Dr. B.R. Ambedkar burned the Manusmriti (also spelled Manusmruti) on 25th December 1927 at Mahad, Maharashtra — a highly symbolic and revolutionary act that shook the foundations of traditional Hindu society.
This event, known as the “Manusmriti Dahan” (Burning of Manusmriti), was not just a protest against a religious text, but a powerful rejection of the caste-based oppression and inequality that the book symbolized.
Here’s a detailed explanation of why Dr. Ambedkar burnt the Manusmriti:
📕 What is Manusmriti?
Manusmriti is an ancient Hindu text, attributed to the sage Manu, considered one of the oldest legal texts (Dharmaśāstra) of Hinduism. It prescribes social duties, rules, and codes of conduct, especially based on varna (caste) and gender.
🔥 Why Did Dr. Ambedkar Burn It?
1. ❌ Institutionalized Caste Discrimination
Manusmriti upheld the varna system and legitimized the subjugation of lower castes, especially the Shudras and “Untouchables” (Dalits). It described them as inherently impure and denied them access to education, temple entry, and basic rights.
2. 🧕 Misogynistic Views on Women
The text portrays women as subordinate to men, denying them autonomy, education, property rights, and freedom. Ambedkar, who strongly advocated gender equality, viewed this as unacceptable.
3. ⚖️ Rejection of Social Justice
Manusmriti was often used by upper-caste elites as a justification for Brahmanical dominance and to maintain social hierarchies. Ambedkar, as a champion of liberty, equality, and fraternity, considered it a threat to democracy and social justice.
4. 📢 Symbolic Protest Against Oppression
By burning the text, Ambedkar was challenging the authority of religious dogma that promoted injustice. It was an act of intellectual rebellion and social revolution, aimed at awakening the masses and starting a new era of self-respect for the oppressed.
🗓️ The Event: Mahad Satyagraha, 1927
On December 25, 1927, during the Mahad Satyagraha (which also asserted the Dalit right to access public water), Dr. Ambedkar and hundreds of his followers publicly burned copies of the Manusmriti.
This date is now observed by many Dalit and Ambedkarite communities as “Manusmriti Dahan Divas” – a symbol of freedom from caste tyranny.
🕊️ What Did Dr. Ambedkar Say?
“We are determined to shake off the tyranny of the Brahmins and bring about a new order of things. The burning of the Manusmriti today means a breach with the past, a new life of liberty, equality and fraternity.”
🌟 Legacy of Manusmriti Dahan
This act was one of the earliest organized movements against caste oppression in India.
It challenged the moral authority of casteist scriptures and paved the way for Dalit assertion, identity, and rights.
It marked a turning point in Indian social reform, bringing Ambedkar’s leadership into national focus.
✅ Conclusion
Dr. Ambedkar burned the Manusmriti not out of hatred for religion, but out of love for justice and respect for human dignity. It was a call to reject oppressive traditions and embrace equality, rationality, and constitutional values.
Burning Manusmriti was a torch that lit the path to social revolution.