Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) — one of India’s greatest scholars, social reformers, jurists, and the chief architect of the Indian Constitution — was also a highly accomplished academic. Before becoming a national leader, Dr. Ambedkar wrote several important theses during his higher studies in the United States and the United Kingdom. His research focused mainly on economics, politics, law, and society, and it laid the foundation for his later work in social justice and constitutional reform.
🎓 1. Master’s Thesis – Columbia University (1915)
Title: “Ancient Indian Commerce”
Institution: Columbia University, USA
Degree: M.A. in Economics
Year: 1915
✍️ Summary:
In this thesis, Dr. Ambedkar studied the structure, nature, and evolution of trade and commerce in ancient India. He explored how India was a major center of international trade and how commerce influenced its social, political, and economic systems. Ambedkar argued that economic factors played a major role in shaping Indian society, a theme that would continue in his later works.
🎓 2. Ph.D. Thesis – Columbia University (1916)
Title: “The Evolution of Provincial Finance in British India: A Study in the Provincial Decentralization of Imperial Finance”
Institution: Columbia University
Degree: Ph.D. in Economics
Year: 1916
✍️ Summary:
This thesis was an in-depth analysis of British India’s financial administration. Dr. Ambedkar examined how financial power was distributed between the central and provincial governments and how this system impacted governance, development, and economic growth.
He criticized the colonial fiscal policies for being exploitative and argued for a more equitable and decentralized financial system. This work highlighted his deep understanding of public finance and economic policy — knowledge he later applied while framing independent India’s economic policies.
🎓 3. D.Sc. Thesis – London School of Economics (1923)
Title: “The Problem of the Rupee: Its Origin and Its Solution”
Institution: London School of Economics (LSE)
Degree: Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) in Economics
Year: 1923
✍️ Summary:
This was one of Dr. Ambedkar’s most influential works. He examined the monetary and currency problems of British India, tracing the historical evolution of the rupee and analyzing how colonial policies affected India’s economy.
Ambedkar strongly criticized the Silver Standard and proposed a Gold Exchange Standard to stabilize the Indian currency. His work was so impactful that the British Government consulted him while reforming India’s monetary policy.
🎓 4. Thesis – Gray’s Inn & London School of Economics (1927)
Title: “The Law and Constitution of India” (Unfinished)
Field: Law and Constitutional Studies
Although incomplete, this research reflected Ambedkar’s deep interest in constitutional law, governance, and justice. It laid the intellectual groundwork for his later role as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution.
🌟 Significance of Ambedkar’s Theses
Economic Thought: Ambedkar was one of the first Indian scholars to analyze colonial economic policies critically.
Social Impact: His research connected economics with social justice, showing how financial structures could perpetuate inequality.
Policy Influence: Many of his ideas influenced post-independence India’s monetary, fiscal, and constitutional frameworks.
Scholarly Legacy: Ambedkar’s academic work remains relevant to economics, political science, public policy, and law even today.
🧠In Summary
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s theses were not just academic exercises — they were groundbreaking research projects that shaped his vision for a just, democratic, and economically strong India. Through his work on commerce, finance, currency, and governance, he laid the intellectual foundation for the modern Indian state.