Nepedia
Back to Discover
Advanced Reader
📖

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

society Maturity 5-7 death dying politics Next article →

This article covers sensitive topics: death_dying, politics. Parents can manage visibility in Parental Controls.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a prominent Indian politician and ideologue. He was a central figure in the development of Hindu nationalist thought. His life involved intense political activism, long periods of imprisonment, and significant influence on Indian social and political structures. Savarkar is most often remembered for formulating the ideology of Hindutva. This concept sought to promote Hindu political and social unity across India.

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

Savarkar's political journey began during his youth in the Bombay Presidency. He was born on May 28, 1883, in the village of Bhagur. His parents were Damodar and Radhabai Savarkar. As a student, he showed early signs of radical activism. In 1903, he and his brother Ganesh founded a secret group called Mitra Mela. This group became the Abhinav Bharat Society in 1906. The society's primary goals were to overthrow British rule and revive Hindu pride.

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

In 1906, Savarkar moved to London to study law. He received the Shivaji Scholarship to fund his education. While in England, he became active in organizations like India House and the Free India Society. He published books that advocated for Indian independence through revolutionary methods. One such book, titled "The Indian War of Independence," focused on the 1857 rebellion. British authorities banned this book. During this time, he was also influenced by the Italian nationalist Giuseppe Mazzini. He even translated a biography of Mazzini into the Marathi language.

Savarkar's activities in London led to his arrest in March 1910. The British authorities charged him with several crimes. These included waging war against the state and distributing arms. It was alleged that he was involved in a conspiracy to assassinate officials. During his transport to India on the ship SS Morea, Savarkar attempted an escape. He jumped from a ship window and swam to the French coast. He sought political asylum in France, but French officials returned him to the British. This incident even led to a dispute at the Permanent Court of International Arbitration in 1911.

Savarkar in jail clothes
Savarkar in jail clothes

After his return to India, Savarkar faced a trial in a Bombay court. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

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

While in prison, Savarkar submitted several clemency petitions to the British government. He used various arguments to request mercy. Some petitions were rejected, while others were considered after Royal proclamations. In 1921, he was transferred to a jail in Ratnagiri. He was finally released from prison in 1924, though he remained restricted to the Ratnagiri district.

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

During his years in Ratnagiri, Savarkar's focus shifted toward Hindu nationalism. In 1922, while still in jail, he wrote "Essentials of Hindutva." This book laid out the foundations of the Hindutva ideology. After his travel restrictions were lifted in 1937, he became a famous orator and writer. He served as a leader for the Hindu Mahasabha. Under his leadership, the party endorsed the idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation. He also supported the two-nation theory during a speech in Ahmedabad.

Savarkar's political choices during World War II were controversial. While the Indian National Congress launched the Quit India Movement, Savarkar chose to boycott it. Instead, he wrote a letter titled "Stick to your Posts." He encouraged Indians to support the British war effort. His political alliances also changed during this period. The Hindu Mahasabha formed coalitions with the All-India Muslim League and other non-Congress parties to form state governments. These complex political shifts showed his dedication to his specific vision for India's future.

In 1948, Savarkar faced a major legal crisis. He was charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. This was a very serious accusation in the history of modern India. However, the court eventually acquitted him. The decision was made because there was a lack of evidence to prove his involvement.

Nathuram
Nathuram

Despite this, his legacy remains a significant part of Indian political discourse. His ideas regarding national identity and unity continue to be studied and debated today.

671 words

Where will your curiosity go next?

Keep exploring at your chosen reading level.

🖼️ 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...
More to explore

What is Nepedia?

A free, ad-free encyclopedia for children. Every article is written at five reading levels, so the same page works for a five-year-old and a fifteen-year-old — use the level switcher above to see this one change. No account needed to read.