What question did this study set out to answer?

The article examines Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism and its role in challenging the Indian caste system.

May 9, 2026Contemporary Voice of Dalit0 citations

Deeksha Bhoomi and the Navayana Buddhism: A Challenge to the Indian Caste System

AMAbir Lal MazumderSouth Asian University SBSomenath BhattacharjeeNagaland University

Key Points

The article examines Dr. Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism and its role in challenging the Indian caste system.
Analyzes ethnographic narratives from individuals connected to Deeksha Bhoomi and local intellectuals.
Compares the approaches of M. K. Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar regarding caste inequality.
Explores the differences between Navayana Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism within the context of revival movements.
Highlights the anti-caste movement fueled by Ambedkar's conversion at Deeksha Bhoomi.
Investigates contrasting perspectives on casteism from Gandhi and Ambedkar.
Shows the cultural and political significance of Deeksha Bhoomi in promoting Navayana Buddhism.

Abstract

In this article, Dr Ambedkar’s conversion to Buddhism in the light of Deeksha Bhoomi is discussed in terms of the anti-caste movement. The article also debates the differences in approach to the question of ‘graded inequality’ of casteism between M. K. Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar in light of ethnographic narratives collected from people in the site and intellectuals based in the city. The difference between the site of Deeksha Bhoomi, which promotes Navayana Buddhism, and Mahabodhi Temple, which promotes Mahayana Buddhism, has been discussed, in relation to the different faces of cultural and political revival movements in India.

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