Preface.

Historical researches on the Depressed Classes and the ideas and activities of Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar are still at the threshold of beginning, and no wonder, there have been hitherto very few studies on the socio-economic, religio-cultural and political background of the NeoBuddhist Movement in India, which was a part of the reform movement organised by the rising depressed classes for the establishment of a society based on equalityjustice and fraternity under Ambedkar's leadership. The Neo-Buddhist Movement though was a reassertion of the positives of a millennia old sociao-religious revolution organised by the Budha, it eluded the usually common revivalist trends, and certainly it was a relevant awakening at a historical phase of the dumb millions who had suffered the scourges of ill-treatment and superstitions of the ages goneby. In this proposed thesis, the background of the Neo-Buddhist Movement, the relevant socioreligious ideas of Ambedkar , the nature , philosophy , historical necessity and the impact of the Neo-Buddhisit Movement will be meticulously analysed and delineated. This work will fill a gap in Indian historical studies.