Ramabai Ambedkar, Social Figure
Social Figure

Ramabai Ambedkar

Born 7 February 1898 · Maharashtra

Died 27 May 1935

Supporting B. R. Ambedkar through his higher education and social reform efforts.

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Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar was the wife of B. R. Ambedkar, who said her support was instrumental in helping him pursue his higher education and his true potential. She has been the subject of many biographical movies and books.

✨ A detail that surprised us

Ramabai once survived on just bhakri and chili for months while supporting Ambedkar’s overseas education, showcasing her extraordinary resilience in the early 1900s.

1. In 1906, a 9-year-old Ramabai married 15-year-old Bhimrao Ambedkar in a simple ceremony at Byculla vegetable market, Mumbai, marking the start of a life interwoven with social reform struggles.

2. 🌟 Born in Vanand village, Maharashtra, Ramabai's early years were shaped by poverty; her father carried baskets of fish to market, and she lost both parents young, moving to Bombay to live with uncles.

3. During Bhimrao Ambedkar’s studies abroad (Columbia University and London School of Economics), Ramabai endured severe hardship, surviving on just bhakri and chili, managing household struggles alone.

4. Ramabai bore five children, but heartbreak struck as four of them died in childhood, leaving only Yashwant Ambedkar to survive into adulthood.

5. In 1935, after 29 years of marriage, Ramabai died at Rajgruha, Dadar, Bombay, her prolonged illness coinciding with the formative years of Ambedkar's social fight.

6. 📚 Ambedkar dedicated his 1941 book "Thoughts on Pakistan" to Ramabai, crediting her with his transformation from Bhiva to Dr. Ambedkar, underscoring her silent but pivotal role.

7. Several Marathi and Kannada films from 1990 to 2016, including "Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar" (2011), have portrayed her life, cementing her presence in Indian cultural memory.

❓ How might Ramabai's sacrifices during Ambedkar’s education abroad have shaped the course of India's fight against caste discrimination?

Awards & Honours

🔍 One thing most people don't know

Ramabai married Bhimrao Ambedkar at the age of nine in 1906 in a very simple ceremony held at a vegetable market in Byculla, Mumbai, reflecting common customs of the time.

🖼️ Through the Years

Dr. Ramabai Ambedkar with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in a 1934 photograph.
Dr. Ramabai Ambedkar with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in a 1934 photograph.
1934
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar standing near the dead body of his wife Ramabai Ambedkar in 1935.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar standing near the dead body of his wife Ramabai Ambedkar in 1935.
1935
Dr. Ramabai Ambedkar with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and family at Rajgraha residence in 1934.
Dr. Ramabai Ambedkar with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and family at Rajgraha residence in 1934.
1934
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Ramabai Ambedkar attending a historic Vaidik marriage ceremony.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and Ramabai Ambedkar attending a historic Vaidik marriage ceremony.

📅 The Journey

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Birth in Vanand, Maharashtra

Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar was born into a poor family in the village of Vanand near Dapoli, Maharashtra.

Wikipedia

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Marriage to Bhimrao Ambedkar

Ramabai married Bhimrao Ambedkar at age nine in a simple ceremony at the Byculla vegetable market in Mumbai.

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Birth of son Yashwant Ambedkar

Yashwant Ambedkar, the only surviving child of Ramabai and Bhimrao Ambedkar, was born.

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Ambedkar studies abroad supported

Ramabai supported Ambedkar’s education abroad at Columbia University and London School of Economics despite severe hardships at home.

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Death at Rajgruha, Bombay

Ramabai died after a prolonged illness at Rajgruha, Hindu Colony, Dadar, Bombay, after 29 years of marriage.

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Dedication in Ambedkar’s book

Ambedkar dedicated his book "Thoughts on Pakistan" to Ramabai, crediting her for his transformation.

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1906
1912
c.1920
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1941

🗝️ Discoveries

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During Ambedkar’s studies abroad, Ramabai lived in extreme poverty, surviving often on just bread (bhakri) and chili, demonstrating her immense sacrifice and resilience.

Source: Moneycontrol article

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Out of Ramabai’s five children, only one, Yashwant Ambedkar (1912–1977), survived to adulthood, highlighting the tragic losses she endured during her lifetime.

Source: Wikipedia

🌏

Ambedkar’s 1941 book "Thoughts on Pakistan" was dedicated to Ramabai, whom he credited for his personal transformation and success.

Source: Wikipedia

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Ramabai’s life has inspired multiple films across languages, including Marathi and Kannada, with portrayals spanning from 1990 to 2016, reflecting her lasting cultural influence.

Source: Wikipedia

🎥 Speeches & Recordings

Rohit Pisal |माता रमाईंच्या स्मरणार्थ ३९ कोटी रुपयांची साडी;गोल्डन मॅन रोहित पिसाळ यांनी दिली माहिती

Discover the touching tribute to Ramabai Ambedkar with a grand saree worth 39 crore rupees, shared by Rohit Pisal.

YouTube

📖 Curated Sources

🌱 What changed because of them

Ramabai Ambedkar's unwavering support allowed B. R. Ambedkar to pursue education abroad, which was crucial for his intellectual development and leadership in drafting the Indian Constitution. Her sacrifices symbolized the silent struggles behind a monumental social movement that challenged caste oppression. Today, numerous landmarks and cultural works honor her legacy, reflecting her role as an enduring pillar in Ambedkar's life and India's social reform history.

💬 Social Buzz

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