Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar (7 February 1898 – 27 May 1935) was the wife of B. R. Ambedkar,[1] who said her support was instrumental in helping him pursue his higher education and his true potential.[2] She has been the subject of many biographical movies and books. Several landmarks across India have been named after her. She is also known as Ramai (Mother Rama).
Early life
Ramabai was born in a poor family to Bhiku Dhotre (Valangkar) and Rukmini. She lived with her three sisters and a brother, Shankar, in the Mahapura locality within the village of Vanand near Dapoli Ratnagiri. Her father earned his livelihood by carrying baskets of fish from Harnai Bunder & Dabhol harbour to the market. Her mother died when she was young and, after her father also died, her uncles Valangkar and Govindpurkar took the children to Bombay to live with them in Byculla market.[3][unreliable source?]
Marriage
Ambedkar with his family members at Rajgruha, his residence in Mumbai in February 1934. From left – Yashwant (Son), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (husband), Smt. Ramabai, Smt. Laxmibai (Wife of BR Ambedkar's elder brother, Anand) and Nephew on last left (Mukundrao Anandrao Ambedkar) and Dr. Ambedkar's favorite dog, Tobby.
Ramabai married Ambedkar in April 4, 1906 in a very simple ceremony in the vegetable market of Byculla, Mumbai. At the time, Ambedkar was aged 15 and Ramabai was Eight.[3] His affectionate name for her was "Rāmu", while she called him "Saheb".[4] They had five children – Yashwant, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu (daughter) and Rajratna. Apart from Yashwant (1912–1977), the other four died in their childhood.[5][6]
Death
Ramabai died on 27 May 1935 at Rajgruha in Hindu Colony, Dadar, Bombay, after a prolonged chronic illness. She had been married to Ambedkar for 29 years.[3]
Credit by her husband
B. R. Ambedkar's book Thoughts on Pakistan, published in 1941, was dedicated to Ramabai. In the preface, Ambedkar credits her with his transformation from an ordinary Bhiva or Bhima to Dr Ambedkar.
_Yashwant,_BR_Ambedkar,_Ramabai,_Laxmibai,_Mukundrao,_and_Tobby.jpg)
