Gallery

His life in pictures

193 freely licensed photographs and images. Tap any picture to see its full caption, who made it, and where it comes from.

A portrait identified on Wikimedia Commons as Subhedar Ramji Maloji Sakpal (1838–1913), Bhimrao's father, who served as a Subedar-Major in the army. Undated; the original photographer and source are unknown. — Ramji Maloji Sakpal, Ambedkar's father · undated (before 1913)

A memorial (smarak) at Ambadave, the Ambedkar family's ancestral village in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Photographed in 2016. — Memorial at Ambadave village · 2016-10-28

A Buddha Vihara built at the site of the old house of Ramji Sakpal, Ambedkar's father, at Ambadave. Photographed in 2016. — Buddha Vihara on the site of Ramji Sakpal's old house · 2016-10-28

An old photograph captioned "Shewing our quarters at Mhow and the different bungalows", taken some time between about 1890 and 1910. Mhow was the army town where Bhimrao was born in 1891. — Army quarters at Mhow, around 1900 · c. 1890–1910

Bhim Janmabhoomi, the memorial at Dr. Ambedkar's birthplace in Dr. Ambedkar Nagar (Mhow), Madhya Pradesh. Photographed in 2020. — Bhim Janmabhoomi memorial, Mhow · 2020-12-11

Bullock carts at Harnai, a fishing port on the Konkan coast of Ratnagiri district, the region the Ambedkar family came from. A modern photograph (2011) used for context. — Bullock carts at Harnai on the Konkan coast · 2011-10-29

A modern sculpted relief titled "Birth Place at Mhow, Madhya Pradesh", one of a series of panels on Dr. Ambedkar's life at the Statue of Social Justice memorial in Vijayawada. It is an artist's depiction, not a historical photograph. — Relief: birthplace at Mhow · 2024-12-16 (photo)

A modern sculpted relief titled "Early Childhood and Education" from the series of panels on Dr. Ambedkar's life at the Statue of Social Justice memorial in Vijayawada. It is an artist's depiction, not a historical photograph. — Relief: early childhood and education · 2024-12-16 (photo)

A modern sculpted relief titled "Inculcated in the Kabirpanthi Tradition" at the Statue of Social Justice memorial in Vijayawada. It is an artist's depiction of his family's link to the teachings of the poet-saint Kabir. — Relief: raised in the Kabirpanthi tradition · 2024-12-16 (photo)

A modern sculpted relief titled "School Education in Poverty" at the Statue of Social Justice memorial in Vijayawada. It is an artist's depiction, not a historical photograph. — Relief: school education in poverty · 2024-12-16 (photo)

A portrait of Ambedkar as a young man, dated 1912 on Wikimedia Commons. The original photographer is unknown. — Young Bhimrao Ambedkar · 1912 (per Commons)

A studio portrait of Ambedkar as a young man. Wikimedia Commons dates it only as "before 1920"; the photographer is unknown. — Ambedkar as a young man · before 1920 (per Commons)

An early portrait of Ambedkar in a suit and striped tie. Undated; the photographer is unknown. — Ambedkar as a young student · undated

Krishnaji Arjun (Dada) Keluskar, a Marathi writer and social reformer. According to the Commons description, he presented young Bhimrao with his own biography of the Buddha at a felicitation held when Bhimrao passed his matriculation examination in 1907. Undated photograph. — Krishnaji Arjun Keluskar · undated

Elphinstone College in Bombay (Mumbai), photographed by Bourne & Shepherd in 1870. Ambedkar later studied at Elphinstone College. — Elphinstone College, Bombay, 1870 · 1870

Elphinstone College, Bombay, in a photograph from 1904, published in D. A. Pinder's Visitor's Illustrated Guide to Bombay. — Elphinstone College, 1904 · 1904

Elphinstone College, Mumbai, photographed in 2020. — Elphinstone College today · 2020-03-01

A map of Bombay from about 1903, published in John Murray's A Handbook for Travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon. — Map of Bombay, 1903 · 1903

Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the Maharaja of Baroda, from a 1911 Coronation Durbar souvenir book. The Baroda state scholarship helped fund Ambedkar's studies at Columbia University. — Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Maharaja of Baroda · 1911

A photograph of Ambedkar during his years at Columbia University in New York, between July 1913 and May 1916. The photographer is unknown. — Ambedkar during his Columbia years · 1913–1916

A portrait of Ambedkar described on Wikimedia Commons as taken during his time at Columbia University (1913–1916). The photographer is unknown. — Ambedkar at Columbia University · 1913–1916 (per Commons)

Columbia University's Morningside Heights campus in New York in 1910, showing (left to right) Mathematics Hall, Lewisohn Hall, Earl Hall, Low Memorial Library, Buell Hall, St. Paul's Chapel, Kent Hall, Hamilton Hall, Hartley Hall and Wallach Hall. — Columbia University campus, 1910 · 1910

