DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

VINAYAK DAMODAR SAVARKAR: -

VIEW ON HINDUTVA

A Write Up Presented as Seminar Paper for Practical

Fulfillments of Bachelor Degree in Political Science.

Submitted By Under The Supervision Of

SUBRAT PRADHAN Dr. SUCHISMITA PANDA
ROLL NO – 11522073
Lecturer In Political Science
3rd Year Political Science
S.C.S (A) College

S.C.S (A) COLLEGE, PURI

INTRODUCTION: -

Savarkar was an pro-independence politician activist, writer, poet, and

lawyer. Savarkar coined the term Hindutva to create a collective “Hindu Identity” as an
essence of Bharat. SHe advocated the reconversion of converted Hindus back to Hindu
religion. His political philosophy was based on utilitarianism, rationalism, positivism,
humanism, universalism, pragmatisim, realism. He was an atheist and staunch rationalist
who disapproved of orthodox belief in religions. He was associated with the India house
and free India society. Savarkar inspired the boys well to fight on until the last Muslim
was driven off. Later He is known to have Stated : “Do not fear them. The almighty is
your strength, so fight , even when facing an enemy stronger than yourself.”
Life sketch:-

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was his full name. He was born on 28th may
1883 in the Marathi Chitpavan Brahmin family of Damodar and Radhabhai Savarkar in
the village of Bhagur Near the city of Nasik, Maharashtra. He had three other siblings,
Ganesh, Narayan, Maina. He earned the nickname “Veer” when at the age of 12.
After the death of his parents, the eldest sibling’s Ganesh, Known as
Babarao, took responsibility of his family. During this period , Vinayak organised a youth
group called Mitra Mela(Band of Friends). In 1901Vinayak Damodar Savarkar married
Yamunabai. He was very much inspired by the radical political leaders like Bal
Gangadhar Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal, lala Lajpat Ray.
He was arrested by police on 13th march 1910. In his final day of freedom
Savarkar wrote letters to a close friend planning for his escape. When the ship SS Morea
Reached the port of Marceilles on 8th July 1910. Savarkar escaped from his cell but his
friend was late in arriving and alarm having been rasied . Savarkar was rearrested and
sentenced to 50 years of imprisonment.
In England he was associated with the India house and free India society
he found a student organization named Abhinav Bharat society in India and England.
On 2 may 1921 the Savarkar brothers were moved to a jail in Ratnagiri and later to
Yervada Central Jail. In 1921, under restrictions, after singing a plea for clemency, he
was released on 6th January 1924. However, police restriction on his activities would not
be dropped until provincial autonomy was granted in 1931.
On 8th November 1963,savarkar’s wife Yamunabai was died. On 1th
February 1966 Savarakar renounced medicines, food and water which he termed as
‘Atmaarpan’ (Fast until death).
Veer Savarkar was died on 26th February 1966 at the age of 83.
CONTRIBUTION: -
Savarkar’s contribution to the Indian freedom movement are
manifold. In 1904,he founded the Abhinav Bharati society, a revolutionary organisation
committed to overthrowing British rule through armed struggle.
During his imprisonment, Savarkar penned several books.
Savarkar wrote more than 10,000 pages in marathi language. That are namely –
‘Kamala’, ‘mazi janmathep(my life sentence)’. Some major works of Savarkar discussed
below:-
*Hindutva
*My Transportation For Life
*1857-The First War Of Independence
*Inside The Enemy Camp
*Hindu Pad Padashahi
*Kale Pani (Black Water Which Means “Life Sentence” On
The Island Prison On The Andaman Island .
*Hindu Rastra Darshan
*Six Glorious Epochs Of The Indian History.
He is also the author of the poems Sagara pran talamalala (O Great
sea , my heart Aches) for the motherland),and Jayostute (written in the praise of
freedom ).He chaired marathi sahitya sammelan in 1938.
View on Hindutva: - Savarkar regards being Hindus as a cultural and
political identity. He defined Hindus as being neither Aryan nor Dravidian but as “people
who live as children of a common motherland, adoring a common holyland.”Savarkar
outlined his vision for a “Hindu Rastra.” Savarkar advocated the reconversion of the
converted Hindus back to Hindu religion. Savarkar coined the term Hindutva (hinduness)
to creat a collective “Hindu” identity as an essence of Bharat.
The word Hindutva was popularised by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
in 1923.The Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) adopted it as its official ideology in 1989.
Savarkar dissociate the term Hindu from Hinduism. Hindutva is to built a strong Hindu
nation, and this is the principle that holds together the customs and culture of this land. In
a 1995 judgement, the supreme court of India ruled that “Ordinarily, Hindutva was
understood as a way of life and not a religion.” Savarkar said: “Hindutva is not a word
but history.”
Problems of the study: -
While studying veer Savarkar’s ideology there are some issues that
are:
(i) Exclusivist Nationalist: -
