Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Unveiling the Maverick Patriot and Visionary Leader
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
"Savarkar" redirects here. For the 2001 Indian film, see Veer Savarkar (film). For the biography, see Savarkar (book).
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.: A name inscribed in the annals of Indian history, stands as a testament to his indomitable spirit of patriotism and visionary leadership. Born with determination, Savarkar embarked on a remarkable journey that would shape the destiny of a nation. The story of his life is one of resilience, wit and unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and Hindutva. In the face of adversity, Savarkar emerged as a torchbearer, lighting the flame of revolution and inspiring countless souls to fight for the liberation of his motherland. Join me in delving into the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, the visionary who left an indelible mark on the pages of Indian history.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was
born on May
28, 1883 in Bhagur city of Maharashtra, India. Coming from a middle-class
family, Savarkar grew up in an environment that nurtured his intellectual
curiosity and love for his country.
From a young age, Savarkar displayed extraordinary intelligence and
a deep sense of nationalism. He was deeply influenced by historical figures
like Shivaji
Maharaj and Rani Lakshmi Bai, who fought valiantly against foreign rule. These
influences shaped his worldview and fueled his desire to see India free from
the shackles of British colonialism.
In 1906, Savarkar co-founded the revolutionary secret society
called Abhinav Bharat, which aimed to overthrow British rule and establish an
independent India. He advocated for armed resistance and played a significant
role in the Swadeshi movement, urging Indians to boycott British goods and
promote indigenous industries.
Savarkar's nationalist activities caught the attention of the
British authorities, leading to his arrest in 1909. He was charged with
sedition and sentenced to two life imprisonmen totaling 50 years. Savarkar
endured harsh conditions during his incarceration, yet his spirit remained
unbroken. He utilized his time in prison to write extensively, producing
influential works such as "The First War of Indian Independence" and
"Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?"
After his release in 1924, Savarkar
continued his political activism, advocating for Hindu unity, social reforms,
and the protection of India's cultural heritage. He played a pivotal role in
the formation of the Hindu Mahasabha, a political organization representing
Hindu interests.{
1924 में
Savarkar's ideology of Hindutva,
which emphasized the cultural and national identity of Hindus, sparked debates
and controversies. While some hailed him as a nationalist icon, others
criticized his views as divisive.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar passed away
on February 26, 1966, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering patriotism and
intellectual prowess. His contributions to India's struggle for independence
and his visionary ideas continue to resonate with millions, making him an
enduring figure in Indian history.
Today, Savarkar's life and
philosophy are studied, debated, and celebrated, as his ideas continue to shape
the socio-political landscape of India. His unwavering commitment to the cause
of India's freedom and his vision for a strong and united nation make Vinayak
Damodar Savarkar a revered figure in the hearts and minds of many.
Childhood
and Education
Vinayak
Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was born on May 28, 1883,
in the village of Bhagur, near Nashik in Maharashtra, India. He was born into a
middle-class Marathi Brahmin family. His father, Damodar Savarkar, was a
respected figure in the community and worked as a government official.
Savarkar
received his early education at the local primary school in Bhagur. From a
young age, he showed exceptional intelligence and a keen interest in literature
and history. He was greatly influenced by his elder brother, Ganesh Damodar
Savarkar, who was a poet and played a crucial role in shaping Veer Savarkar's
patriotic and nationalist views.
In 1901, at the age of 18, Savarkar moved to
Pune to pursue further education. He enrolled at Fergusson College, where he
actively participated in extracurricular activities
and literary events. During his college years, he developed a deep interest
in the history and politics of India, as well as in social reforms.
Savarkar's intellectual capabilities and
passion for his country's freedom movement became evident during his college
days. He founded the secret society called "Mitramela" to encourage
discussions and debates on various social and political issues. Savarkar was
known for his fiery speeches and powerful oratory skills, which earned him
recognition among his peers and professors.
Veer Savarkar's early life laid the foundation
for his future role as a nationalist leader and freedom fighter. His education,
exposure to literature, and deep sense of patriotism played a significant role
in shaping his ideology and commitment to the cause of India's independence.
