Worshipping False Gods by Arun Shourie is a thought-provoking book that takes a critical look at the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar. Over the years, Ambedkar has been idolized like no other political leader, with his statues, writings, and symbolism holding significant sway in India’s socio-political discourse. Arun Shourie, known for his meticulous research, questions the myths surrounding Ambedkar and examines his role in India’s freedom struggle, social reform, and the making of the Indian Constitution.
The book, Worshipping False Gods, is divided into three sections. The first section focuses on Ambedkar’s opposition to the Congress Party and the freedom movement, particularly his conflicts with Mahatma Gandhi. Shourie investigates claims about Ambedkar’s coordination with the British during this period, challenging the narrative of him being a freedom fighter. The second section contrasts Ambedkar’s approach to social reform with Gandhi’s, shedding light on key events like the Poona Pact, which shaped the trajectory of caste politics in India.
In the final section of Worshipping False Gods, Shourie delves into the making of the Indian Constitution, exploring how it evolved through various committees and contributions over decades. He questions the widely held belief that Ambedkar single-handedly crafted the Constitution, presenting it instead as a collective effort shaped by multiple actors. By drawing from archival records, Shourie presents a detailed and passionate argument, encouraging readers to critically evaluate the myths surrounding Ambedkar’s legacy.
Through Worshipping False Gods, Arun Shourie not only revisits historical events but also addresses the political exploitation of Ambedkar’s legacy, highlighting how his writings have been used by various groups to advance their agendas. With its rigorous analysis and thought-provoking insights, the book challenges readers to go beyond popular narratives and engage with the complex realities of history.
Book Details and Purchase Options for Worshipping False Gods
Worshipping False Gods by Arun Shourie, published by Harper India in English, is available in multiple formats. The paperback edition, released on July 27, 2012, contains 680 pages and is priced at ₹582. The hardcover version is available for ₹410, while the Kindle edition is offered at a budget-friendly price of ₹309.
You can purchase the book from various online retailers, including Amazon, Goodreads and Flipkart. Choosing the Kindle edition is a great option for readers who prefer digital formats, as it is often more affordable, allows for convenient reading on-the-go, and provides features like adjustable font sizes and built-in dictionaries, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Themes in Worshipping False Gods
The Critique of Ambedkar’s Role in the Freedom Movement: In Worshipping False Gods, Arun Shourie critically examines Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s role during India’s freedom struggle. The book argues that Ambedkar was not an advocate for freedom from British rule and that Ambedkar was not an active participant in the movement and instead worked closely with the British as part of the Viceroy’s Council during the Quit India Movement. Shourie raises the question of whether Ambedkar’s opposition to the Congress and Mahatma Gandhi hindered India’s fight for independence. Through archival records, the author presents Ambedkar as a figure who prioritized social reform over political liberation, challenging widely accepted narratives. According to Shourie, Ambedkar’s public life during this period lacked efforts toward independence, aligning him more with the British establishment than with nationalist leaders.
Ambedkar vs. Gandhi on Social and Political Reform: A key theme in Worshipping False Gods is the contrasting approaches of Ambedkar and Gandhi toward social reform. Shourie highlights the Poona Pact as a pivotal moment, showcasing how Gandhi’s focus was on integrating marginalized communities into the larger Indian society, while Ambedkar sought systemic change for Dalits. The book suggests that Ambedkar’s emphasis on eradicating caste injustice often put him at odds with Gandhi, whose priorities leaned toward political sovereignty over immediate social transformation.
Ambedkar and the Making of the Indian Constitution: In Worshipping False Gods, Shourie challenges the popular belief that Ambedkar single-handedly authored the Indian Constitution. Author argues that the Constitution was the result of decades of collective efforts by various leaders, committees, and thinkers. While acknowledging Ambedkar’s significant contributions as the head of the Drafting Committee, the book critiques the narrative that portrays him as the sole architect of the Constitution. Shourie delves into the Constituent Assembly debates to show how the document evolved over time and through collaborative efforts.
Ambedkar’s Legacy and Its Political Exploitation: The book critically examines how Ambedkar’s legacy has been shaped and, at times, exploited for political gain. Shourie argues that politicians across the spectrum have used Ambedkar’s name to further their agendas, often misrepresenting his ideas and contributions. In Worshipping False Gods, he critiques the creation of a “cult of Ambedkar,” which, according to the author, has overshadowed the collective contributions of others in India’s history.
A Polemical Narrative on Social Injustice: Worshipping False Gods addresses Ambedkar’s strong stance against the social injustices rooted in caste discrimination. Shourie critiques Ambedkar’s “antipathy” toward Hinduism and Brahminical practices but fails, some argue, to fully contextualize the reasons behind Ambedkar’s opposition. By focusing heavily on Ambedkar’s conflicts with Gandhi and his methods, the book raises questions about whether political reform can be achieved at the cost of social inequality.
Criticism of Historical Narratives: Shourie uses Worshipping False Gods to critique what he perceives as the selective representation of history in modern discourse. He claims that Ambedkar’s role in the freedom struggle and the making of the Constitution has been exaggerated by vested interests. Shourie also examines how the political class has constructed myths around Ambedkar to garner electoral support, often sidelining other leaders’ contributions.
Ambedkar’s Position on Caste and Hinduism: In Worshipping False Gods, Shourie explores Ambedkar’s views on caste and Hinduism, portraying them as sharply critical. Ambedkar’s critique, prominently expressed in his Annihilation of Caste, equated the caste system with oppression, likening it to the antisemitism of the Nazis. Shourie highlights Ambedkar’s belief that Hinduism existed to subjugate the weak, describing it as an ideology of suppression and exploitation by the ‘upper’ castes. This stance, according to the author, relied heavily on colonial and missionary narratives.
