CHAPTER 6: Who can be called a Great Man – Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Format: Speech Extract / Essay | Core Study Material
Description
This post provides comprehensive core study material for Chapter 6: "Who can be called a Great Man" by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. It includes a structured breakdown of short, medium, and long answer questions. The content explores Ambedkar's philosophical analysis of human greatness, contrasting traditional views of power with his progressive test of social purpose, sincerity, and intellect.
Instructions for Students
- Part A (2 Marks): Focus on precise, direct responses (1-2 sentences).
- Part B (5 Marks): Aim for analytical answers (80-100 words) highlighting core concepts.
- Part C (10 Marks): Structure detailed, comprehensive answers (~200 words) with clear thematic points.
- Use the Table of Contents below to jump directly to specific sections.
PART A: SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS (1-2 SENTENCES) - 2 MARKS EACH
Q1: What was the occasion on which Dr. B. R. Ambedkar delivered the speech 'Who can be called a Great Man'?
Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar delivered this speech on the 101st birth anniversary of the eminent social reformer Mahadev Govind Ranade in January 1943.
Q2: According to Ambedkar, what are the three tests of a great man?
Answer: The three tests are Thomas Carlyle’s test of sincerity, Lord Rosebery's test of intellect and moral quality, and Ambedkar's own test of social purpose.
Q3: How does Thomas Carlyle define the test of sincerity?
Answer: Carlyle argues that a great man must possess deep, genuine sincerity, standing for the truth and being earnest in his mission without self-conceit.
Q4: What does Lord Rosebery propose as the test of greatness?
Answer: Rosebery proposes that greatness is a combination of exceptional intellect and moral qualities, representing a unique, natural spark of genius.
Q5: What is Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's progressive test of a great man?
Answer: Ambedkar's test is that a great man must possess a motivated social purpose and act as the reformer and cleanser of his society.
Q6: Why does Ambedkar reject military heroes as truly great men?
Answer: He rejects them because their military conquests shrink over time and have no permanent, moral, or transforming effect on human society.
Q7: What does Ambedkar mean by a great man being a 'scourge' of society?
Answer: He means the great man must act as a whip or a force that punishes social evils, breaks down corrupt traditions, and corrects society's path.
Q8: What does Ambedkar mean by a great man being a 'scavenger' of society?
Answer: He means the great man must clean society of its moral dirt, prejudices, and inequalities, paving the way for a clean and just social order.
Q9: How does Ambedkar distinguish between an eminent individual and a great man?
Answer: An eminent man has high intellect and sincerity, but a great man must use these qualities to serve a noble social purpose for humanity.
Q10: Why does Ambedkar caution against the blind worship of heroes?
Answer: He cautions against it because blind hero worship can lead to dictatorship, the destruction of democracy, and the loss of individual liberty.
Q11: Who was Mahadev Govind Ranade according to Ambedkar's speech?
Answer: Ranade was a distinguished Indian jurist, social reformer, and scholar who worked for the social and economic development of India.
Q12: What qualities are partial and incomplete without a social purpose according to Ambedkar?
Answer: Intellect, moral character, and sincerity are partial and incomplete without a dedicated social purpose to serve the community.
Q13: According to the essay, what is the duty of a great man in times of social crisis?
Answer: His duty is to step forward, fight injustice, guide his people towards the truth, and implement progressive social reforms.
Q14: What is the difference between a philosopher's view of greatness and the popular view?
Answer: The popular view focuses on power and fame, while the philosopher's view focuses on moral influence, social contribution, and ethical service.
Q15: What must motivate a great man according to Ambedkar's final analysis?
Answer: A great man must be motivated by the dynamics of a progressive social purpose and a deep commitment to human equality and freedom.
PART B: MEDIUM ANSWER QUESTIONS (80-100 WORDS) - 5 MARKS EACH
Q1: Explain Thomas Carlyle's test of sincerity as discussed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in his essay.
Answer: Thomas Carlyle, the famous British essayist, proposed that 'sincerity' is the first and primary test of a great man. He defined sincerity not as a shallow, boastful pride, but as a deep, genuine, and quiet commitment to the truth. A sincere man is earnest in his actions and does not seek fame or public applause. He is motivated by a natural love for truth and justice. Ambedkar agrees that sincerity is a necessary quality, but he notes that Carlyle's definition is incomplete because sincerity alone can be found in simple or even mistaken individuals, and it must be guided by a larger social purpose to achieve true greatness.
