• This article compares philosophical, social and eating habits of Sikhs and Jains with Ambedkarites to explore why Ambedkar did not adopt Jainism or Sikhism.

At the outset, state that I am a fan of Dr Ambedkar (BRA) because of his understanding of the sub-continent Muslim mind. His 1941 book Thoughts on Pakistan is a masterpiece for his analytical approach, understanding of the Hindu and Muslim minds and arguing why India must agree to creation of Pakistan. Next, read Dr. Ambedkar Life and Mission by Dhananjay Keer which I have referred to for this article. Grateful to Shri Keer and publishers. Read on.

At the Yeola Conference in 1935 BRA said, “I solemnly assure you that I will not die a Hindu.” 3 Pg. 253-5 BRA became a Buddhist in October 1956, months before he passed away.

BRA told Gandhi once, “I will choose only the least harmful way for the country. And that is the greatest benefit I am conferring on the country by embracing Buddhism, for Buddhism is a part & parcel of Bharatiya culture. I have taken care that my conversion will not harm the tradition of the culture & history of this land.’ 3 Pg.498 Separately said, “Conversion to Islam and Christianity will denationalise the Depressed Classes.” 3 Pg. 280.

BRA thus said he would not die a Hindu. Options were other Indian faiths i.e. Sikh, Jain or Buddhist. 

Why did he not become a Jain or Sikh is what this article explores. BRA did explore becoming a Sikh around 1936. First, about becoming a Jain.

1. Why did BRA not become a Jain?

This part looks at Jaina Darsana in terms of philosophical concepts, eating habits and society. Then compares with Ambedkarism.

First, Who is a Jain? “The term JAINA is derived from the term ‘Jina’. And the term ‘Jina’ is the common name for the supreme souls who are totally free from all the feelings of attachment, etc that defile the soul. It is a noun from the Sanskrit verbal root ‘ji’ meaning ‘to conquer. And devotees of Jina care called Jaina.” 2

A. Jaina Darsana refers to the existence of a soul. BRA did not believe in the existence of a soul. “In his last speech delivered in Bombay in May 24 1956, in which he declared his resolve to embrace Buddhism, Ambedkar observed: Hinduism believes in God. Buddhism has no God. Hinduism believes in soul. According to Buddhism, there is no soul.” Delhi University Paper and 3 Pg. 492

In December 1956 i.e. days before he passed away, some Jain leaders met him and presented BRA a copy of the book Jaina aur Buddha. They pressed him to attend a function the next morning and discuss some points with their Muni. He agreed to attend if health permitted. 3 Pg. 512

B. Post becoming a Buddhist BRA said, “I have no faith in the philosophy of incarnation. I am no more a devotee of any Hindu god or goddess.” 3 Pg. 500 He framed 22 pledges, the fourth of which was “I do not believe in the incarnation of God.” According to Jainpedia.org, “The cycle of birth–samsara– is one of the principal theories in Jain belief and is closely linked to the concepts of the soul and karma.” Read  Jain philosophy simplified and read about Soul here

C. Jain Eating Restrictions

Jains do not eat non-vegetarian food and no vegetable that grows underground.  Thus excluded from the diet are onions, garlic, potatoes, radish, carrot, beetroot and sweet potatoes. A friend who confirmed the vegetable restrictions said, “We are talking about strict Jains here.” 

It is possible that BRA knew about these food restrictions and the adverse impact on the food habits on his followers – the Depressed Classes. 

D. Sects and sub-sects in Jaina Darsana

Jains are primarily divided into Digamber and Svetamber. Thereafter, there are many sub-groups. Dr Vilas Sangave tells about the different sects

It is possible that BRA knew about different sects and may be did not appeal to him. BRA said that his Buddhism would be a sort of neo-Buddhism or Navayana.

Actually, when BRA adopted Buddhism “The Maha Bodhi, a famous Buddhist journal in India opined that in The Buddha and His Dhamma, BRA’s interpretation of the theory of Karma, Ahimsa & that Buddhism was merely a social system, constituted not the correct interpretation of Buddhism but a new orientation.” 3 Pg 521

Would the Jain community agree to a reinterpretation of its philosophy.

E. Jains mostly belong the Business and Warrior communities

Atleast in Northern and Western India that most Jains belong to the warrior and business communities.

How would they react to a large population of the Depressed Classes community adopting Jaina Darsana is unknown?

From Ambedkar’s point of view, he would encounter the higher castes again! 

These are some reasons why BRA did not find adopting Jain faith acceptable.

2. Why did BRA not become a SIKH is very interesting?

At the outset must state that my Dadi (father mother) was Sikh and our family temple had a picture of Guru Nanak Ji till the 1980s till Khalistanis made me Hindu. My analysis is based on hindsight, do not know fully how BRA thought.

