Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Indian poet and politician (b. 1883)

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (28 May 1883 – 26 February 1966), revered by his followers with the honorific prefix Veer, was an extraordinary Indian politician, activist, and writer whose life was deeply intertwined with India's struggle for independence and the shaping of its national identity. His journey from a fiery young revolutionary to a profound ideologue and controversial figure left an indelible mark on the subcontinent's political landscape. Known for developing the Hindu nationalist political ideology of Hindutva while imprisoned in Ratnagiri in 1922, Savarkar became a leading and often polarizing figure in the Hindu Mahasabha.

Savarkar’s unique philosophical stance saw him identify as an atheist, yet a pragmatic practitioner of Hindu philosophy. This seemingly contradictory position reflected his belief that Hinduism, as a cultural and civilizational ethos, was essential for national unity and strength, irrespective of personal theological beliefs. He championed the term Hindutva – meaning "Hinduness," a concept previously articulated by Chandranath Basu – to forge a collective "Hindu" identity, which he considered the very essence of Bharat (India).

Early Life and Revolutionary Zeal

Savarkar's political awakening began remarkably early, while he was still a high school student. This nascent patriotism deepened during his time at Fergusson College in Pune, a hotbed of intellectual and nationalist ferment. It was during this period that he, along with his elder brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar, founded the secret revolutionary society known as the Abhinav Bharat Society. This organization, inspired by the Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini's 'Young Italy,' aimed to overthrow British rule through armed revolution, recruiting young Indians and imbuing them with a fierce sense of national pride and a commitment to radical change.

The Formative Years in London: Books and Banishment

His quest for knowledge and a deeper understanding of revolutionary methods led Savarkar to the United Kingdom for law studies. There, he quickly immersed himself in the vibrant, albeit clandestine, world of Indian nationalist organizations, becoming a key figure in groups such as India House and the Free India Society. India House, located in North London, served as a crucial hub for Indian students and revolutionaries, fostering discussions and plans for India's independence.

During this period, Savarkar authored and published several incendiary books, vehemently advocating for India's complete independence through revolutionary means. One of his most influential and controversial works, The Indian War of Independence, brilliantly reinterpreted the Indian Rebellion of 1857 not as a mere sepoy mutiny, but as India's first organized national uprising against British colonial rule. This powerful narrative was so potent that the British colonial authorities immediately banned the book, attempting to suppress its wide-reaching impact. However, the book was secretly published and circulated, further solidifying Savarkar's reputation as a dangerous revolutionary in the eyes of the British.

In 1910, Savarkar's intense revolutionary activities caught up with him. He was arrested in London and ordered to be extradited to India to face charges related to his connections with the revolutionary activities emanating from India House.

The Marseilles Escape and Cellular Jail

What followed was a dramatic episode that etched Savarkar's name into the annals of daring escapes. During his voyage back to India, while the ship was docked at the port of Marseilles in France, Savarkar made a audacious attempt to escape by diving into the sea and swimming towards the French shore, seeking political asylum. However, his bid for freedom was short-lived; French port officials, in a controversial move that violated international law, handed him back to the British government. This incident sparked an international legal dispute at the Hague, known as the "Savarkar Case," highlighting the complexities of colonial power and international jurisprudence.

Upon his eventual return to India, Savarkar was subjected to a rigorous trial and sentenced to an unprecedented two life terms of imprisonment, totaling fifty years. This severe sentence saw him transferred to the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, an isolated penal colony infamously known as 'Kalapani' (Black Waters). The conditions there were brutal, designed to break the spirit of political prisoners through hard labor, solitary confinement, and severe punishment. Savarkar endured over a decade in this oppressive environment, a period that profoundly shaped his ideological evolution.