A bird's-eye view of Columbia University, New York City, from a 1916 photographic print in the Library of Congress. — Bird's-eye view of Columbia University, 1916 · 1916

Low Memorial Library at Columbia University in New York City, photographed in 2021. — Low Memorial Library, Columbia University · 2021-02-07

The first page of Ambedkar's paper "Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development", as published in The Indian Antiquary, volume 46 (May 1917). — "Castes in India" (1917), first page · 1917-05

Ambedkar (first from right in the second row) with his professors and friends from the London School of Economics and Political Science, 1916–17. — With professors and friends at the London School of Economics · 1916–1917

Ambedkar with foreign students and professors at the London School of Economics, dated 1916–17 on Wikimedia Commons. — With students and professors at the LSE · 1916–1917 (per Commons)

The interior of the London School of Economics' main building around the 1920s, from the LSE Library's image collection. — Inside the LSE main building, 1920s · c. 1920s

Gray's Inn Hall in London, photographed in 2011. Ambedkar was admitted to Gray's Inn to train as a barrister. — Gray's Inn Hall, London · 2011-10-20

The house at 10 King Henry's Road, Primrose Hill, London, now known as Ambedkar House, where Ambedkar lived while studying in London. Photographed in 2021. — 10 King Henry's Road, London · 2021-04-19

The blue plaque at 10 King Henry's Road, London, which reads that Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, "Indian crusader for social justice", lived there in 1921–1922. Photographed in 2021. — Blue plaque at 10 King Henry's Road · 2021-04-19

A photograph of Ambedkar taken, according to the Commons description, when he was called to the bar (Bar-at-Law) at Gray's Inn, London, on 28 June 1922. — Ambedkar as a barrister, 1922 · 1922 (per Commons)

A portrait of Ambedkar in a suit, titled "Barrister Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar" and dated 1922 on Wikimedia Commons. The photographer is unknown. — Barrister Ambedkar · 1922 (per Commons)

A letter written in German by Ambedkar to the University of Bonn, dated 25 February 1921 on Wikimedia Commons. — Letter to the University of Bonn, 1921 · 1921-02-25

On 25 September 1973 the Dr Ambedkar Memorial Committee of Great Britain presented a portrait of Ambedkar, painted by G. S. Nagdeva, to the London School of Economics. Those shown include Professor Arthur John, D. A. Clarke, M. Rasgotra, Sir Walter Adams and Ven. Dr H. Saddhatissa. — Portrait of Ambedkar presented to the LSE, 1973 · 1973-09-25

A bronze bust of Ambedkar outside the Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar Memorial (Ambedkar House) in London, photographed on 14 November 2015. — Bust of Ambedkar at the London memorial · 2015-11-14

A photograph linked on Wikimedia Commons to Ambedkar's appointment as a professor of economics in Bombay in November 1918. (The Commons description names the Government Law College; other sources name Sydenham College for this 1918 post.) — Ambedkar as a professor, 1918 · 1918 (per Commons)

The front page of Mooknayak ("Leader of the Voiceless"), the Marathi fortnightly started by Ambedkar in 1920. Commons dates this issue 31 January 1920. — Mooknayak, 1920 · 1920-01-31 (per Commons)

Mastheads of Mooknayak (1920) and Bahishkrit Bharat (1927), two Marathi journals edited by Ambedkar. — Mooknayak and Bahishkrit Bharat · 1920s

A montage showing Ambedkar with the mastheads of papers linked to him, including Mooknayak, Bahishkrit Bharat, Janata and Prabuddha Bharat. Undated; the maker of the montage is unknown. — Ambedkar the editor · undated

Ambedkar as a lawyer practising at the Bombay High Court. Commons dates this photograph to 1923. — Ambedkar as a lawyer at the Bombay High Court · 1923 (per Commons)

Ambedkar photographed in June 1925 at a guest house in Nipani (now in Karnataka), where he had gone for a conference of the depressed classes. — Ambedkar at Nipani, 1925 · 1925-06

Ambedkar (front row, third from right) with members of the Samaj Samata Sangh in Bombay, 1927. — With the Samaj Samata Sangh, 1927 · 1927

Ambedkar and his followers at the Vijaystambha (victory pillar) at Bhima Koregaon near Pune on 1 January 1927. According to the Commons description, Shivram Janba Kamble, who organised the meeting, stands to his left wearing a garland. — At the Bhima Koregaon pillar, 1 January 1927 · 1927-01-01

The reception committee for the Mahad Satyagraha with Ambedkar, R. B. More and other social workers, dated 20 March 1927 on Wikimedia Commons. — Reception committee for the Mahad Satyagraha, 1927 · 1927-03-20 (per Commons)

