On February 26, 2025, India reflects on the 59th death anniversary of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, known as Veer Savarkar, who remains one of the most controversial yet influential figures in Indian nationalism. His ideas, particularly the concept of Hindutva, continue to shape political discourse across the country. A staunch proponent of Hindu nationalism, Savarkar made significant contributions to the movement for India's independence from British rule and left behind writings and ideologies, which continue to reverberate today.
Born on May 28, 1883, Savarkar embarked on his political activism at a young age, quickly moving to develop what we recognize today as the ideology of Hindutva. This ideology was not merely about religion but encompassed cultural, ethnic, and national identity. He distinguished 'Hindutva' from 'Hinduism', asserting, "Hinduism is only a derivative, a fraction, or a part of Hindutva". This distinction allowed him to argue for Hindu unity and identity beyond the religious sphere, emphasizing the collective history and identity of the Hindu people.
Throughout his life, Savarkar advocated for the writing of history as intertwined with national duty. He believed it was imperative to depict India's historical narratives through the lens of Hindu identity. His book, The Indian War of Independence 1857, challenges the colonial perspective, labeling the 1857 uprising as India’s first war of independence rather than simply a mutiny. He argued, "This was no mutiny, it was a War of Independence" and regarded the revolt as fueled by the principles of Swadharma and Swaraj, calling it "a divine and justifiable act of vengeance against British oppression and injustice".
Savarkar's writings also exhibit his feelings on religious unity among Hindus, which included recognizing Muslims as potential allies against colonial powers during the 1857 revolt. He referred to both communities as "children of the soil of Hindusthan", emphasizing their common heritage. Yet, as his political ideology matured, so did his perceived necessity to redefine Hindu identity against perceived threats from non-Hindu communities. Savarkar argued for the notion of Hindudom being defined through land, culture, and heritage—a reflection of his vision of the nation.
His complex relationship with historical figures, including rulers and leaders, shaped his interpretations of Hindu identity. For Savarkar, non-Hindu rulers represented betrayal to the nation; he accused Emperor Ashoka of spreading detrimental Buddhist non-violence, which he believed weakened India's capacity for defense against foreign rule. On the contrary, he praised Maratha rulers like Shivaji for their staunch opposition to invaders.
While some praised Savarkar as the architect of Hindu unity, others criticized him for fostering division between communities, as he often depicted nationalism as inherently linked to Hindutva. He stated, "We, Hindus, are all one and a nation, because chiefly of our common blood – Bharat Santai", asserting the notion of race intertwined with national identity. This conflation of nationality and ethnicity is particularly noted where Savarkar argued others, such as Muslims, could not claim absolute patriotism, as they looked toward Mecca, unlike Hindus who regarded India as both fatherland and holyland.
Savarkar's influential views also extended to social reforms within Hindu society. He recognized the caste system as disintegrative and propounded the vision of castelessness within Hindu unity. Yet, opinions about his stance on the caste system remain divided, as some argue he acknowledged caste as integral to Hindu identity, even as he sought reforms.
Despite Savarkar's historical significance, his ideology remains contentious. Many accuse him of communalism, which he both refuted and defended, arguing nationalism inherently included elements of communal loyalty. During his address to the Hindu Mahasabha, he stated, "When communalism is only defensive, it is justifiable and humane as equitable nationalism itself", indicating his belief in the necessity of communal identity for nation-building.
Savarkar's legacy endures, influencing contemporary debates around nationalism and identity politics within India. His vision continues to inspire right-wing movements, and as India commemorates his contributions, discussions on his role and interpretations of Hindutva remain pivotal. His life's work forces one to grapple with the notions of history, national identity, and how deeply intertwined culture and religion can be.
Integrally, Savarkar once posited, "The nation which has no consciousness of its past has no future", indicating his firm belief in the historical identity of Hindus as foundational to India's destiny. The discussions surrounding Savarkar's legacy reveal the persistent relevance of his ideologies, as they continue to shape the conversations concerning India’s multifaceted and often fractious identity.