Student Activism
During his time as a student at
Fergusson College in Pune, Savarkar continued his active involvement in
political activism. He drew inspiration from the influential Nationalist
leader, Lokmanya Tilak, who had a profound impact on his ideology and vision
for India's independence. Recognizing Savarkar's potential, Tilak supported him
in obtaining the prestigious Shivaji Scholarship in 1906, which enabled
Savarkar to pursue his law studies in London. This scholarship not only
provided him with the opportunity to further his education but also exposed him
to the revolutionary ideas and movements prevalent in Europe at the time.
Studying Abroad in London Year
In London, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar actively participated
in organizations such as India House and the Free India Society. He played a
significant role in publishing books that advocated for complete Indian
independence through revolutionary means. One of his notable works, "The
Indian War of Independence," which shed light on the Indian Rebellion of
1857, was banned by the British colonial authorities.
During his time in London, Savarkar was deeply
influenced by the life and ideas of Italian Nationalist leader Giuseppe
Mazzini. He translated Mazzini's biography into Marathi, showcasing his
admiration for Mazzini's nationalist philosophy. Moreover, Savarkar's influence
extended to fellow students, such as Madanlal Dhingra. Dhingra, under
Savarkar's influence, assassinated Curzon-Wylie, a colonial officer, in 1909.
It is alleged that Savarkar provided the gun used by Dhingra and even supplied
the words for Dhingra's final statement before his execution.
During his stay in London, Savarkar had a
noteworthy encounter with Mohandas Gandhi, who had recently arrived in London
after the Curzon-Wylie assassination. Gandhi and Savarkar engaged in debates on
the efficacy of armed resistance and acts of terrorism in the struggle against
colonial rule. Gandhi advocated for nonviolent resistance, while Savarkar, influenced
by revolutionary ideas, leaned towards more militant means of achieving
independence.
Imprisonment of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
In
response to the armed revolt organized by Ganesh Savarkar against the
Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 in India, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was accused of
involvement in a conspiracy to overthrow the British government by
orchestrating the murders of various officials. Seeking to evade arrest,
Savarkar initially sought refuge at Bhikaiji Cama's residence in Paris.
However, against the advice of his friends, he eventually returned to London.
On March 13, 1910, he was arrested in London on multiple charges, including
procuring and distributing arms, waging war against the state, and delivering
seditious speeches. During his arrest, he was found in possession of several
revolutionary texts, including copies of his own banned books. Moreover, there
was evidence linking him to the smuggling of 20 Browning handguns into India,
one of which was used by Anant Laxman Kanhere to assassinate British official
A.M.T. Jackson in December 1909.
Despite the fact that Savarkar's alleged
crimes were committed both in Britain and India, the British authorities
decided to try him in India. Thus, he was placed aboard the commercial ship
Morea under police escort for transportation to India. However, when the ship
docked in the French Mediterranean port of Marseille, Savarkar managed to
escape by jumping from the ship's window. He swam to the French shore and
sought political asylum. Regrettably, the French port officials ignored his
pleas and handed him back to his British captors. Upon learning of this
incident, the French government requested the return of Savarkar to France and
lodged an appeal with the Permanent Court of Arbitration.
These events marked a critical chapter in
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's life, where his imprisonment, daring escape, and
subsequent extradition highlighted his relentless struggle against British
colonial rule and his unwavering commitment to the cause of Indian
independence.
International Controversy Surrounding
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's arrest in Marseilles
sparked a dispute between the French and British governments, leading to a
significant international controversy. The French government protested against
the British, arguing that appropriate legal proceedings for Savarkar's
extradition should have been followed. The dispute eventually reached the
attention of the international community and the case was brought before a
legal authority.
The Permanent Court of International
Arbitration was tasked with resolving the controversy in 1910, and its decision
was rendered in 1911. The case garnered extensive media coverage, particularly
in the French press, as it raised an intriguing international question
regarding the right of asylum.
The Court's ruling addressed several key
aspects. Firstly, it determined that there had been a pattern of collaboration
between the French and British authorities regarding the possibility of
Savarkar's escape in Marseilles. Since there was no use of force or fraudulent
means employed to induce the French authorities to return Savarkar, the British
were not obligated to hand him back to the French for rendition proceedings.
However, the tribunal also acknowledged an
"irregularity" in Savarkar's arrest and subsequent delivery to the
Indian Army Military Police guard. This observation hinted at potential
procedural issues surrounding Savarkar's transfer from French custody to the
British authorities.