A flyer published in 1927 by the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha before the Mahad Satyagraha. It asked for contributions of Rs 5 towards travel to Mahad and asked activists to wear the Sabha's badge. — Flyer for the Mahad Satyagraha, 1927 · 1927

Chavdar Tale, the public water tank at Mahad where Ambedkar led untouchable people to drink water in 1927. Commons dates this photograph to 1927. — Chavdar Tale, Mahad · 1927 (per Commons)

A statue of Ambedkar at Chavdar Tale in Mahad, the site of the 1927 drinking-water satyagraha. Photographed in 2012. — Ambedkar statue at Chavdar Tale, Mahad · 2012-12-09

A photograph of the satyagraha led by Ambedkar at the Kalaram Temple in Nashik to demand entry for untouchable people, dated 2 March 1930 on Wikimedia Commons. — Kalaram Temple Satyagraha, Nashik, 1930 · 1930-03-02 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with Dadasaheb (Bhaurao) Gaikwad and other social workers during the Kalaram Temple Satyagraha, 1930. — Kalaram Temple Satyagraha leaders, 1930 · 1930

The Kala Rama (Kalaram) Temple at Nashik, in an albumen print by the English photographer Francis Frith, about 1865–1875 (J. Paul Getty Museum). — Kala Rama Temple, Nashik, about 1865–1875 · c. 1865–1875

The Kalaram Temple at Panchavati, Nashik, photographed in 2024. — Kalaram Temple, Nashik, today · 2024-12-17

Ambedkar (seated, first from right) with fellow teachers at the Government Law College, Bombay, 1928. — With colleagues at the Government Law College, 1928 · 1928

Ambedkar with members of the Simon Commission, with Sir John Simon seen to his right, dated 23 October 1928 on Wikimedia Commons. — With members of the Simon Commission, 1928 · 1928-10-23 (per Commons)

Ambedkar speaking at Yeola, Nashik district, on 13 October 1935, the conference where he declared he would not die a Hindu. — Speech at Yeola, 13 October 1935 · 1935-10-13

The Mooktibhoomi memorial at Yeola, Maharashtra, at the site of Ambedkar's 1935 conference. Photographed in 2019. — Mooktibhoomi memorial, Yeola · 2019-02-22

The cover of the first edition of Ambedkar's Annihilation of Caste (1936). — Annihilation of Caste, first edition · 1936

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur, from Sorabji Jehangir's book Princes and Chiefs of India (1903). Shahu Maharaj supported Ambedkar's early work, including the paper Mooknayak. — Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj of Kolhapur · 1903

A view of the Round Table Conference in London in 1931; the Commons description says that both Gandhi and Ambedkar are present. — Second Round Table Conference, London, 1931 · 1931

The Round Table Conference at St James's Palace, London (1 September – 1 December 1931), chaired by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. Ambedkar and Gandhi disagreed sharply at this conference. — Round Table Conference at St James's Palace, 1931 · 1931

The First Round Table Conference was opened by King George V in London on 12 November 1930. According to the Commons description, Ambedkar, a delegate, is ninth in the left row. — Opening of the First Round Table Conference, 1930 · 1930-11-12

The Second Round Table Conference in London, October 1931, with British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald to the right of Gandhi. Ambedkar, representing the depressed classes, is fourth from left in the foreground. — Second Round Table Conference, October 1931 · 1931-10

Ambedkar and Muhammad Zafarullah Khan photographed near the House of Commons in London during the Second Round Table Conference, September 1931. — With Zafarullah Khan near the House of Commons, 1931 · 1931-09

Ambedkar on his return to Bombay on 29 January 1932, after attending the Second Round Table Conference in London. — Return to Bombay, January 1932 · 1932-01-29

Ambedkar with M. R. Jayakar and Tej Bahadur Sapru at Yerwada, Pune. The Commons description dates it 24 September 1932, the day Ambedkar signed the Poona Pact. — At Yerwada at the time of the Poona Pact, 1932 · 1932-09-24

Ambedkar with R. B. Srinivasan, G. A. Gawai and others after the Poona Pact, 1932. — After the Poona Pact, 1932 · 1932

Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, where Gandhi was held during his 1932 fast that led to the Poona Pact. Commons dates this photograph to 1932. — Yerwada Central Prison, Pune · 1932 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with his wife Ramabai Ambedkar, 1934. — Ambedkar with Ramabai, 1934 · 1934

Ambedkar with his family at Rajgriha, their home in Dadar, Bombay, February 1934. From left: Yashwant (son), Ambedkar, Ramabai (wife), Laxmibai (wife of his elder brother Anand), nephew Mukundrao, and the family dog Tobby. — The Ambedkar family at Rajgriha, 1934 · 1934-02

