Review For The Annihilation Of Caste
The Annihilation of Caste was a radical work for its time, a critique too of the establishment as it set about decolonising itself. Its central plank revolves around the negative impact of the caste system as it matters for ‘untouchables’ like Ambedkar himself. This was about the liberation from a centuries old social structure that oppressed a huge number of people. Ambedkar highlights one particular case, where Hindus demanded that Balais (‘untouchables’) follow the rules listed below: Balais must not wear gold-lace-bordered pugrees.They must not wear dhotis with coloured or fancy borders.They must convey intimation [=information] of the death of any Hindu to relatives of the deceased—no matter howfar away these relatives may be living.In all Hindu marriages, Balais must play music before the processions and during the marriage. Balai women must not wear gold or silver ornaments; they must not wear fancy gowns or jackets.Balai women must attend all cases of confinement [= chil...