B.R. Ambedkar: The Quest for Justice

The five volumes of papers exploring the major themes of research surrounding the capacious oeuvre of Dr B.R. Ambedkar provide a summary evaluation of the state of Ambedkar studies internationally, highlight research trends both about and inspired by Ambedkar, and open up lines of future enquiry.

Volume 1 focuses specifically on the theme of political justice, including explorations in political theory inspired by Ambedkarite thought. Volume 2 examines key issues in social justice, especially in terms of Indian democracy, and provides a wide range of perspectives all anchored in Ambedkar's work and writings. Volume 3 covers legal and economic justice. The first part explores literature on the Constitution of India and its institutions, the idea of constitutional morality, rights and the rule of law, and Ambedkarite jurisprudence. The second part turns to a variety of issues in economic justice anchored in Ambedkar's economic philosophy. Volume 4 focuses on gender justice and racial justice. The first part explores Ambedkar's impact on efforts to achieve gender justice in India, and effects various readings of Ambedkar as a feminist. The second part turns to comparisons of race and caste and explores the ways in which the movements for racial justice and caste equality can learn from one another and seek strategies of synergy. Volume 5 treats of religious justice and cultural justice. It covers topics such as conversion, Navayana Buddhism, and liberation theology. The second part explores timely issues in cultural justice inspired by Ambedkar's own activism and struggles.

Aakash Singh Rathore is author of Ambedkar's Preamble: A Secret History of the Constitution of India (Penguin, 2020), and regular contributor to The Indian Express and Outlook magazine. Rathore has taught at Jawaharlal Nehru University, the Universities of Delhi, Rutgers, Pennsylvania, Toronto, Humboldt Berlin, LUISS-Rome, and Jindal Global University.

His twenty previous books range from political philosophy, law, and religion to literature, sports, and wine. These include Hegel's India: A Reinterpretation, with Texts (Oxford University Press, 2017), and B.R. Ambedkar's The Buddha and His Dhamma: A Critical Edition (Oxford University Press, 2010). He is also author of the forthcoming book, B.R. Ambedkar: A Definitive Biography.