Q2: Describe Lord Rosebery's test of intellect and explain why Ambedkar finds it partial.
Answer: Lord Rosebery proposed that greatness is a combination of high intellect, moral qualities, and administrative capability, which he saw in figures like Napoleon. He believed a great man represents a unique spark of genius and natural energy that stands far above ordinary humanity. While Ambedkar respects Rosebery's focus on intellect and capability, he finds this test partial and incomplete. He argues that intellect and genius without a moral direction can be used for destructive purposes, as seen in military conquerors. Therefore, intellect is merely a tool that must be guided by a progressive social purpose to be truly great.
Q3: What is the significance of the phrase 'scourge and scavenger of society' in Ambedkar's philosophy?
Answer: The phrase 'scourge and scavenger of society' represents the core of Ambedkar’s definition of a great man. A great man cannot merely be a passive scholar or an intellectual thinker. He must act as a 'scourge'—a whip that punishes and breaks down corrupt traditions, caste prejudices, and social evils. He must also act as a 'scavenger'—a dedicated worker who physically and morally cleanses society of its systemic injustices, inequality, and moral dirt. This active, reforming role is what distinguishes a truly great man from a merely famous or intelligent one.
Q4: How does Ambedkar distinguish between a military hero and a socially great man?
Answer: Ambedkar draws a sharp line between military heroes and socially great men. Military heroes like Alexander, Caesar, and Napoleon dazzle their contemporaries with their resounding victories and vast conquests. However, when viewed from a historical distance, their empires shrink, and their conquests leave no permanent moral or positive impact on the world. Their achievements do not transform the character of society. In contrast, a socially great man works to improve the moral and social conditions of humanity, leaving a permanent legacy of equality, justice, and human progress that outlasts any military empire.
Q5: Discuss Ambedkar's warning regarding the dangers of 'Hero Worship' in a democratic society.
Answer: Ambedkar warns that while it is natural to respect great men, blind 'Hero Worship' or 'Bhakti' is highly dangerous for a democratic society, especially in India. He argues that hero worship leads to the unquestioning submission of the public to a single leader. This blind loyalty allows the leader to accumulate absolute power, which inevitably leads to the destruction of democratic institutions, the rise of dictatorship, and the loss of individual liberty. Ambedkar insists that citizens must place their principles above personalities to safeguard their freedom.
Q6: Why does Ambedkar believe that a great man must be motivated by a 'social purpose'?
Answer: Ambedkar believes that a social purpose is the essential ingredient that transforms outstanding human qualities into true greatness. Intellect, sincerity, and courage are valuable traits, but if they are used only for personal ambition, wealth, or power, they do not benefit humanity. A great man must use his talents to solve the problems of his society, fight inequality, and uplift the marginalized. This social purpose gives his life a noble meaning and ensures that his contributions leave a lasting, positive impact on the moral progress of human society.
Q7: Compare and contrast the views of Carlyle, Rosebery, and Ambedkar on human greatness.
Answer: Carlyle, Rosebery, and Ambedkar offer three distinct perspectives on human greatness. Carlyle’s view is spiritual and moral, focusing on 'sincerity' and the inner earnestness of the individual. Rosebery’s view is intellectual and administrative, focusing on 'intellect' and the rare, natural energy of genius. Ambedkar's view is progressive and social, focusing on 'social purpose' and reform. While Carlyle and Rosebery focus on the internal qualities of the individual, Ambedkar focuses on the external impact of those qualities on society, arguing that greatness is defined by how a man serves his community.
Q8: How does Ambedkar use the character of Mahadev Govind Ranade to illustrate his points on greatness?
Answer: Ambedkar uses Mahadev Govind Ranade as a practical example of a truly great man. Ranade was not a military conqueror, but he possessed an exceptional intellect and deep sincerity. More importantly, he dedicated his entire life to a noble social purpose—working for the social, educational, and economic upliftment of Indian society and fighting against orthodox prejudices. By serving as a reformer and cleanser of his society, Ranade fulfilled Ambedkar's test of being a 'scourge and scavenger', proving that true greatness lies in quiet, progressive social service.
