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Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

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Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an important Indian politician and thinker.

The Savarkar brothers (Left to right) Narayan, Ganesh and Vinayak, with Shanta, sister Maina Kale and Yamuna
The Savarkar brothers (Left to right) Narayan, Ganesh and Vinayak, with Shanta, sister Maina Kale and Yamuna

He was born on May 28, 1883, in a village called Bhagur. His parents were named Damodar and Radhabai Savarkar. He grew up in a family with two brothers and one sister. As a student, he began taking part in political activities. He wanted to see India become a free and independent nation.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar 1970 stamp of India
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar 1970 stamp of India

Savarkar and his brother Ganesh started a secret group. This group was first called Mitra Mela in 1903. Later, in 1906, it became the Abhinav Bharat Society. Their main goal was to end British rule in India. They also wanted to bring back Hindu pride. Savarkar later went to London to study law. While in England, he joined groups like India House. He wrote books that argued for Indian independence through revolution. One of his books was about the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Savarkar in jail clothes
Savarkar in jail clothes

In 1910, the British authorities arrested Savarkar in London. They accused him of many things, including spreading revolutionary ideas. He tried to escape while on a ship called the SS Morea. He jumped from a window and swam to the shore in France. However, the French officials handed him back to the British. He was sent to India to face a trial. A court sentenced him to life in prison. He was sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

A statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
A statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

Savarkar spent many years in prison. He wrote several mercy petitions to ask the government for help.

Most Obedient British Servant Savarkar's Petition
Most Obedient British Servant Savarkar's Petition

He was finally released in 1924. However, he was not fully free to travel. He had to stay within the Ratnagiri district. While living there, he wrote a book called Essentials of Hindutva. This book explained the idea of Hindutva, which focused on Hindu unity. He eventually became a leader for the Hindu Mahasabha.

Savarkar's ideas shaped much of Indian politics later on. He was a very famous speaker and writer. During World War II, he did not join the Quit India Movement. Instead, he encouraged Indians to help the British war effort. In 1948, he faced a very serious legal challenge. He was accused of being part of a plot against Mahatma Gandhi. A court looked at the evidence carefully. The court decided he was not guilty because there was no proof.

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🖼️ Images & Media (7)
File:The Savarkar brothers (Left to right) Narayan, Ganesh and Vinayak, with Shanta, sister Maina Kale and Yamuna.jpg
The Savarkar brothers (Left to right)...
File:Savarkar_in_jail_clothes.jpg
Savarkar_in_jail_clothes.jpg
File:A statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.jpg
A statue of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.jpg
File:Most Obedient British Servant Savarkar's Petition.jpg
Most Obedient British Servant Savarkar's...
File:Nathuram.jpg
Nathuram.jpg
File:Vinayak Damodar Savarkar 1970 stamp of India.jpg
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar 1970 stamp of India.jpg
File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying homage at the portrait of Swatantryaveer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, on his birth anniversary, at Parliament House, in New Delhi on May 28, 2014.jpg
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi...
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