Justice in Form: Hyderabad’s Statue and the Expanding Legacy of B.R. Ambedkar

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, born on April 14, 1891, in Mhow (present-day Madhya Pradesh), emerged as one of India’s most influential reformers and intellectuals. Despite facing systemic caste-based discrimination, he pursued higher education abroad, earning doctorates from Columbia University and the London School of Economics. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar enshrined principles of liberty, equality, and fraternity into the nation’s legal framework. His efforts led to the abolition of untouchability and the establishment of affirmative action policies to uplift marginalised communities. In recognition of his contributions, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 1990. 

Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, pays homage to Ambedkar’s enduring legacy through a monumental statue unveiled on April 14, 2023, marking his 132nd birth anniversary. Standing at 125 feet atop a 50-foot pedestal near the historic Hussain Sagar Lake, the bronze statue is the tallest of Ambedkar in India. Designed by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the monument symbolises the values of equality and justice that Ambedkar championed. The surrounding 11.8-acre complex features a museum, library, and an audio-visual hall, offering visitors insights into his life and work. This tribute in Hyderabad is a beacon of inspiration, reminding future generations of the importance of social equity and the transformative power of dedicated leadership.

Visiting the Monument: How to Reach the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Statue in Hyderabad

Located near the iconic Hussain Sagar Lake and adjacent to the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Telangana State Secretariat, the 125-foot-tall statue is one of Hyderabad’s most accessible landmarks. Travellers can reach the site conveniently via multiple modes of transport. The nearest metro station is Lakdikapul, just 2 kilometres away, while several TSRTC buses ply routes along Tank Bund Road. For those arriving by car or taxi, the area is well-connected by road, with parking facilities available (₹10 for two-wheelers and ₹30 for four-wheelers). The statue complex is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and there is a nominal entry fee of ₹5 per person. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the adjacent museum, library, and audio-visual hall for a more immersive understanding of Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy.

Stone and Symbolism: Statues as Vessels of Social Justice

Statues serve as powerful symbols in the public realm, embodying the collective memory and values of a society. In India, monumental sculptures like the 125-foot statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Hyderabad are not merely artistic endeavours but significant assertions of identity and representation for historically marginalised communities. These structures provide visibility to figures who have championed social justice, offering inspiration and a sense of inclusion to those who have long been underrepresented in the nation’s narrative.

Across the country, similar monuments underscore this trend. The Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal and Green Garden in Noida, commissioned by former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati, features statues of prominent Dalit leaders, including Ambedkar, Jyotirao Phule, and Kanshi Ram, set amidst expansive grounds designed to honour their contributions to social reform. In Lucknow, the Ambedkar Memorial Park stands as a testament to the enduring impact of these leaders, with its grand architecture and symbolic sculptures. These sites not only commemorate individual achievements but also serve as spaces for reflection and education, fostering a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs of marginalised communities.

The creation of such monuments often sparks diverse reactions. While supporters view them as necessary acknowledgements of historical injustices and tools for empowerment, critics sometimes question the allocation of resources or the political motivations behind them. Nonetheless, these statues play a crucial role in reshaping public spaces to be more inclusive, ensuring that the stories of all communities are recognised and celebrated. As one observer aptly noted, “Public monuments are not just about the past; they’re about who we are today and who we aspire to be."

More Than Bronze: Ambedkar’s Legacy in India’s Cultural Imagination

While the 125-foot statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in Hyderabad commands attention through its sheer scale and architectural splendour, it is by no means the only space where his legacy takes form. Across India, his ideals continue to shape creative expression through art, literature, and performance. From murals in public spaces to powerful reinterpretations of his life in theatre, Dr Ambedkar’s vision has become a recurring motif in the cultural imagination of modern India. These expressions function as smaller, yet no less significant, monuments—living, breathing reminders of his fight for dignity and justice.

One striking example is the graphic novel Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability, which blends Ambedkar’s autobiographical episodes with the vivid Gond tribal art style. Such adaptations demonstrate how his personal battles and philosophical principles transcend time and genre. Similarly, stage productions like 'Ambedkar Aur Gandhi' interrogate the contrasting visions of two national leaders, drawing contemporary audiences into critical reflection about caste, democracy, and social equity.

In this way, the Hyderabad statue does not stand alone. It is part of a larger constellation of cultural artefacts and public memory projects that, together, elevate Ambedkar from a historical figure to an ever-present moral compass. Just as a play or a painting compels an audience to engage with ideas of resistance and reform, the statue serves as an anchor—a material and monumental affirmation of the values that Ambedkar lived by and died for. Whether etched in bronze or brushed in ink, these tributes ensure that his message remains embedded not only in stone but in the evolving conscience of the nation.