Q9: Analyze the role of 'sincerity' in Ambedkar's discussion of great men. How does he define it?
Answer: Ambedkar defines sincerity as a fundamental, unshakeable foundation of a great man's character. Drawing from Carlyle, he explains that true sincerity is not a loud, boastful self-conceit. It is a quiet, deep, and honest commitment to truth and duty. A sincere man does not act to please others or gain fame; he acts because he believes in the rightness of his cause. Ambedkar emphasizes that while sincerity is a crucial starting point, it must be guided by intellect and social responsibility to prevent it from becoming fanatical or misguided.
Q10: What is the difference between an 'eminent' man and a 'great' man according to Ambedkar?
Answer: According to Ambedkar, an 'eminent' man and a 'great' man differ in their moral utility to society. An eminent man is someone who possesses high intellect, exceptional talents, and deep sincerity, allowing him to achieve success and recognition in his field. However, he may use these talents only for his own career or personal satisfaction. A 'great' man, on the other hand, possesses these same eminent qualities but consciously dedicates them to a noble social purpose, acting to cleanse and improve society, making his life a source of progress for others.
Q11: Discuss the ethical responsibilities that Ambedkar places on intellectuals and leaders.
Answer: Ambedkar places a heavy ethical responsibility on intellectuals and leaders. He argues that possessing intellect and education is a social privilege that must be used for the collective good, not for personal greed. Leaders must not exploit the ignorance of the masses or encourage blind hero worship. They have a duty to stand up for truth, challenge corrupt social traditions, and fight for equality, even if it makes them unpopular. Their ultimate responsibility is to serve as moral guides who help their society evolve towards justice and rational thinking.
Q12: How does the essay reflect Ambedkar's own life, struggles, and socio-political philosophy?
Answer: The essay is a perfect reflection of Ambedkar’s own life and socio-political philosophy. As a leader who fought against the caste system and worked for the upliftment of the Untouchables, Ambedkar lived his life as a 'scourge and scavenger' of Indian society. His emphasis on social purpose, equality, and the dangers of hero worship are the core principles that guided his drafting of the Indian Constitution. The essay shows that his definition of greatness was not a theoretical exercise, but a personal commitment to using intellect and sincerity for revolutionary social reform.
PART C: LONG ANSWER QUESTIONS (200 WORDS) - 10 MARKS EACH
Q1: Detail the three tests of greatness discussed by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar in 'Who can be called a Great Man', and explain why he considers 'social purpose' to be the ultimate test.
Answer: In his profound address 'Who can be called a Great Man', Dr. B. R. Ambedkar provides a rigorous philosophical analysis of human greatness, evaluating three distinct historical tests before proposing his own progressive standard. The first test is Thomas Carlyle's test of 'sincerity'. Carlyle argued that a great man must possess a deep, genuine, and earnest commitment to truth, standing free from self-conceit and shallow ambition. Ambedkar accepts sincerity as a vital foundation but notes it is insufficient on its own, as a sincere person can still hold regressive or harmful beliefs. The second test is Lord Rosebery's test of 'intellect and moral qualities', which defines greatness as a rare, natural spark of genius and administrative energy. Ambedkar values intellect but argues that without a moral compass, genius can be destructive, as seen in military conquerors who dazzle their generation but leave no permanent moral legacy.
This leads to Ambedkar's own progressive test: 'social purpose'. He argues that true greatness is defined by how an individual uses their intellect and sincerity to serve and uplift humanity. A great man must motivate his actions by a desire to cleanse his society of inequalities, prejudices, and injustices. Sincerity and intellect are merely raw tools; they only achieve true greatness when they are dedicated to the progress, equality, and freedom of human society, making social purpose the ultimate and most complete test of human greatness.
Q2: Analyze Ambedkar's concept of a great man as the 'scourge and scavenger of society', explaining how this definition challenges traditional views of greatness based on power and fame.
Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's definition of a great man as the 'scourge and scavenger of society' is a radical challenge to traditional, conservative views of greatness that are typically based on political power, military conquest, and public fame. For centuries, humanity has celebrated military leaders like Alexander the Great or Napoleon, whose lives were defined by territorial conquest, dominance, and the accumulation of personal power.