Ramabai Ambedkar (died 1935), Ambedkar's first wife. Commons dates this photograph to 1934. — Ramabai Ambedkar · 1934 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with his son Yashwant (left) and nephew Mukund (right). Undated. — With son Yashwant and nephew Mukund · undated

Balaram Ramji Ambedkar, Bhimrao's elder brother. According to the Commons description, he took up a job so that his younger brother could study. Undated. — Balaram Ambedkar, elder brother · undated

Rajgriha, Ambedkar's home in the Hindu Colony, Dadar, Mumbai, named after Rajgir in Bihar, an important Buddhist site. Photographed in 2024. — Rajgriha, Dadar, today · 2024-05-18

The Maata Ramai Smarak (Mother Ramabai Memorial) at Vanand in Ratnagiri district, Ramabai Ambedkar's birthplace. Photographed in 2019. — Maata Ramai memorial, Vanand · 2019-03-20

An "Ambedkar Gate" put up by supporters of Ambedkar's Independent Labour Party in the late 1930s. (The Commons description gives the place as Delhi.) — "Ambedkar Gate" at an Independent Labour Party gathering · 1930s

Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Periyar E. V. Ramasamy and Ambedkar at Jinnah's residence in Bombay on 6 January 1940. — Jinnah, Periyar and Ambedkar, 1940 · 1940-01-06

Ambedkar with women delegates at the All India Depressed Classes Women's Conference in Nagpur, July 1942. According to the Commons description, more than 25,000 women took part. — Women's conference at Nagpur, 1942 · 1942-07

Ambedkar in a group photograph from July 1942, when he became Labour Member of the Viceroy's Executive Council. — As Labour Member, 1942 · 1942-07

Ambedkar, as Labour Member of the Viceroy's Executive Council, talking to people at the coal mines in Dhanbad (now in Jharkhand). Commons dates this to 1942. — Visiting coal mines at Dhanbad · 1942 (per Commons)

The Governor-General's (Viceroy's) Executive Council on 22 March 1944, with the Viceroy and General Sir Claude Auchinleck seated. Ambedkar was the council's Labour Member. — The Governor-General's Executive Council, 1944 · 1944-03-22

Ambedkar with soldiers of the Mahar Regiment, dated 20 July 1942 on Wikimedia Commons. — With soldiers of the Mahar Regiment · 1942-07-20 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with members of the Samata Sainik Dal ("Army of Soldiers for Equality") at Tadwadi, Bombay, 1938. — With the Samata Sainik Dal, 1938 · 1938

The election manifesto of the All India Scheduled Castes Federation, the party founded by Ambedkar in 1942, for the 1946 elections. — Scheduled Castes Federation election manifesto, 1946 · 1946

Ambedkar on his way to submit a memorandum to the British Cabinet Mission in New Delhi, 1946. — Going to meet the Cabinet Mission, 1946 · 1946

Ambedkar with members of the People's Education Society, which he founded in 1945. From left: Prof. V. G. Rao, Principal A. B. Gajendragadkar, M. V. Donde, Ambedkar, Rao Bahadur C. K. Bole, D. G. Jadhav and Kamalakant Chitre. — With the People's Education Society, 1945 · 1945

The building of Siddharth College, Bombay, started by Ambedkar's People's Education Society in 1946. — Siddharth College building, 1946 · 1946

Siddharth College and the neighbouring Oriental Building in the Fort area of Mumbai, photographed in 2015. — Siddharth College, Mumbai, today · 2015-01-08

Ambedkar (right) with the physicist Homi Bhabha (centre) and colleagues at Siddharth College, Bombay, where Ambedkar had invited him. Commons dates this to 1946. — With Homi Bhabha at Siddharth College · 1946 (per Commons)

An undated letter from Ambedkar to the African-American scholar W. E. B. Du Bois, probably written in 1946, asking about the National Negro Congress petition to the United Nations. — Letter from Ambedkar to W. E. B. Du Bois · c. 1946

A portrait of Ambedkar signed by him, dated 4 October 1945 on Wikimedia Commons. — Signed portrait, 1945 · 1945-10-04 (per Commons)

Members at the Constituent Assembly of India in December 1946. In the first row from left: B. R. Ambedkar, B. G. Kher, Vallabhbhai Patel and K. M. Munshi. (Commons describes it as the first day and dates it 11 December 1946; the Assembly first met on 9 December.) — First day of the Constituent Assembly, 1946 · December 1946

The Drafting Committee of the Constitution, 29 August 1947. Seated from left: N. Madhava Rao, Syed Muhammad Saadulla, B. R. Ambedkar (Chairman), Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer and Sir B. N. Rau. Standing from left: S. N. Mukherjee, Jugal Kishore Khanna and Kewal Krishnan. — The Drafting Committee, 1947 · 1947-08-29

Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, presenting the final draft of the Constitution to Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, on 25 November 1949. — Presenting the final draft of the Constitution, 1949 · 1949-11-25

