B. R. Ambedkar

Reviews / Votes

'During his lifetime, as well as after his death, Ambedkar remains a controversial figure, highly admired, almost deified by some, and attacked by others. A judiciously balanced view of him has been eluding Indians, partly because the cause for which he fought continues to do so. Shashi Tharoor's book marks a welcome departure. Well researched, beautifully written, and skilfully argued, it traces the development of Ambedkar's thought and explains why he remains a powerful presence in India's political and cultural life. I strongly recommend it and hope it will generate a much needed public debate on the man and his legacy.'
Professor Lord Bhikhu Parekh

'Shashi Tharoor's B.R. Ambedkar is no ordinary biography. It is the first major book to evaluate not only Ambedkar's life, but also to delve deeply into his enduring legacy -- to follow Ambedkar not only through his own times, but to place him firmly into our own. That already is a remarkable achievement. The fact that this is done by one statesman looking at another makes it all the more remarkable.'
Aakash Singh Rathore, author of Becoming Babasaheb: The Life and Times of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar

'Readers familiar with India's recent history and current conditions will most appreciate Tharoor's biographical narrative and sensitive argumentation, especially about the dangers of India's current Hindu nationalism.'
M. H. Fisher, emeritus, Oberlin College, CHOICE (March 2024 Vol. 61 No. 7) -- .