A. In 1936, BRA sent a group of followers to the Sikh Mission at Amritsar to study Sikh religion.

They were a group of 13, none of whom was a scholar or a first rate Ambedkarite. In an excess of zeal those students went over to Sikhism & did what their leader did not mean. They returned to Bombay and then sank into oblivion. 3 Pg. 284

While weighing his decision to adopt Sikh faith, BRA was concerned whether the Depressed Classes would continue to retain the reserved seats in the Provincial Assembles because Sikhs were granted reserved seats only in Punjab. 3 Pg. 276

B. Perhaps, Ambedkar knew about the condition of DC Sikhs in Punjab!

SC amongst Sikhs are called Mazhabis and Ramdasia etc. Their condition can be known from the fact that decades later (1990s), the founder of the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) Kanshiramji, a Ramdasia Sikh, chose to pursue a social revolution in Uttar Pradesh (former Chief Minister Mayavati is his protege) but not in Punjab. Less said about relations between Jaat Sikhs and Ravidassai the better. Read Life and Teachings of Sant Ravidas

From the time the state of Punjab was formed in 1966, it probably had only two non-Jaat chief ministers i.e. Giani Zail Singh (from the carpenter community of Ramgariya Sikhs) and Charanjit Channi (from the Chamar community of Ramdasia Sikhs). Chamars are followers of Sant Ravidas.

Inspite of being only about 20% of Punjab’s population against the backward classes of about 30% the Jaat Sikhs assume a share of power i.e. disproportionate to their population.

Further, the backwards e.g. chamars are not treated well. According to a Punjab based scholar, “They are considered pariahs in all matters. Sikhs generally used the epithet Sant for Ravidas, denying him the status of Guru, which they kept only for their own ten gurus. While Ravidasis take pride in being chamars (as did their guru) Sikhs continue to consider chamars as low caste. Inter-dining, intermarriage between two communities is still not accepted, although the elite among them enjoys a better social status by virtue of their political or economic power.” Rajput Queen Meerabai was a follower and disciple of Sant Ravidas.

C. What was the definition of a Sikh in the Gurudwaras Act 1925?

The 1925 Act stated that on becoming Sikh people have to sport the five external forms of Khalsa–turban, kada etc. Since Sikh faith was mostly limited to Punjab, speaking Punjabi was mandatory, tacit approval. 

Would Ambedkar’s followers wear turbans and give up Marathi for Punjabi! The main temple of Sikh faith is Amritsar, too far for Marathi speaking followers.

D. How the constitution of SGPC might have influenced Ambedkar’s decision?

The Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) controlled gurdwaras in undivided Punjab. In turn, SGPC was controlled by the Akali Dal. Then and now the Dal was supported by Jaat Sikhs.

It was thus unlikely that the SGPC would welcome a large number of scheduled castes who based on the strength of their numbers take control of the SGPC.

Prof Harish Puri adds, “Such is the evidence offered by Sardar Kapur Singh in his well-known but controversial book, Saachi Sakhi. According to him there was an apprehension that once the tall leader Ambedkar became a Sikh with all his followers, none from the existing leaders like Baldev Singh may be nominated to the Viceroy’s Executive Council as a representative of the Sikh community.” 9

E. Did Ambedkar know that all the Gurus were Khatris (simply Kshatriyas)?

Guru Nanak was a Bedi, Angad a Trehan, Amar Das a Bhalla and the rest were Sodhis.

F. Did Ambedkar know this Guru Govind Singh’s prayer to Lord Shiva?

I found this quote on a plaque of the Siachen War Memorial.

 “Oh Lord Shiva, grant me this boon that, I never shy away from doing good deeds. I should never be frightened away from fighting for Justice, Dharma and Rightful Cause and I should be determined to emerge victorious from this battle. Every soldier to have a pure heart and mind and let not greed come near him. When the time comes for my soul to unite with yours I should die fighting in the battle field.”

Ironically the first of the 22 vows that all Ambedkarites take is, “I will not regard Brahma, Vishnu or Mahadev as gods and I will not worship them.”

Since the nationalist in Ambedkar was clear that he did not want DC to go out of Hindu culture, the only option left was to adopt Buddha Dharma, something he did in 1956, a good 21 years after he declared that he would not die a Hindu.

As always am happy to stand corrected. Love.

Also read and References 

1. Are Ambedkarites Buddhist

2. Jaina Philosophy and Religion by Munisri Nyayavijayaji

3. Dr. Ambedkar Life and Mission’ by Dhananjay Keer.

4. Why are ambedkarites called neo Buddhist

5. 22 Vows taken by Dr Ambedkar - ThePrint

6. Punjabi Jaat Sikhs and their political dominance

7. Caste in Sikhs

8. Why do Sikhs wear Turbans

9. The Scheduled Castes in the Sikh Community – A Historical Perspective by Prof Harish K Puri. [First published in Economic & Political Weekly (28 June 2003)