A meeting of the Constituent Assembly of India in 1950; Ambedkar can be seen seated at top right. — A Constituent Assembly meeting, 1950 · 1950

The Preamble page of the original hand-written Constitution of India, calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illuminated by Beohar Rammanohar Sinha. — The Preamble in the original Constitution · 1949–1950

The decorated title page of the original calligraphed and illuminated Constitution of India. — Title page of the original Constitution · 1949–1950

The first page of members' signatures in the original calligraphed Constitution of India, headed by Rajendra Prasad's signature and followed by Jawaharlal Nehru's and others. — First page of signatures in the original Constitution · 1950

Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru signing the Constitution of India in New Delhi on 24 January 1950. — Nehru signing the Constitution, 24 January 1950 · 1950-01-24

Parliament House in New Delhi in a 1926 photograph from the National Archives of India. The Constituent Assembly later met in its Central (Constitution) Hall. — Parliament House, New Delhi, 1926 · 1926

Ambedkar (seventh from right) among other dignitaries at India's first Republic Day parade on 26 January 1950. — India's first Republic Day parade, 1950 · 1950-01-26

A copy of the Constitution of India kept under glass in the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museum, New Delhi. Photographed in 2024. — Constitution of India on display · 2024-02-03

Ambedkar being sworn in as Minister of Law in August 1947, with V. N. Gadgil seated next to him and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan on the far right, according to the Commons description. — Sworn in as Law Minister, 1947 · 1947-08

Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Azad and other ministers at a lunch given by Vallabhbhai Patel in June 1948 to mark C. Rajagopalachari becoming the first Indian Governor-General. — With Nehru's cabinet, June 1948 · 1948-06

President Rajendra Prasad with members of the Union Cabinet at Government House, New Delhi, on 31 January 1950. Ambedkar is seated first from left. — President Rajendra Prasad with the Union Cabinet, 1950 · 1950-01-31

Ambedkar, as Law Minister, at his office in 1950. — Law Minister at his office, 1950 · 1950

Ambedkar in 1950. — Ambedkar in 1950 · 1950

Ambedkar, Chairman of the People's Education Society, in his office at Anand Bhawan, Fort, Mumbai. Commons dates this to 1950. — In the People's Education Society office · 1950 (per Commons)

Ambedkar opening a conference on the Hindu Code Bill in New Delhi, dated 21 April 1950 on Wikimedia Commons. — Conference on the Hindu Code Bill, 1950 · 1950-04-21 (per Commons)

Ambedkar in the House (Commons titles it "in the Parliament"), dated 25 November 1949. — Ambedkar in the Assembly, 1949 · 1949-11-25 (per Commons)

The chamber of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) in Parliament House, New Delhi, showing the Speaker's chair, March 1953 (Photo Division, Government of India). — Chamber of the House of the People, 1953 · 1953-03

Ambedkar and President Rajendra Prasad visiting the Ellora Caves near Aurangabad, September 1950. — With Rajendra Prasad at Ellora, 1950 · 1950-09

The foundation stone of Milind College, Aurangabad, was laid by President Rajendra Prasad on 1 September 1950, with Ambedkar present. — Foundation of Milind College, 1950 · 1950-09-01

A panorama of the Milind College campus in Aurangabad, run by the People's Education Society founded by Ambedkar. Photographed in 2020. — Milind College campus, Aurangabad · 2020-02-23

Ambedkar leaving Bombay by plane on 1 June 1952 to receive an honorary LL.D. degree from Columbia University. — Leaving for Columbia University, 1952 · 1952-06-01

Ambedkar with the American poet Wallace Stevens at Columbia University, New York, on 5 June 1952, when Columbia awarded Ambedkar an honorary Doctor of Laws. — At Columbia University with Wallace Stevens, 1952 · 1952-06-05

The certificate of the honorary D.Litt. degree awarded to Ambedkar by Osmania University, Hyderabad, dated 12 January 1953. — Honorary D.Litt. from Osmania University, 1953 · 1953-01-12

Ambedkar speaking at a meeting at Sir Cowasji Jehangir Hall, Bombay, on 19 November 1951. Seated behind are Shankarrao More, Purushottam Tricumdas, Savita Ambedkar and others; Samata Sainik Dal volunteers stand at the back. — Speech at Cowasji Jehangir Hall, 1951 · 1951-11-19

Ambedkar speaking at one of his election meetings in Bombay for the Lok Sabha, January 1952. — Election meeting, January 1952 · 1952-01

Ambedkar addressing a seminar organised by the National Sports Club of India and Columbia University in New Delhi on 30 October 1954. — Addressing a seminar in New Delhi, 1954 · 1954-10-30

A sample of Ambedkar's handwriting from the manuscript of Riddles in Hinduism, as reproduced in Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar: Writings and Speeches. — Manuscript of Riddles in Hinduism · c. 1955

