“What the Communist Manifesto is to the capitalist world, Annihilation of Caste is to India.” —Anand Teltumbde, author of The Persistence of Caste

Hindu society is a collection of castes.

The caste system is a negative thing.

Caste has no scientific origin.

The caste system is a division of labourers.

Caste has completely disorganised and demoralised the Hindus.

It is a pity that caste even today has its defenders.

In 1936, Dr B.R. Ambedkar imagined a future for India without caste. He not only condemned the caste system but called for the annihilation of the very idea. For this, he said, the Hindus must discard their Vedas and Shastras that do not teach them reason or morality. The Arya Samaj group that invited him to their annual conference found his views ‘unbearable’ and disinvited him.

The undelivered speech, Annihilation of Caste, is a modern classic. This elegant, affordable, accessible edition offers the best for less.