Ramabai Ambedkar

Ramabai Bhimrao Ambedkar (1896/1897 – 27 May 1935) was the wife of B. R. Ambedkar, who said her support was instrumental in helping him pursue his higher education and his true potential. 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 Bikaji Dhotre, in the Mahapura locality in 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.

Marriage Ambedkar with his family members at Rajgruha, his residence in Mumbai in February 1934. From left – Yashwant (Son), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Smt. Ramabai, Smt. Laxmibai (wife of BR Ambedkar's elder brother, Anand) and nephew (Mukundrao Anandrao Ambedkar) and Dr. Ambedkar's favorite dog, Tobby. Ramabai married Bhimrao in 4 April 1906 in a very simple ceremony in the vegetable market of Byculla, Mumbai. Like her spouse, the exact birth year of Ramabai is not documented. Older records tell varied birth date and year. Dhananjay Keer states that she was married to Bhimrao when she was nine years old. At the time, Ambedkar was aged 15 and Ramabai was 9. They had five children – Yashwant, Gangadhar, Ramesh, Indu (daughter) and Rajratna. Apart from Yashwant (1912–1977), the other four died in their childhood.

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. Dr. Ambedkar, a Hindi television series aired on DD National. Garja Maharashtra (2018–19), a Marathi television series aired on Sony Marathi. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar – Mahamanvachi Gauravgatha (2019), a Marathi television series airing on Star Pravah starring Shivani Rangole as Ramabai Ambedkar while Mrunmayi Supal portrayed the young version of the character.

Books Ramai, by Yashwant Manohar Tyagawanti Rama Mauli, by Nana Dhakulkar, Vijay Publications (Nagpur) Priya Ramu, by Yogiraj Bagul, Granthali Publication