WHO WERE THE SHUDRAS ?

"Who Were the Shudras?" delves deep into the historical and social stratification of the Shudra class within the traditional Indo-Aryan society, a topic meticulously explored by the esteemed social justice leader B.R. Ambedkar. Published on February 19, 2019, this compelling book uncovers the roots and repercussions of the Chaturvarnya system, which institutionalized inequality through a rigid class hierarchy, placing Shudras at a disadvantageous position, legally and socially. Ambedkar's analysis goes beyond mere classification, revealing a complex structure of graded inequality that has historically impacted approximately 75 to 80 percent of the Hindu population, excluding the Untouchables. Aimed primarily at adult education groups, this book not only educates on the caste-based discrimination endured by the Shudras but also ignites a conversation on broader racial justice themes. It challenges readers to reflect on how deep-seated social structures can shape the lives of vast populations and questions how contemporary societies can address such inherited inequalities.