Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar([bʱiËmraËw raËmdÊ‘iË aËmbeËɽkÉ™r]; 14 April 1891 6 December 1956), popularly also known asBabasaheb, was an Indian jurist, politician, philosopher, anthropologist, historian and economist. A revivalist for Buddhism in India, he inspired theDalit Buddhist movement. As independent India's first law minister, he also oversaw the drafting of theConstitution of India.
Born into a poorMahar(considered anDalitor untouchable caste) family, Ambedkar campaigned against social discrimination, the system ofChaturvarna the categorisation of Hindu society into fourvarnas and theHindu caste system. He converted to Buddhism and is also credited with providing a spark for the transformation of hundreds of thousands of Dalits or untouchables toTheravada Buddhism. Ambedkar was posthumously awarded theBharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 1990.[3]
Overcoming numerous social and financial obstacles, Ambedkar became one of the first Dalits (untouchables) to obtain a college education in India. Eventually earning a law degree and doctorates for his study and research in law, economics and political science fromColumbia Universityand theLondon School of Economics, Ambedkar gained a reputation as a scholar and practised law for a few years, later campaigning by publishing journals advocating political rights and social freedom for India's untouchables.
