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.

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.

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A detail that
surprised us

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

The Story

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.
3During 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.
4Ramabai bore five children, but heartbreak struck as four of them died in childhood, leaving only Yashwant Ambedkar to survive into adulthood.

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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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.

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Through the Years

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

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Birth in Vanand, Maharashtra
Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar was born into a poor family in the village of Vanand near Dapoli, Maharashtra.
c.1896
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Other
Marriage to Bhimrao Ambedkar
Ramabai married Bhimrao Ambedkar at age nine in a simple ceremony at the Byculla vegetable market in Mumbai.
1906
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Other
Birth of son Yashwant Ambedkar
Yashwant Ambedkar, the only surviving child of Ramabai and Bhimrao Ambedkar, was born.
1912
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Other
Ambedkar studies abroad supported
Ramabai supported Ambedkar’s education abroad at Columbia University and London School of Economics despite severe hardships at home.
c.1920
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Death
Death at Rajgruha, Bombay
Ramabai died after a prolonged illness at Rajgruha, Hindu Colony, Dadar, Bombay, after 29 years of marriage.
1935
📖
Publication
Dedication in Ambedkar’s book
Ambedkar dedicated his book "Thoughts on Pakistan" to Ramabai, crediting her for his transformation.
1941
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
👤PERSONAL

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

02 / 04
👤PERSONAL

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

03 / 04
🌍HISTORICAL IMPACT

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

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🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Rohit Pisal |माता रमाईंच्या स्मरणार्थ ३९ कोटी रुपयांची साडी;गोल्डन मॅन रोहित पिसाळ यांनी दिली माहिती

🌱 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.

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