Reconstructing the World: Dr Ambedkar and Buddhism in India

This book throws light on the very contentious issues related to the social phenomenon of new Buddhism with which Dr Ambedkar is associated. The collection of essays explores themes that have been mostly neglected by scholars working in this field, and it thus fills a major vacuum. Placing new Buddhism in the larger context of the historical evolution of the religion, the book begins with a section that focuses on the attempt to reinvent an egalitarian and universal religion. The new variant of this social phenomenon is then examined within the context of a multifaceted society be it the Hindu social order or the sect of Brahmanic Hinduism. A discussion of localized instances of this variant as well as comparisons with western parallels are also included. Issues inspired by Ambedkar presently confronting the Buddhist movement are highlighted in the last section of the book, as are the various categories that exist within this seemingly homogenous group. With contributions by schola rs such as Eleanor Zelliot and Gail Omvedt, this volume can very well be seen as a comprehensive social history of Ambedkar s Buddhism.