Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Father of the Indian Constitution, is celebrated not only as a social reformer and political thinker but also as a world-class scholar. His academic journey across Columbia University, the London School of Economics, and Gray’s Inn is a testimony to his brilliance. The Thesis of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar reflects his deep engagement with economics, finance, and social issues that shaped modern India.
📖 Academic Journey of Dr. Ambedkar
- Columbia University (USA, 1913–1916): Completed M.A. in Economics and submitted his first thesis.
- London School of Economics (UK, 1920–1923): Pursued higher research and doctoral studies in economics.
- Gray’s Inn (London): Trained as a barrister alongside his doctoral studies.
📝 First Thesis at Columbia University
Dr. Ambedkar’s first academic milestone was his M.A. Thesis (1916) titled:
“Administration and Finance of the East India Company.”
In this thesis, he critically analyzed:
- The administrative structure of the East India Company.
- Its financial policies and their impact on India.
- How colonial exploitation drained Indian resources.
This thesis showcased his early interest in governance and finance, which later influenced his vision for independent India.
📑 Research on Caste System
In 1916, Ambedkar also presented his famous paper:
“Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis, and Development.”
- He explained how caste was not a natural division but a social construct.
- He highlighted its rigid mechanism of endogamy (marriage within caste).
- This became a foundation for his lifelong struggle against caste discrimination.
🎓 Doctoral Thesis at London School of Economics
At the London School of Economics, Ambedkar completed his doctoral thesis in 1923 titled:
“The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution.”
This work examined:
- The instability of the Indian currency under British rule.
- Problems of silver-based currency and exchange rates.
- Suggested solutions for a stable monetary system.
✅ His recommendations directly influenced the creation of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in 1935.
📚 Other Academic Works
Alongside his theses, Ambedkar also worked on:
- “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India” — studied fiscal decentralization.
- Research in law, politics, and sociology that shaped his later role as a Constitution maker.
🌍 Significance of Ambedkar’s Thesis
The Thesis of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was not just academic — it was transformative.
- It challenged colonial economic policies.
- It provided practical solutions for currency reforms.
- It laid the foundation for his fight against caste discrimination.
- It proved that knowledge can be a powerful weapon against oppression.
✨ Conclusion
The Thesis of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar remains a remarkable example of how scholarship can influence history. His deep research in economics and social structures not only earned him global recognition but also equipped him to shape the destiny of modern India. His theses are not mere academic documents — they are blueprints for justice, equality, and progress.