A letter from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to Ambedkar dated 15 September 1956. According to the Commons description, Nehru explains that the government could not buy copies of Ambedkar's book The Buddha and His Dhamma. — Letter from Nehru to Ambedkar, 1956 · 1956-09-15

A well-known portrait of Ambedkar, probably from the late 1940s or 1950s, when he was Law Minister. The exact date and photographer are unknown. — Portrait of Dr. Ambedkar · c. late 1940s–1950s

A close-up portrait of Ambedkar. Undated; the photographer is unknown. — Portrait of Dr. Ambedkar · undated

A seated portrait of Ambedkar as a lawyer. Commons dates it to between 1939 and 1942; the photographer is unknown. — Ambedkar as a lawyer · c. 1939–1942 (per Commons)

Ambedkar absorbed in reading in his large library. Undated. — Ambedkar reading · undated

Ambedkar taking a photograph himself at Sanchi, according to the file title on Wikimedia Commons, 1950. — Taking a photograph at Sanchi, 1950 · 1950 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with his wife Dr. Savita Ambedkar in Delhi after their marriage in April 1948. — With Savita Ambedkar, 1948 · 1948-04

A photograph taken after the wedding of Ambedkar and Dr. Sharada Kabir (later Dr. Savita Ambedkar) in Delhi, April 1948. — Wedding of Dr. Ambedkar and Dr. Sharada Kabir, 1948 · 1948-04-15

Dr. Savita Ambedkar, also known as Maisaheb, Ambedkar's second wife. Commons dates this photograph to 1948. — Dr. Savita Ambedkar · 1948 (per Commons)

Ambedkar with his wife Dr. Savita Ambedkar, their helper Sudama and their pet dog. Undated. — At home with Savita, Sudama and their dog · undated

From left: Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil, Sant Gadge Baba and Ambedkar on 14 July 1949, when Gadge Baba gave his dharmashala (rest house) at Pandharpur to Ambedkar's People's Education Society. — With Bhaurao Patil and Gadge Maharaj, 1949 · 1949-07-14

Ambedkar and Savita Ambedkar with delegates and observers at the first World Fellowship of Buddhists conference in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon), June 1950. — World Fellowship of Buddhists conference, Sri Lanka, 1950 · 1950-06

Ambedkar speaking at a Buddha Jayanti celebration in New Delhi, dated 2 May 1951 on Wikimedia Commons. — Buddha Jayanti speech, New Delhi, 1951 · 1951-05-02 (per Commons)

Ambedkar addressing a Buddha Jayanti conference at Ambedkar Bhawan, Delhi, with the French ambassador to India (left) and Shankaranand Shastri (right). Commons dates it 20 May 1951. — Buddha Jayanti conference at Ambedkar Bhawan, Delhi · 1951-05-20 (per Commons)

Ambedkar and Savita Ambedkar installing a Buddha statue brought from Burma (Myanmar) at the Buddha Vihara at Dehu Road, near Pune, on 25 December 1955. — Installing a Buddha statue at Dehu Road, 1955 · 1955-12-25

Ambedkar addressing the World Buddhist Conference in Rangoon (now Yangon, Myanmar), December 1954, with Indian envoy V. V. Giri and Savita Ambedkar present. — World Buddhist Conference, Rangoon, 1954 · 1954-12

Ambedkar with Periyar E. V. Ramasamy in Rangoon in 1954, where they met in connection with a Buddhist conference. — With Periyar in Rangoon, 1954 · 1954-12

Ambedkar delivering his speech on the Buddha and Karl Marx to the fourth World Buddhist Conference in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 20 November 1956. King Mahendra of Nepal, Savita Ambedkar and Bhante Chandramani are also seen. — "The Buddha and Karl Marx" speech, Kathmandu, 1956 · 1956-11-20

Ambedkar with executive committee members at the historic conversion ceremony in Nagpur, October 1956. — With the organising committee, Nagpur, 1956 · 1956-10

Ambedkar giving his 22 vows to his followers at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, on 14 October 1956. — Giving the 22 vows at Deekshabhoomi, 1956 · 1956-10-14

Ambedkar (second from right) accepting Dhamma Deeksha (initiation into Buddhism) from Mahasthavir Chandramani, with Savita Ambedkar (first from right), Wali Sinha and Rewaramji Kawade, on 14 October 1956. — Accepting Buddhism, 14 October 1956 · 1956-10-14

Ambedkar and Savita Ambedkar (Maisaheb) at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, in October 1956. — Babasaheb and Maisaheb at Deekshabhoomi, 1956 · 1956-10-14

Ambedkar, looking serious and thoughtful, at the Deekshabhoomi ceremony in Nagpur, October 1956. — At the Deeksha ceremony, Nagpur, 1956 · 1956-10-14

