TheDaak review

Ambedkar: A Life, by Shashi Tharoor, Aleph Book Company, 1 October 2022; ISBN-10: ‎9391047505 226 pages; ₹ 599/- (Hardcover)

By Tanmay Kulshrestha

Shashi Tharoor’s Ambedkar: A Life is a comprehensive and insightful biography that delves into the life and legacy of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, one of the most influential figures in modern Indian history. Tharoor’s work is a commendable effort to shed light on the multifaceted personality of Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian Constitution and championing the cause of the marginalised sections of society.

Ambedkar’s life and work have been the subject of numerous books, academic studies, and popular writings, reflecting his towering stature and enduring legacy in Indian history and politics. In the realm of scholarly works, authors like Christophe Jaffrelot, Valerian Rodrigues, and Gail Omvedt have produced comprehensive and in-depth analyses of Ambedkar’s thought, his role in the Indian freedom struggle, and his contributions to the Constitution and the Dalit movement. Tharoor’s book occupies a unique space in this landscape, aiming to present a comprehensive yet accessible biography that appeals to both academic and general audiences. While not a work of original scholarship, it synthesises existing research and primary sources to provide a cohesive narrative of Ambedkar’s life and times.

The book is divided into two sections. The first half is dedicated to chronicling the factual details of Ambedkar’s life, beginning from his birth and spanning until his passing. It covers his early years, the completion of his double doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics between 1891 and 1923, followed by his transition into an activist until 1930. The chapter titled “Scaling the Peak” (1930-1935) delves into Ambedkar’s confrontation with Gandhi, his participation in the Round Table Conferences, and the subsequent Poona Pact. The next chapter, “Top of the Mountain” (1935-1946), explores Ambedkar’s ascent to the national political stage, culminating in his monumental role as the chairman of the drafting committee for the Constitution of independent India, and his eventual conversion to Buddhism, portrayed as “Triumph and Disillusionment” (1946-1956).

The second half of the book examines the phenomenon that Ambedkar represents, both within India and globally. While Tharoor does not present an entirely novel perspective on Ambedkar’s life, he infuses the narrative with interesting viewpoints and draws references from previous biographies, including those by Dhananjay Keer (1971), M.L. Sahare (1986), Nanak Chand Rattu (1995), Nalini Anil (2016), and Gail Omvedt (2007).

Authoring biographical works on prominent public figures, who have already been extensively chronicled and discussed within public discourse, can be a daunting task due to the pressing inquiry: what novel insights can one contribute to the existing body of knowledge? Tharoor’s attempts at writing, however, keeps up with the interest of the reader. Tharoor’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book appealing to both academic and general audiences. He skilfully weaves together historical facts, personal anecdotes, and political insights, creating a narrative that is both informative and captivating. The book’s chronological structure allows readers to follow Ambedkar’s life journey from his childhood in a small village to his emergence as a prominent leader and scholar.

Moving beyond Ambedkar’s personal life, the book also provides valuable insights into his political struggles and the mental fortitude he displayed in mobilising people for important movements like the Mahad Satyagraha. Tharoor delves into the challenges Ambedkar faced in not being able to voice his views publicly, including instances where he was denied the opportunity to speak. The book also sheds light on Ambedkar’s participation in the crucial Round Table Conferences, where he was one of the few Indian representatives to attend all three sessions. Additionally, Tharoor explores the behind-the-scenes efforts and lobbying that took place to bring about the Poona Pact of 1932, which ultimately led to the end of Gandhi’s fast unto death. While these pivotal events and experiences are well-documented, they are rarely discussed or taught in detail, making Tharoor’s account a valuable addition to the existing literature on Ambedkar’s life and struggles.

However, the book is not without its flaws. At times, Tharoor’s admiration for Ambedkar may lead to a romanticised portrayal, overlooking or glossing over some of the more controversial aspects of his subject’s life and decisions. Additionally, while the book provides a comprehensive account of Ambedkar’s public life and achievements, it could have delved deeper into his personal relationships and inner thoughts, offering a more intimate and humanising perspective. Another area where the book falls short is its treatment of the broader social and political context of Ambedkar’s time. While Tharoor does provide historical background, a more in-depth exploration of the interplay between Ambedkar’s ideas and the prevailing societal norms and power dynamics would have enriched the reader’s understanding of the challenges he faced and the significance of his contributions.

Another point to that effect is that Tharoor picks quotes from his secondary references instead of contextualising the original source material. Cherry-picking quotes from secondary sources without the context jeopardises the authenticity of the quote itself. Its usage by Ambedkar and the context he was in left space for a misrepresentation of an event. A quote given in a certain context and represented in the text in another context allows for trivialising the quote itself. For instance, at one place, while talking of the burning of Manusmriti in the year 1927, Tharoor pieces together an interview given by Ambedkar in the year 1938. The narrative then jumps back to the Chavdar Tank march in Mahad, which took place in 1927, quoting Ambedkar from secondary reference material published in the year 2019 (p. 38–40). This is just one of the many examples in which Tharoor teeters back and forth to prove an argument already set out at the beginning of the text. In other places, Tharoor makes certain claims without citing his references. For instance, one of the lines in Tharoor’s book reads, 

In the process, he [Ambedkar] attacked the Congress socialists led by Nehru, adding to the profound cleavage between him and all sections of that party.(p.92) 

A common thread that runs throughout the book is that there is a lack of clarity for the reader as to whether a statement in the book is a fact, an opinion, or sourced.

While Tharoor’s portrayal of Ambedkar as the embodiment of caste discrimination and Dalit identity struggle is a compelling narrative, it presents a risk of oversimplification and contains a universalising bias. The issue lies in the assumption that readers’ understanding of Ambedkar’s views on caste is conclusive and requires no further examination. Errors in interpretation are possible, and the consequences could be significant. The challenge arises from the fact that when a public figure has been extensively written about, separating factual accounts from perceptions perpetuated in public discourse becomes arduous. Tharoor, therefore, faces significant caveats in writing about Ambedkar, whose life and work have already been extensively chronicled. However, Tharoor does not undertake this task alone. For the first two-thirds of the book, he heavily relies on secondary sources of information. This dependence on existing literature could potentially explain why the book may not live up to the acclaim one might expect from a comprehensive biography.

Tharoor deserves credit for accurately depicting the numerous obstacles and indignities Ambedkar faced for being born into a stigmatised community. The author also makes a concerted effort to avoid transforming his writing into a hagiography by offering an even-handed critique of Ambedkar’s personal and political decisions. A recurrent issue throughout the book is the lack of clarity for the reader in distinguishing whether a particular statement is presented as a fact, an opinion, or is sourced from other materials. This ambiguity can make it challenging for readers to discern the basis or reliability of certain assertions made by the author.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Ambedkar: A Life is a valuable addition to the existing literature on Ambedkar and Indian history. Tharoor’s engaging writing style, coupled with his extensive research, makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the life and legacy of this remarkable figure. It serves as a reminder of Ambedkar’s impact on Indian society and his tireless efforts to uplift the downtrodden and promote social justice. In a country grappling with issues of social inequality, caste-based discrimination, and the need for inclusive development, Tharoor’s book offers a timely and compelling narrative that underscores the enduring relevance of Ambedkar’s vision and the imperative to continue his unfinished work towards a truly egalitarian and just society.