Forging an Ideology: Hindutva and its Core

While confined, first in Cellular Jail and then under house arrest in Ratnagiri until 1937, Savarkar dedicated himself to intellectual pursuits. It was during this period of forced isolation that he articulated his influential political ideology of Hindutva, outlined in his 1923 book, Essentials of Hindutva. He posited that Hindutva was not merely a religious identity but a cultural, national, and political one, embracing all those who considered India their fatherland (pitrubhumi), holy land (punyabhumi), and land of their ancestors (matrubhumi). This vision aimed to unite diverse communities under a common "Hindu" identity, fostering a strong, unified nation-state.

The Hindu Mahasabha and Later Political Life

After his conditional release and eventual freedom from confinement in 1937, Savarkar re-emerged as a powerful orator and prolific writer. He traveled extensively, advocating passionately for Hindu political and social unity. His literary contributions were recognized when he presided over the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan in Mumbai in 1938, a testament to his intellectual prowess beyond politics.

Serving as the president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar became a prominent proponent of India as a "Hindu Rashtra" (Hindu Nation). He initiated a program for the "militarisation of Hindus," advocating for the community to be physically and politically strong, believing it essential for defending the country and protecting Hindus in the future. This stance reflected his deep concern for national security and the well-being of the Hindu community.

During World War II, Savarkar openly criticized the Indian National Congress's 1942 "Quit India" resolution. While the Congress called for the British to leave India but retain their armies to defend against a possible Japanese invasion, Savarkar was unequivocally opposed to any form of continued British presence. He viewed it as a compromise on complete independence. In July 1942, citing stress from his demanding duties, he resigned from the presidency of the Hindu Mahasabha, a decision that coincided with the launch of Mahatma Gandhi's iconic Quit India Movement, further highlighting the ideological differences within the Indian independence movement.

A Controversial Legacy: Gandhi's Assassination and Modern Discourse

In the tumultuous aftermath of India's independence and the trauma of Partition, Savarkar faced one of the most significant challenges of his life. In 1948, he was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. The gravity of the accusation was immense, casting a long shadow over his legacy. However, after a high-profile trial, he was ultimately acquitted by the court due to a lack of sufficient evidence, a verdict that continues to be debated and scrutinized by historians and political commentators.

Decades after his passing, Savarkar's figure has experienced a resurgence in popular discourse, particularly with the rise to power of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His ideas, especially the concept of Hindutva, gained renewed prominence with the BJP's ascendance in 1998 and again with the Modi-led BJP government at the center from 2014 onwards. Today, he remains a central figure in discussions about Indian nationalism, identity, and the nation's historical narrative, simultaneously celebrated as a national hero by some and critiqued as a divisive figure by others.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

Who was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar?
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, often referred to as "Veer Savarkar," was a prominent Indian politician, activist, writer, and a key figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. He played a significant role in India's independence movement and developed the political ideology of Hindutva.
What is Hindutva?
Hindutva, a term popularized by Savarkar, is a Hindu nationalist political ideology that defines India as a Hindu nation. It emphasizes a collective cultural and national identity based on what Savarkar considered the essence of being Hindu, distinct from mere religious practice.
What was his role in the Indian independence movement?
Savarkar was an active revolutionary who advocated for complete Indian independence through armed struggle. He founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, published influential revolutionary books like "The Indian War of Independence," and suffered severe imprisonment in Cellular Jail for his activities against British rule.
When was he imprisoned?
Savarkar was arrested in 1910 in London and sentenced to two life terms (50 years) in 1911. He was imprisoned in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands from 1911 to 1921, and subsequently under house arrest in Ratnagiri until 1937.
Was Savarkar involved in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination?
Yes, Savarkar was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. However, he was acquitted by the court due to a lack of evidence.
Why is Savarkar a controversial figure in modern India?
Savarkar remains controversial for several reasons: his advocacy for Hindutva, his perceived compromises during imprisonment (petitions for release), his opposition to the Quit India Movement, and the lingering debate surrounding his alleged involvement in Gandhi's assassination. His legacy is intensely debated in contemporary Indian politics, especially by the BJP, who consider him a national hero.