Ambedkar with Savita Ambedkar, who holds a statue of the Buddha, at the conversion ceremony in Nagpur on 14 October 1956. — With Savita Ambedkar holding a Buddha statue, 1956 · 1956-10-14

The huge gathering at Nagpur as Ambedkar gave Dhamma Deeksha to his followers in October 1956. The Commons description says about half a million people took part. — The great crowd at Nagpur, 1956 · 1956-10-14

Ambedkar and Savita Ambedkar visiting the Buddhist holy place of Sarnath, near Varanasi, on 24 November 1956. — At Sarnath, November 1956 · 1956-11-24

The text of the 22 vows given by Ambedkar, displayed at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. Photographed in 2011. — The 22 vows inscribed at Deekshabhoomi · 2011-10-17

The Deekshabhoomi stupa in Nagpur, built at the place where Ambedkar and his followers embraced Buddhism on 14 October 1956. Photographed in 2015. — Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur · 2015-06-25

Buddhists gathered at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur, to celebrate Dhammachakra Pravartan Din, the anniversary of the 1956 conversion, in October 2019. — Dhammachakra Pravartan Din at Deekshabhoomi, 2019 · 2019-10-08

A Mughal painting of the poet-saints Kabir (left) and Ravidas (right), dated 1625, in the National Museum, New Delhi. Kabir's teachings were followed in Ambedkar's family, and Ambedkar named Kabir as one of his three gurus. — Kabir with Ravidas (Mughal painting, 1625) · 1625

Mahatma Jyotirao Phule (1827–1890), the social reformer from Maharashtra whom Ambedkar named as one of his three gurus. Undated; the source of the image is unknown. — Jyotirao Phule · undated (before 1891)

Mahatma Phule Wada, the home of Jyotirao and Savitribai Phule in Pune, now a memorial. Photographed in 2023. — Mahatma Phule Wada, Pune · 2023-04-12

A seated Buddha in the teaching gesture (dharmachakra mudra), about 475 CE, found at Sarnath and kept in the Sarnath Museum. It refers to the Buddha's first sermon at Sarnath. — Seated Buddha from Sarnath · c. 475 CE (sculpture)

The west gateway (torana) of Stupa 1 at Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, one of India's oldest Buddhist monuments. Photographed in 2013. — The Great Stupa at Sanchi · 2013-12-03

Ambedkar, with Savita Ambedkar, leaving on 15 November 1956 for the Buddhist conference in Kathmandu. — Leaving for Kathmandu, November 1956 · 1956-11-15

Ambedkar with Bhante H. Saddhatissa at Babatpur airport, Varanasi, on 30 November 1956. The Commons description calls it the last photograph of Ambedkar alive, though other photographs are dated later. — At Varanasi airport, 30 November 1956 · 1956-11-30

Ambedkar with the Dalai Lama at Ashoka Buddha Vihar, Delhi. Commons dates this photograph 2 December 1956. — With the Dalai Lama in Delhi, 1956 · 1956-12-02 (per Commons)

A huge crowd surrounds the flower-covered vehicle carrying Ambedkar's body during his funeral procession. The print is labelled "Last Journey – 6th December"; Wikimedia Commons dates the photograph 7 December 1956. — "Last Journey": crowds at the funeral procession, 1956 · 1956-12-07 (per Commons)

A vast crowd accompanying Ambedkar's body towards Chaitya Bhoomi in Bombay on 7 December 1956. — Funeral procession in Bombay, 1956 · 1956-12-07

People paying their last respects to Ambedkar in Delhi on 6 December 1956. According to the Commons description, those standing at left include Savita Ambedkar, Maniben Patel, Shankarrao More and Narayanrao Kajrolkar. — Paying last respects, Delhi, 1956 · 1956-12-06

Ambedkar's son Yashwantrao and nephew Mukundrao collecting his ashes at Chaitya Bhoomi, Bombay, on 8 December 1956. — Collecting the ashes at Chaitya Bhoomi, 1956 · 1956-12-08

A bed displayed at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Museum and Memorial in Pune; the photographer's description says it is the bed on which Ambedkar died in 1956. Photographed in the 2000s. — Bed shown in the Pune museum · c. 2004–2007 (photo)

Inside Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur: an urn holding Ambedkar's ashes kept in a glass case before Buddha statues. Photographed in 2017. — Urn of Ambedkar's ashes at Deekshabhoomi · 2017-02-23

Chaitya Bhoomi in Dadar, Mumbai, the memorial at the place where Ambedkar was cremated. Photographed in 2016. — Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai · 2016-04-07

Chaitya Bhoomi, Ambedkar's resting place in Dadar, Mumbai, photographed in 2024. — Chaitya Bhoomi, 2024 · 2024-06-22

