Join us to see Ambedkar's student files!

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, affectionately known as “Babasaheb” (“Respected Father”) led an extraordinary life. Born in 1891 in India to a poor family belonging to a Dalit community (referred to at that time as “Untouchables”; considered to be the lowest of the social hierarchy and outside of the Hindu caste system), he faced extreme discrimination and segregation throughout his life. He went on to gain two doctorates from LSE and Columbia University and was also called to the bar at Gray’s Inn. A brilliant scholar of social justice, Ambedkar fought for the representation and rights of Dalit communities and was involved in the Independence movement in India; he was Chair of the Drafting Committee for the Indian constitution.

LSE Library is the proud custodian of archives relating to Ambedkar’s time at LSE. It includes his student file containing items such as his application form to the School, as well as a signed copy of his thesis. 133 years since the birth of Ambedkar, drop in to LSE Library any time between 12 – 3pm to view this.

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About us

The British Library of Political and Economic Science (@LSELibrary) was founded in 1896, a year after the London School of Economics and Political Science. It has been based in the Lionel Robbins Building since 1978 and houses many world class collections, including The Women's Library and the Hall-Carpenter Archives.