Iconoclast

Jul 16, 2026

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Chronological exploration of B. R. Ambedkar’s life and influence, structured into seven historical phases and a posthumous era. Themes trace the evolution of his leadership from Bhiva/Bhimrao origins through caste politics, struggle and statesmanship, engagements with Swaraj, and a final refuge in Buddhist teachings, culminating in the iconization of Ambedkar’s legacy.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages734

Reading Time18 h 50 min

Contents Significant Events Preface Abbreviations First Phase (1891–1918) A Legend Is Born: From Bhiva to Bhimrao Second Phase (1919–1927) Making of the Legend: From Bhimrao to Babasaheb Third Phase (1928–1934) The Legend Grows Over India: Dalits Get Their Leader Fourth Phase (1935–1940) Tryst with Class Politics: Streaks of Caste Fifth Phase (1941–1946) Return to Caste: Rebel Becoming a Statesman Sixth Phase (1947–1951) Glory and Disillusion: Taste of Swaraj Seventh Phase (1952–1956) The Last Days: Refuge in Buddha Posthumous Phase (1957–2023) The Legend Lives On: Iconization of the Iconoclast Notes and References Acknowledgements Follow Penguin Copyright Rama, my wife, who amazed me by her courage and humbled me by her support during my incarceration Advance Praise for the Book ‘A towering iconoclast of our own day writes with insight and passion about one of the greatest iconoclasts that India has ever known. But how well do we know Babasaheb Ambedkar, really? Anand Teltumbde’s longawaited biography educates the misinformed among us about the radical nature of Ambedkar ’s thought and action. At the same time, it challenges the experts among us, who—Teltumbde contends—may be guilty of an equal share of misunderstanding. This very provocative book might be this very provocative author ’s finest achievement yet’—Aakash Singh Rathore, author of Ambedkar ’s Preamble: A Secret History of the Constitution of India, and Becoming Babasaheb: The Life and Times of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar ‘Few lives rise above the incessant inertia of everyday life to strike a blow against received ways of doing things. Anand Teltumbde’s Iconoclast illuminates Bhimrao Ambedkar as one of these rare individuals who dared to challenge society’s sedimented customs and symbols. Make no mistake about it, Teltumbde dredges up new facts and insights to make his reflective biography a novel addition to the growing number of biographies about Babasaheb. Telling new stories that illuminate and do justice to Ambedkar ’s complex life is a challenge, but it’s one that Iconoclast reverently lives up to’—Scott R. Stroud, PhD, professor of communication studies, University of Texas at Austin and author of The Evolution of Pragmatism in India: An Intellectual Biography of B.R. Ambedkar ‘[In Iconoclast] Anand Teltumbde has given a fascinating account of the life, work and thought of Dr Ambedkar. This is the most detailed analysis of the different phases of his social, political and intellectual trajectory. Reading this exceptional piece of work, one understands why Bhimrao Ambedkar remains one of the most important figures of contemporary India: he was a scholar, a social worker and a statesman of a unique quality—as well as the ultimate humanist, a man who fought for equality at the grassroots level as well as politically and constitutionally. Presenting his achievements in chronological order, this book is truly a tour de force!’—

Jul 16, 2026

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