Abstract:
The literature on caste in Indian economic thought is sparse. This paper attempts to locate the economics of caste in Indian economic thought by focusing on the works of Dr B R Ambedkar. We look at the writings of Ambedkar to understand the role of caste in mediating, regulating, and reproducing hierarchies in the economic domain and the role of caste in society’s economic organization. We rely on primary texts such as the various volumes of Ambedkar's writings and speeches. The paper discusses, from the works of Ambedkar, the role of caste as an axis of economic exploitation and the economic policies needed to address the resulting privileges and deprivations. The paper also argues that Ambedkar’s work can be used to conceptualise the economic aspects of the contemporary caste question.