Ambedkar’s Relationship with the British and Jinnah: The book points out that Dr. Ambedkar often sided with the British and supported Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s opposition to the Congress. Shourie underscores Ambedkar’s participation in the Round Table Conference, where he aligned with Jinnah and the colonial government rather than nationalist leaders. Ambedkar also endorsed Jinnah’s Day of Deliverance, celebrating the resignation of Congress ministries in protest against British wartime policies. This alignment, Shourie argues, placed Ambedkar on the side of divisive politics during a crucial period in India’s history.
Ambedkar’s Electoral and Political Struggles: Worshipping False Gods examines Ambedkar’s political career, noting his lack of electoral success. Despite his claims to represent the Depressed Classes, Ambedkar’s party failed to gain significant support, even in reserved constituencies. Shourie draws attention to the contrast between Ambedkar’s self-portrayal as the sole representative of the Dalits and his political outcomes, which consistently favoured Congress in these constituencies.
Ambedkar’s Controversial Claims and Legacy: The book discusses Ambedkar’s assertion that the Scheduled Castes were instrumental in British victories in India, a claim that Shourie critiques as both contentious and divisive. Worshipping False Gods questions Ambedkar’s legacy as a leader of the oppressed, suggesting that his rhetoric and political strategies were more aligned with British interests than with the collective aspirations of Indians during the freedom struggle.
Shortcomings in the Book’s Approach: While Worshipping False Gods is based on extensive research, critics argue that it lacks balance. For instance, Shourie’s portrayal of Ambedkar as an “ungrateful” individual for resigning over the Hindu Code Bill is seen as dismissive of Ambedkar’s fight for women’s rights. The book has also been criticized for not addressing Ambedkar’s early life struggles and his advocacy for Dalits and women, which were central to his ideology.
Worshipping False Gods by Arun Shourie is a provocative book that challenges the popular narrative surrounding B.R. Ambedkar. By focusing on Ambedkar’s role in the freedom struggle, social reform, and the making of the Constitution, Shourie provides an alternative perspective on his legacy. However, the book’s tone and selective focus have sparked debates, making it both a significant yet controversial contribution to historical and political discourse. Readers are encouraged to approach it critically and explore Ambedkar’s original writings for a comprehensive understanding of his contributions.
These themes collectively highlight Arun Shourie’s critical perspective on Dr. Ambedkar’s role in Indian history, presenting Worshipping False Gods as a controversial yet meticulously argued exploration of one of India’s most debated figures.
Why You Should Read Worshipping False Gods
Learn About India’s History and Constitution: Worshipping False Gods by Arun Shourie offers a detailed look into India’s history and how the Constitution was created. The book reveals how many parts of the Constitution were borrowed from the Government of India Act, 1935. It is a fascinating read for anyone curious about how India’s political and legal systems were shaped.
Understand Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in Indian Politics: While Worshipping False Gods questions some of Dr. Ambedkar’s decisions, it also highlights his brilliance as a scholar and leader. Arun Shourie provides a balanced view of Ambedkar’s life, including his choices during the freedom movement. This makes the book a valuable resource for understanding Ambedkar’s legacy.
Filled with Facts and Evidence: Arun Shourie’s Worshipping False Gods is backed by extensive research, offering facts and evidence for every claim. If you enjoy books that encourage you to think deeply and challenge popular beliefs, this book is a great choice.
See a Different Side of Ambedkar’s Story: The book presents a fresh perspective on Dr. Ambedkar’s life and decisions, offering insights that are often overlooked. When read alongside other works, like Shashi Tharoor’s books, Worshipping False Gods gives a well-rounded understanding of Ambedkar’s contributions to India.
A Thought-Provoking Read for Curious Minds: Worshipping False Gods is perfect for readers who want to explore complex topics about history and politics. Arun Shourie’s detailed writing ensures that you learn something new while forming your own opinions about Dr. Ambedkar’s role in India’s freedom struggle.
A Must-Read for History and Politics Enthusiasts: Whether you are interested in Indian history, politics, or the making of the Constitution, Worshipping False Gods by Arun Shourie is a book worth reading. It combines historical facts with political analysis, making it a valuable addition to your reading list.
Final Thoughts
Arun Shourie’s Worshipping False Gods is a deeply analytical book that challenges popular narratives about Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s role in shaping modern India. The author critically examines Ambedkar’s ideology, highlighting his strong opposition to Hinduism and its traditions. Shourie suggests that Ambedkar’s views were influenced by colonial and missionary frameworks, which portrayed Hinduism as regressive and caste-driven. The book delves into how these narratives shaped Ambedkar’s call for the annihilation of caste, which was closely tied to his critique of Hinduism.
Shourie also critiques India’s post-independence education system and cultural policies, which he believes disconnected the nation from its rich heritage. He argues that the leadership of the time, including Nehru and Ambedkar, perpetuated a colonial mindset that dismissed India’s traditions while glorifying foreign ideologies. This approach, Shourie suggests, led to a skewed understanding of India’s history and culture, leaving the nation with a fractured identity.
The book draws attention to the importance of rediscovering and preserving India’s cultural roots, emphasizing that blind glorification of any ideology or leader, including Ambedkar, can harm a nation’s cultural and historical understanding. While Worshipping False Gods may not align with everyone’s beliefs, it provides a fresh perspective and invites critical reflection on widely accepted historical narratives. For readers willing to question established ideas and explore alternative viewpoints, this book is a valuable and thought-provoking read.
