The volume, Who were the Shudras? by Ambedkar is one of the most popular sociological works on the Indian caste system. This is a study based on Ambedkar’s hypothesis on the formation of Shudra varna or caste in the chaturvarna (four classes) order in the Indian caste system. He explains of how the Shudra caste became so degraded. He gave his exposition about the Shudra based on the references taken from the ancient Sanskrit canons like Vedas, Epics like Mahabharata, etc. He dedicated this book to the renowned Indian social reformer Jyotirao Phule (1827-1890), who established the Satyashodhak Samaj in 1873 along with his wife and social reformer Savitribai Phule (1831-1897). About the Author Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was a constitutionalist, economist, political activist, and jurist, who headed the committee drafting the constitution of The Republic of India. Born in the family of Mahars, an untouchable caste, he completed his higher education at the University of Mumbai, London School of Economics, and earned his doctorate from Columbia University. He is also known for the Dalit rights movement and the establishment of the Neo-Buddhism movement, which is a socio-political movement among the Dalits.