Ambedkar's death anniversary, 6 December, is observed as Mahaparinirvan Din, when lakhs of people come to Chaitya Bhoomi and nearby Shivaji Park, Mumbai. Photographed in 2013. — Mahaparinirvan Din crowds at Shivaji Park · 2013-12

Chaitya Bhoomi, Dadar, on the night of Mahaparinirvan Din, 6 December 2019. — Chaitya Bhoomi on 6 December 2019 · 2019-12-06

The 125-foot statue of Ambedkar in Hyderabad, Telangana, unveiled on 14 April 2023, his 132nd birth anniversary. — 125-foot statue of Ambedkar, Hyderabad · 2023-04-14

The Statue of Social Justice, a giant statue of Ambedkar in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Photographed in 2024. — Statue of Social Justice, Vijayawada · 2024-02-11

An aerial view of the Statue of Social Justice in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. Photographed in 2025. — Statue of Social Justice from the air · 2025-01-12

A half-length statue of Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi, Nagpur. Photographed in 2017. — Statue of Ambedkar at Deekshabhoomi · 2017-02-23

The statue of Ambedkar in front of Parliament House, New Delhi. Undated photograph. — Statue of Ambedkar at Parliament House · undated

A statue of Ambedkar unveiled at Koyasan University in Japan on 10 September 2015, the day this photograph was taken. — Statue of Ambedkar at Koyasan University, Japan · 2015-09-10

A statue of Ambedkar in Miskolc, Hungary, near a school named after him. Photographed in 2025. — Statue of Ambedkar in Miskolc, Hungary · 2025-08-26

The B. R. Ambedkar Manimandapam memorial in Puducherry (Pondicherry). Photographed in 2022. — B. R. Ambedkar Manimandapam, Puducherry · 2022-10-04

Ambedkar Memorial Park in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Photographed in 2018. — Ambedkar Memorial Park, Lucknow · 2018-05-17

The Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. Photographed in 2018. — Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi · 2018-11-03

A life-size statue of Ambedkar sitting under a banyan tree, recalling the Sankalp Bhoomi at Vadodara, inside the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial at 26 Alipur Road, Delhi, where he died. Photographed in 2018. — Statue at the Dr. Ambedkar National Memorial, Delhi · 2018-05-30

A postage stamp issued by India Post on 14 April 1966 in honour of Ambedkar. — India Post stamp, 1966 · 1966-04-14

A postage stamp issued by India Post on 14 April 1991, Ambedkar's birth centenary. — India Post stamp, 1991 · 1991-04-14

A 2013 India Post stamp showing Ambedkar and Chaitya Bhoomi, Mumbai. — India Post stamp showing Chaitya Bhoomi, 2013 · 2013-04-14

A commemorative postage stamp on Ambedkar and the Constitution, released in New Delhi on 30 September 2015 during his 125th birth anniversary year. — India Post stamp on Ambedkar and the Constitution, 2015 · 2015-09-30

Postage stamps issued by India Post in 2017 honouring Ambedkar, including one showing the Deekshabhoomi stupa. — India Post stamps, 2017 · 2017-04-14

The reverse of the 1-rupee coin issued in 1990 to mark Ambedkar's birth centenary. Photographed in 2022 from a private collection. — Ambedkar birth centenary coin, 1990 · 1990 (coin)

An Ambedkar Jayanti celebration on 14 April 2026. — Ambedkar Jayanti, 2026 · 2026-04-14

Indian Buddhists carrying blue flags at the Sangharsha Shanti Morcha in Jalna, Maharashtra, in 2016. — Rally with blue Buddhist flags, Jalna · 2016-10-20

A flag used by Indian (Ambedkarite) Buddhists. Photographed in 2017. — Flag of Indian Buddhists · 2017-06-05

Samata Sainik Dal volunteers helping to organise and keep order on Mahaparinirvan Din, 6 December 2019, at Chaitya Bhoomi. — Samata Sainik Dal volunteers, 2019 · 2019-12-06

Followers of Ambedkar holding a worship session, with images of Ambedkar, at the ancient Buddhist Kanheri Caves in Mumbai. Photographed in 2018. — Ambedkarite Buddhist worship at the Kanheri Caves · 2018-08-26

A Buddhist wedding in Aurangabad, Maharashtra, in 2019. — A Buddhist wedding in Maharashtra · 2019-04-19

Statues of the Buddha and of Ambedkar inside the Chaitya Bhoomi stupa in Mumbai. Photographed in 2016. — The Buddha and Babasaheb inside Chaitya Bhoomi · 2016-04-07

Tall buildings of Mumbai seen from Marine Drive, 2015. A modern photograph used for context. — Mumbai skyline from Marine Drive · 2015-05-21

A classroom in a small private primary school in the village of Rolep, East Sikkim, 2009. A modern photograph used for context on education. — A village school classroom · 2009-06-08

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