Dynamic Relationship of Nehru and Ambedkar

The Dynamic Relationship of Nehru and Ambedkar

Jawaharlal Nehru, as India's first Prime Minister, played a vital role in the Indian independence movement. He was a key member of the Indian National Congress, advocating for a free and democratic India. In contrast, B.R. Ambedkar was not only a prominent social reformer but also the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, dedicated to fighting social discrimination against Dalits.

Professional Relationship

Despite their differences, Nehru invited Ambedkar to join his cabinet as the Law Minister. This invitation acknowledged Ambedkar's expertise and his unwavering commitment to social justice. Together, they worked on the drafting of the Indian Constitution, with Ambedkar leading the drafting committee and receiving Nehru's support throughout the process.

Areas of Agreement

Both Nehru and Ambedkar shared a vision for modernizing India. They aimed to create a progressive nation, free from traditional and colonial constraints. Their commitment to social justice was evident, as both sought to uplift marginalized sections of society, albeit through different approaches.

• Constitutional Democracy: They recognized the importance of establishing a democratic framework for India. Ambedkar's pivotal role in drafting the Constitution aligned with Nehru's vision for a democratic nation.

Areas of Disagreement

Despite their shared goals, Nehru and Ambedkar had notable disagreements, particularly regarding caste reservations. Ambedkar was a strong advocate for caste-based reservations to ensure social justice for the Dalits. Nehru, while sympathetic towards Dalits, was cautious about such measures, fearing they might exacerbate social divisions.

• Codification of Hindu Law: Ambedkar pushed for a uniform civil code through the codification of Hindu law. Nehru was supportive yet cautious due to the religious sensitivities involved.
• Views on Religion and Society: Nehru's secular approach often conflicted with Ambedkar's critical stance on orthodox Hindu practices, culminating in Ambedkar's conversion to Buddhism.
• Foreign Policy: Their views diverged on foreign policy, especially during the Cold War. Nehru's non-alignment policy did not completely align with Ambedkar's perspectives.
• The Kashmir Issue: They also had differing opinions on handling the Kashmir conflict, with Nehru favoring diplomatic solutions while Ambedkar's stance remains less documented.

Conclusion

Though Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar were both instrumental in shaping modern India, their perspectives on critical issues varied. This complexity illustrates the challenges of navigating a newly independent nation. Nevertheless, their combined contributions laid a strong foundation for India's socio-political landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What was the relationship between Nehru and Ambedkar?
Answer: Nehru and Ambedkar had a professional relationship marked by collaboration on the Indian Constitution, where Nehru supported Ambedkar's role as the chairman of the drafting committee.

Q2. What were the main disagreements between Nehru and Ambedkar?
Answer: They disagreed on issues like caste-based reservations and the codification of Hindu law, with Nehru being more cautious compared to Ambedkar's assertive approach.

Q3. How did Nehru and Ambedkar view social justice?
Answer: Both leaders aimed for social justice, but Ambedkar strongly supported caste-based reservations, while Nehru had reservations about the potential for social divisions.

Q4. What impact did Nehru and Ambedkar have on India's Constitution?
Answer: Nehru, as Prime Minister, endorsed the Constitution, while Ambedkar, as its principal architect, ensured that it included provisions for social justice and democratic governance.

Q5. Did Nehru and Ambedkar agree on foreign policy?
Answer: No, their views on foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War, differed significantly, with Nehru advocating for non-alignment.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: Who was the principal architect of the Indian Constitution?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) B.R. Ambedkar
C) Mahatma Gandhi
D) Sardar Patel
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: What was a significant area of disagreement between Nehru and Ambedkar?
A) Economic policies
B) Caste-based reservations
C) Foreign alliances
D) Education reforms
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: What approach did Nehru advocate in foreign policy?
A) Alignment with the West
B) Non-alignment
C) Isolationism
D) Military alliances
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What did Ambedkar push for regarding Hindu law?
A) Abolition
B) Codification
C) Reformation
D) Preservation
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Which leader supported caste-based reservations for Dalits?
A) Jawaharlal Nehru
B) B.R. Ambedkar
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B