Temple Entry Movement

The Temple Entry movement was a social reform movement led by B. R. Ambedkar in the 1920s and 1930s to secure the right of Dalits (formerly known as “untouchables”) to enter and worship in Hindu temples. Back then, Dalits were not allowed to enter temples or participate in religious rituals due to the caste system, which considered them “impure” and “untouchables”.

The movement was sparked by the caste-based restrictions on temple entry that was in place in many parts of India, particularly in the southern states of Travancore and Kerala. These restrictions prevented Dalits and other marginalized groups from entering temples and participating in temple rituals, which were considered a fundamental aspect of Hindu culture and tradition.

The leaders of the movement campaigned for the abolition of these restrictions and for the rights of Dalits and other marginalized groups to enter temples and participate in temple rituals. They used various methods, including public speeches, demonstrations, and legal action, to raise awareness about the issue and pressure the government to take action.

B. R. Ambedkar (1891-1956) was an Indian jurist, economist, politician, and social reformer who is considered the father of the Indian Constitution. He was a Dalit leader who campaigned against social discrimination against the untouchables (Dalits) while supporting women’s and labor rights, temple entry movement was one of his major movement. 

Ambedkar was the first Indian to earn a doctorate in economics overseas. He was independent India’s first Minister of Law and Justice, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, and the founder of the Republic of India.

Ambedkar’s contributions to Indian society and politics are numerous. He was the chairman of the drafting committee that wrote the Constitution of India and was responsible for incorporating many progressive provisions into the Constitution, including the prohibition of discrimination on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. He also played a key role in creating the Reserve Bank of India and the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, a political party for Dalits.