The controversy surrounding Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar's arrest and extradition showcased the complex legal and diplomatic
landscape of the time. The case sparked discussions on the right of asylum and
raised questions about the collaboration between nations in matters of
extradition. The differing perspectives and legal arguments put forward during
this dispute reflect the broader tensions of the era's colonial rule and the
quest for justice and independence.
Hindu
Mahasabha: A Leadership Journey
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's Leadership in the
Hindu Mahasabha: Shaping Hindu Politics and Militarization
As the president of the Hindu Mahasabha,
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar played a significant role during the Second World War,
advocating a distinctive vision for Hindu politics and the militarization of
Hindudom. His leadership led to the advancement of the slogan "Hinduize
all Politics and Militarize Hindudom," signaling a call to unite Hindus
and infuse political activities with a Hindu identity.
During the war, Savarkar made a decision to
support the British war effort in India and actively sought military training
opportunities for Hindus. He urged Hindus to enlist in the armed forces and
emphasized the importance of learning the "arts of war." While the
Congress launched the Quit India movement in 1942, Savarkar criticized it and
encouraged Hindus to stay engaged in the war effort and maintain obedience to
the government.
Under Savarkar's leadership, the Hindu
Mahasabha organized Hindu Militarization Boards, which played a role in
recruiting armed forces to assist the British during World War II. This
initiative aimed to bolster Hindu participation in the war and strengthen the
military capabilities of the Hindu community.
Savarkar vehemently criticized the British
proposals for the transfer of power, particularly denouncing both the Congress
and the British for making concessions to Muslim separatists. His stance
reflected a steadfast commitment to Hindu unity and the rejection of partition.
After India gained independence, Syama Prasad
Mookerjee resigned as the vice-president of the Hindu Mahasabha, distancing
himself from its Akhand Hindustan (Undivided India) plank, which advocated for
the reversal of partition.
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's leadership in the
Hindu Mahasabha left a lasting impact on Hindu politics, advocating for
militarization, promoting Hindu unity, and challenging the narratives
surrounding India's independence and partition.
End of the Life
The Passing of
Savarkar's Wife: On 8 November 1963, Savarkar's wife, Yamunabai, passed away,
marking a personal loss for Savarkar and his family.
Embracing Atmasmarpan:
On 1 February 1966, Savarkar made a conscious decision to renounce medicines,
food, and water, a practice he referred to as atmasmarpan, meaning a fast until
death. In an article titled "Atmahatya Nahi Atmasmarpan," he expressed
his belief that when one's life mission is fulfilled, and the ability to serve
society ceases, it is preferable to consciously end one's life rather than
await natural death.
Challenging Health
and Final Moments: As Savarkar's health deteriorated, his condition became
extremely serious. He faced difficulty in breathing, and efforts to revive him
were unsuccessful. On 26 February 1966, he passed away at his residence in
Bombay (now Mumbai) at 11:10 a.m. (IST). His son Vishwas performed his last
rites the following day at an electric crematorium in Bombay's Sonapur
locality, as per Savarkar's wishes.
Political
Indifference and Recognition: Following Savarkar's death, there was a lack of
official mourning by the Congress party government of Maharashtra or at the
central level. None of the ministers from the Maharashtra Cabinet paid homage
to Savarkar, reflecting political indifference towards him.
Posthumous Pension:
Interestingly, after the demise of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the
Congress government, led by Prime Minister Shastri, initiated the payment of a
monthly pension to Savarkar, signifying a recognition of his contributions.
Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar's passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that
continues to shape the socio-political landscape of India. Despite the
political indifference he faced during his life and even after his death, his
ideas and contributions have left an indelible imprint on the discourse of
Indian nationalism and Hindu identity.
Conclusion
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent
figure in Indian history, left behind a genuine legacy. Throughout his life, he
made significant contributions to the nationalist movement and the Hindu
Mahasabha. He was a student activist, a writer, and a leader who advocated for
complete independence for India. His time in London and his involvement with
organizations like India House and the Free India Society shaped his
revolutionary ideas.
Savarkar's arrest and extradition to
India caused international controversy, with the French government protesting
against the British. Despite the challenges he faced, Savarkar continued his
political activism and played a role in organizing armed revolts against British
rule.
As the president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar emphasized the militarization of Hindudom and urged Hindus to participate in the war effort during World War II. He criticized the Quit India movement and promoted unity among Hindus.
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