern, often mythological, construction of Ambedkar and the near forgotten historical figure. His broader programme for social uplift of the underprivileged is often lost in the record of his conflict with M. K. Gandhi and the Indian National Congress and their role as the dominant nationalist group in India at the time. The deification that has resulted from his use of Buddhism as an emancipatory identity has obscured his interpretation of it as a secular political tool in a political debate shaped and dominated by religious identity. This thesis will argue that the Buddhist conversion was a continuation of his political and social programme, not, as some have suggested, a retreat to religion after failing to secure reforms to Indian law and society. His relationship with non-dominant political groups, such as the Indian Communist Party, are representative of the forgotten historical figure and help to demonstrate the consistency in his untouchable uplift movement and democratic programme. The relationships with smaller, non-dominant, political and social groups are often glossed over without examining their engagement with and impact on each other.;This thesis makes use of available primary source documents from Ambedkar, the Indian Communist Party and individual Communist Party members to analyze the relationship between Ambedkar and the Indian Communists.