Ambedkar rejects this power-centric model. He argues that military conquests are temporary and fail to improve the moral character of human society. Instead, he proposes an ethical, active model of greatness. A great man must act as a 'scourge'—a whip that punishes and breaks down corrupt traditions, systemic injustices, and social evils like the caste system. He must also act as a 'scavenger'—a humble, dedicated worker who cleanses his society of its moral dirt, prejudices, and inequalities. This active, reforming role requires immense moral courage, sincerity, and a willingness to face public anger. By defining greatness in terms of social cleansing and moral service, Ambedkar shifts the focus of history from those who conquer territories to those who conquer social evils, prioritizing human equality and social reform over raw power and empty fame.
Q3: Critically evaluate Ambedkar's warnings against 'Hero Worship' (Bhakti) and discuss its relevance to modern democratic nations, particularly India.
Answer: In his speech, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar delivers a powerful and prophetic warning against the dangers of 'Hero Worship' or 'Bhakti' in a democratic society, a message that remains highly relevant to modern nations, particularly India. Ambedkar acknowledges that while it is natural to respect great leaders, turning this respect into blind, uncritical devotion is a fatal threat to democracy.
He explains that Bhakti in religion may be a path to the salvation of the soul, but in politics, Bhakti or hero worship is a guaranteed path to degradation and eventual dictatorship. When a public blindly worships a leader, they surrender their critical thinking, individual liberty, and moral judgment. This allow the leader to bypass democratic institutions, accumulate absolute power, and establish an authoritarian regime.
In modern India and many democratic nations today, the rise of personality cults, populist leaders, and the uncritical adoration of political figures directly validate Ambedkar's warnings. When citizens prioritize loyalty to a leader over commitment to democratic principles and constitutional rights, the very foundation of democracy is weakened. Ambedkar's essay is an urgent reminder that a healthy democracy requires vigilant, independent citizens who place principles above personalities and value their individual liberty above any political hero.
Q4: Contrast the character and legacy of military conquerors with those of social reformers as presented by Ambedkar in his address.
Answer: In 'Who can be called a Great Man', Ambedkar presents a sharp contrast between the character and legacy of military conquerors and those of social reformers, exposing the spiritual emptiness of raw military power. Military conquerors like Alexander, Caesar, Attila, and Napoleon are traditionally celebrated in history textbooks. They dazzle their contemporaries with their resounding victories, strategic genius, and vast, glittering empires. However, Ambedkar argues that their legacy is shallow and temporary. When viewed from a historical distance, their empires shrink, their achievements fade, and they leave no permanent, transforming, or moral impact on the character of human society. They do not solve the moral or social problems of humanity.
In contrast, social reformers, exemplified by figures like Mahadev Govind Ranade, work quietly and courageously to transform the moral, economic, and social structures of their society. They do not seek to conquer territories; they seek to conquer ignorance, prejudice, and injustice. Their legacy is permanent, leaving a lasting foundation of equality, education, and human dignity that continues to benefit generations. While military conquerors represent the raw, destructive energy of personal ambition, social reformers represent the constructive, moral power of a dedicated social purpose, proving that the pen and the reformative action are far greater and more permanent than the sword.
Q5: Discuss how Ambedkar's definition of greatness serves as a moral and philosophical framework for his own lifework and the drafting of the Indian Constitution.
Answer: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar's definition of greatness based on social purpose, equality, and the cleansing of social evils is not just a theoretical essay; it is the moral and philosophical framework that guided his entire lifework and his role as the father of the Indian Constitution. Throughout his life, Ambedkar fought against the deeply entrenched, unequal caste system in India, dedicating his intellect and sincerity to the upliftment of the Untouchables and marginalized communities. He lived his life as the ultimate 'scourge and scavenger' of Indian society.
This philosophy is deeply woven into the fabric of the Indian Constitution. As the chairman of the Drafting Committee, Ambedkar ensured that the Constitution was not just a legal document, but a revolutionary tool for social reform. He incorporated fundamental rights that guaranteed equality, banned untouchability, and protected individual liberty against state and societal tyranny. His constitutional design was specifically created to prevent the concentration of power and guard against the hero worship he warned about. By placing social justice, individual dignity, and democratic principles at the core of the nation's supreme law, Ambedkar institutionalized his own definition of greatness, ensuring that the Indian state was morally committed to the continuous cleansing of social evils and the progressive upliftment of all its citizens.