Critically elucidate the circumstances in which Gandhi and Ambedkar developed different perspectives in context with the amelioration of problems of depressed classes.
Both played complementary roles in their fight against Untouchability. Difference just lied in their approach.
Firstly, Gandhi was not in favour of discarding the caste system. He looked upon the depressed classes as a part of Hindu society, whereas Ambedkar wanted to do away with the caste system as it was beyond reforms.
Secondly, Ambedkar did have good opinion of Hinduism and levelled it with Brahmanism, whereas, Gandhi appreciated the Hindu Dharma. It just needed to be reformed.
Thirdly, Gandhi believed in non-cooperation and civil disobedience and Ambedkar stressed on constitutional means of change and improvement. Fourthly, Ambedkar believed in the betterment of the depressed classes could by depressed classes themselves. Gandhi opined it could be by any person.
Fifthly, Gandhi wanted to accommodate all castes and communities. Ambedkar confined to depressed classes. Gandhi argued that caste conflict is not the permanent feature of Indian society.
Sixthly, they differed on Gram Swarajya. Gandhi stressed on village autonomy and self-sufficiency, Ambedkar was critical of the village as a unit of local administration.