Hinduism’s Historical Oppression of Women
Hinduism’s laws have tormented women throughout history, leading to practices such as Sati, child marriage, the killing of daughters, the dowry system, and the degrading laws of the Manusmriti. These laws continue to be supported by RSS, Manuwadi ideologies, and the Brahmin upper-caste, whose influence in society has never allowed women to receive respect either socially or politically. Instead, women were treated as objects. Even though Dr. B.R. Ambedkar provided women with rights by making hindu code bill, Hindu women, influenced by the Brahmin patriarchal Manuwadi system, still feel powerlessness and continue to worship the Hindu deities without realizing that their rights come from Babasaheb, not from any deity. The reason behind this is the Manuwadi elites who wish to maintain their caste hierarchy and power while sitting in temples, trying to keep their position intact.
Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Contribution to Women’s Rights
The laws and rights that Babasaheb Ambedkar introduced for women were nothing short of a life-saving act for every girl and woman.
The Historical Struggle of Women in India
Historically, women in India have faced inequality and injustice. In the past, they had to struggle for long periods to avoid social evils and fight for freedom and equality. Traditional practices were oppressive towards women. There was no legal basis for divorce, men were allowed multiple marriages, and widows were prohibited from remarrying. Women were denied property rights, and when movements for women’s education began, many conservatives opposed it. Families that sent their daughters to school were socially boycotted. Babasaheb Ambedkar, seeing the pitiable condition of women, created a legal framework for social reform, known as the Hindu Code Bill. He was deeply passionate about getting this bill passed and even stated that the passing of this bill would give him more happiness than the Indian Constitution. On April 11, 1947, Babasaheb introduced the Hindu Code Bill in the Constituent Assembly. He dedicated as much effort to this bill as he did to creating the Constitution. However, almost all male members of Parliament opposed it.
Opposition from Conservative Religious Groups
Babasaheb Ambedkar faced strong opposition from Sanatani religious groups, RSS, Arya Samaj, and many conservative organizations. The bill aimed to end oppressive traditions towards women, which these conservative factions claimed was against Hinduism. They advocated for the preservation of these outdated practices.
- The Hindu Code Bill contained several revolutionary provisions that promoted women’s rights, including: granting women the right to divorce, equal inheritance rights for daughters, full property rights for widows, the right to education for women, and ending discrimination against women, providing them with dignity and equality in society. The bill also proposed legal provisions to protect women from mental and physical abuse, allowing legal action against husbands for insults, physical exploitation, and mental suffering.
The Unyielding Opposition to the Hindu Code Bill
RSS, Hindu organizations, Arya Samaj, and religious conservatives opposed it, calling it anti-Hindu. The Hindu organizations vehemently opposed the Hindu Code Bill, claiming it went against Hindu traditions and scriptures. In 1951, Babasaheb Ambedkar once again introduced the bill in Parliament. But once again, it faced massive opposition both inside and outside Parliament. The debate lasted for three days, but ultimately the bill was not passed. Due to this deep opposition and frustration, Babasaheb resigned from the position of Law Minister. The Hindu wing of the Jana Sangh also opposed the bill. Even outside Parliament, there were protests against the bill, led by figures like Hariharanand Saraswati (also called Karpatri Maharaj). Karpatri Maharaj had founded the Akhil Bharatiya Ram Rajya Parishad and had challenged Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to debate the bill. RSS, Hindu Mahasabha, and other Hindu organizations held rallies across the country. These organizations played a major role in preventing the bill from passing.
Political and Social Challenges in Passing the Bill
At the time, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru supported the Hindu Code Bill, but he faced fierce opposition from Hindu organizations like RSS. Due to the protests and the general elections, Nehru refrained from pushing the bill at that time. In February 1949, during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly, Nehru expressed his support for the bill, calling it a necessary law. However, the Congress government later divided the bill into several parts and passed it. It was because of this bill that Hindu women and marginalized girls began to receive rights, all thanks to Babasaheb. Babasaheb’s contribution has greatly improved the status of women in India.
The Importance of Babasaheb’s Struggle for Women’s Rights
Babasaheb Ambedkar’s struggle for women’s rights was extremely important. Thanks to him, women in Indian society have gained equality, respect, and security. His contributions were not just for women but for the entire society. Babasaheb will always be remembered. As Babasaheb said, “I measure the progress of a community by the progress made by its women.” Jai Bhim!
Conclusion: Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Legacy in Rights and the Hindu Code Bill
The Hindu Code Bill was a revolutionary step toward gender equality in India, championed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar despite fierce opposition from RSS, Arya Samaj, and conservative Hindu organizations. His relentless efforts ensured that Hindu women gained rights to divorce, property, education, and protection from social injustices. Unfortunately, Manuwadi ideologies continue to influence Hindu society, preventing women from recognizing the true source of their rights.
His words, “I measure the progress of a community by the progress made by its women,” remain a guiding principle for modern India. To truly honor his legacy, society must continue to challenge caste-based patriarchy and discrimination, ensuring that his vision of an equal and just India is fully realized.
