Explain Ambedkar’s view on Indian village.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar held a critical perspective on the traditional Indian village, which he believed was riddled with social hierarchies, inequalities, and oppressive practices. He viewed the Indian village as a microcosm of the larger caste-based society, where the caste system manifested itself in all aspects of life.

Ambedkar argued that the village was often a hotbed of discrimination and exploitation, where the upper castes exercised immense control over the lower castes. He saw the village as a place where Dalits and marginalized communities faced severe social ostracism, economic deprivation, and limited access to education and healthcare.

Ambedkar was skeptical of the romanticized view of the village as an idyllic and self-sustaining community. Instead, he believed that urbanization and modernization were essential for breaking the shackles of the caste system and promoting social justice. He saw urban areas as places where individuals could escape the oppressive confines of the village and seek better opportunities, education, and social mobility.

In summary, Ambedkar’s view on the Indian village was critical, as he saw it as a reflection of the deep-rooted caste-based inequalities and believed that true social progress would only be possible through urbanization and modernization.