Introduction
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, known as Veer Savarkar, was an influential figure in India’s freedom struggle and a leading proponent of Hindu nationalism.
His ideology of Hindutva aimed to integrate religion, culture, and politics to establish a unified Hindu identity and promote an independent, prosperous Hindu nation.
Early Life and Education
Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur village near Nashik, Maharashtra.
Attended Ferguson College in Pune; active in forming revolutionary societies from a young age.
Revolutionary Foundations:
Founded Mitra Mela in 1903, which later became the Abhinav Bharat Society, advocating resistance against British rule.
Created a handwritten weekly, Arya Vritta, focusing on patriotism, literature, and history.
Political Activities
Overseas Influence:
While studying law in the UK, joined India House and Free India Society, which opposed British rule.
Authored The Indian War of Independence (1909) on the 1857 revolt; banned by British authorities.
Imprisonment:
Arrested in 1910 for involvement with India House, sentenced to 50 years, and sent to the Andaman Cellular Jail.
Advocated for humane treatment of political prisoners even during his imprisonment.
Key Ideologies and Contributions
Concept of Hindutva
Saw Hinduism as a binding force for India's identity, promoting a sense of unity and self-respect among Hindus.
Aimed to blend Hindu cultural values with national pride, fostering a strong, independent nation.
Envisioned Hindutva as inclusive of all social sections, emphasizing unity beyond caste distinctions.
Major Writings
The Indian War of Independence (1909): Historical account of India’s 1857 rebellion against British rule.
Hindutva (1922): Outlined his vision for a unified Hindu nation.
Other Works:
Hindu Rashtra Darshan
Inside the Enemy Camp
Continued Advocacy
Post-Imprisonment: Became an influential journalist, voiced views on nationalism, and promoted Hindu pride.
Political and Social Lectures: Gave speeches on Indian nationalism, history, and social issues, especially during the 1950s.
Influence on Future Generations: Inspired Indian nationalists and influenced the concept of Indianness in the cultural and political sphere.
Death
Passing: Died in 1966 at age 83, leaving a lasting and complex legacy within Indian nationalism and Hindu identity politics.
Summary of Contributions
Established a foundation for Hindu nationalism in India, advocating for unity and strength among Hindus.
Actively participated in India’s independence movement, even facing imprisonment.
Remembered as a revolutionary thinker whose ideas on Hindu nationalism and Indianness continue to impact Indian society.
Concept of Hindutva and Hinduism
In Foundation of Hindutva, Savarkar defines a Hindu as someone with deep affection for their native land, caste, and culture.
Hindutva is more than religion; it’s a symbol of unity, emphasizing social, cultural, and national identity.
Social and Cultural Aspects
Hindutva promotes the cultural unity of Indian society, tying Hindu identity to a shared devotion to land, culture, and ancestors.
Savarkar sees Hinduism as embodying equality, brotherhood, and unity, which he views as vital to national harmony.
Difference Between Hinduism and Hindutva
Hindutva is not purely religious; it’s a socio-cultural concept promoting Indian unity.
Hindutva embodies national integration, emphasizing social harmony over religious dogma.
Savarkar's Contributions to Hindu Society
Against Casteism: Advocated for equality across castes, challenging traditional discrimination and promoting a unified Hindu identity.
Focus on Social Egalitarianism: Worked toward eliminating untouchability and promoting education equality among all castes.
Language as Unity: Emphasized the importance of Sanskrit and Prakrit as symbols of cultural unity.
Geographical and Cultural Unity: Envisioned India as united from Ceylon to Kashmir and promoted the concept of a unified Hindu nation.
Political Ideology
1. Role of the Hindu Mahasabha
Preservation of Hindu Culture: Formulated to advance and glorify Hindu culture and civilization as essential to the Hindu nation.
Hindu Rashtra Vision: The goal was to build a Hindu nation through cultural and civilizational unity.
2. Nationalism Through Swaraj and Swadharma
Swaraj (Self-rule): Saw independence from colonial rule as essential for the security of Hindu culture.
Swadharma (Self-dharma): Considered the protection of Hindu religion as integral to the concept of Swaraj.
Economic and Social Vision
1. Nationalist Economics
Class Reconciliation: Proposed a balanced approach to class interests, supporting peasants, workers, and mechanization.
Civilizational Strength: Believed in harnessing India’s civilizational heritage to achieve national prosperity.
2. Education and Social Change
Spread of Education: Advocated for accessible education across all communities.
Equality in Education: Emphasized the right to equal educational opportunities, regardless of caste.
How did Savarkar emphasize Hinduism uniquely among his contemporaries?
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s focus on Hinduism, especially in relation to Hindutva, stemmed from his distinct interpretation of Indian nationalism. Unlike other contemporary leaders in India’s freedom struggle, Savarkar viewed Hindu identity as a unifying force that could bring cultural and national unity. Here are some key reasons why Savarkar emphasized Hinduism uniquely among his contemporaries:
1. Hindu Identity as National Identity
Hindutva vs. Hinduism: Savarkar distinguished between Hinduism (a religion) and Hindutva (a cultural and civilizational identity). His focus was not strictly on Hindu religious beliefs but on Hindu identity as the backbone of Indian nationalism.
Political and Cultural Unity: He saw Hinduism as a means of unifying the diverse Indian subcontinent. By defining Hindutva as a cultural identity, he aimed to forge a national identity rooted in India’s ancient civilization, shared history, and language.
2. Influence of Nationalist Movements Worldwide
Inspiration from European Nationalism: Savarkar was influenced by European nationalist movements that used common language, culture, and history to build nation-states. He envisioned a similar approach for India, where Hindu culture would provide a shared identity.
Contrast with Secular Nationalism: Unlike Gandhi’s and Nehru’s visions of a secular, inclusive nationalism, Savarkar saw Hindutva as essential for India's unity and protection, especially in the face of colonial and foreign influence.
3. Response to Colonial Divide-and-Rule Tactics
Fear of Fragmentation: The British colonial strategy often exploited religious differences to maintain control over India, such as through separate electorates for Hindus and Muslims. Savarkar believed that a unified Hindu identity could counteract this fragmentation and strengthen India against colonial manipulation.
Protection of Hindu Culture and Interests: He saw Hindutva as a way to protect Hindu culture, which he felt was under threat from foreign influences and colonial rule.
4. Savarkar's Own Experiences and Ideological Shift
Imprisonment and Ideological Transformation: Savarkar's imprisonment led him to adopt a more radical approach to nationalism. During this time, he developed Hindutva as a strategy to rally Hindus under a single identity for self-preservation and resistance.
Emphasis on Self-Reliance and Strength: His views were shaped by his belief that Indian society needed to embrace strength and self-confidence, which he felt could be cultivated through the collective identity of Hindutva.
5. Differing Approaches to Social and Religious Unity
Contrast with Gandhi’s and Nehru’s Ideas: While Gandhi promoted a universalist approach to religion, and Nehru advocated for secularism, Savarkar argued for a nationalism that gave primacy to Hindu culture. This distinguished him as a more polarizing figure, as his ideas did not emphasize inclusivity across all religions.
Cultural Revivalism: Savarkar’s Hindutva was a call to revive and celebrate India’s ancient Hindu culture, traditions, and practices as a way to inspire pride and unity, which he believed would empower India to achieve freedom and national pride.
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