Savarkar’s concept of Hindutva has been criticised for
promoting an exclusivist nationalism that prioritizes Hindu interests over others.
(ii) Anti-Muslim sentiments: -
Savarkar’s ideology contain anti-Muslim sentiments, which have
contributed to communal tensions in India. So that this ideology was criticised by many
thinkers.
(iii) Lack of social justice: -
Savarkar’s ideology has been criticised for neglecting
social justice and failing to address issues like caste inequality, women’s rights, and
economics disparities.
(iv) Over emphasis on Hinduism: -
Some thinkers argue that Savarkar’s ideology over, emphasis
on Hinduism, neglecting
the diversity of Indian culture and the contributions of other religions.
(v) Influence on Extremist Groups: -
Savarkar’s ideology has been linked to extremist Hindu nationalist
groups, such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh(RSS), which has been accused of
promoting intolerance and violence.
(vi) Disregard for Secularism:-
His ideology has been criticized for disregarding secularism and
promoting a Hindu centric stat, which undermines India’s constitutional commitment to
secularism.
Objective of the study:-
The primary objectives of the study of Savarkar’s life and works
are:
1. “To understand the ideological foundations of Hindutva.” Savarkar’s concept of
Hindutva has had a profound impact on Indian politics and society. By studying
his writings and speeches, we can gain insights into core principles of this
ideology.
2. “To analys Savarkar’s contributions to the Indian independence movement.”
Savarkar played a significant role in the revolutionary activities against British
rule. Understanding his contributions help us appreciate the struggle for
independence.
3. “To examine Savarkar’s views on social and cultural issues.” Savarkar had
distinct views on Indian society, culture and religion. Studying these views
provides a comprehensive understanding of his vision for India.
4. “To assess the relevance of Savarkar’s ideas in contemporary times.” Savarkar’s
legacy continues to influence Indian politics and society. It helps us to
understand their impact on modern India.
5. “To provide a comprehensive understanding of Savarkar’s life, work and legacy.”
Review of Literature: -
A comprehensive review of the literature on Veer Savarkar is
conducted to understand the existing scholarship on his ideology and contribution. This
involves analysing books, journal, articles, research papers that discuss Savarkar’s
work his political activities and the impact of his ideas.
Some political thinker give their opinion about Savarkar in their book that are:-
1. Vikram Sampath’s book about Savarkar is a two part biography that provide
an in depth look at the life and legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. The first part ,
“Echoes from a forgotten past , 1883-1924,” covers Savarkar’s early life , his
revolutionary activities, and his imprisonment in the Andaman cellular jail. Sampath’s book
sheds light on Savarkar’s complex personality highlighting his intelligence articulateness,
poetic nature and radical views.
2. Sadashiv Rajaram Ranade Wrote a biography of Vinayak Damodar
Savarkar, titled “Swatantryaveer Vinayakrao Savarkar yanche charitra.” This biography
, written in 1924,is significant because it was penned the same year Savarkar was released
from jail . Ranade is also credited with giving Savarkar the epithet “Swatantraveer” Which
means “Hero of independence” .
 3. Jyotirmaya Sharma has written extensively on Vinayak Damodar Savarkar ,
particularly in his book “Hindutva: Exploring the idea of Hindu nationalism”.
Sharma critiques Savarkar’s idea, arguing that his concept of Hindutva is rooted in a
flawed and exclusivist understanding of Indian history and culture.
Sharma contends that Savarkar’s narrative of Indian history is based on a
simplistic Hindu-Muslim binary, which ignores the complexities and diversities of Indian
society .
4. Dhananjay Keer wrote a comprehensive biography of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
, titled “Veer Savarkar” (1950) . Keer’s biography is considered one of the most
authoritative and detailed accounts of savarkar’s life. Keer’s biography is notable
for his detailed research, balanced perspective , engaging
narrative and accessible style making it a valuable resource for scholars and
general readers .
5. Manohar Malgonkar wrote about Savarkar in his book “The men who killed
Gandhi.” Specifically, Malgonkar mentions that Dr. Ambedkar played a role in
minimizing Savarkar’s criminal conviction in connection with Gandh’s
assassination. Malgonkar’s book is a historical account of the event leading up to
Gandhi’s assassination and aftermath.
6. Vinayak Chaturvedi wrote “Hindutva and violence: VD Savarkar and the
politics of history” , a book that delves into Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s political
thoughts particularly his concept of Hindutva.Chaturvedi examines Savarkar’s
claim that “Hindutva is not a word but a history” and argues that, for Savarkar , this
history was not a total history.
7. Lisa Mckean wrote about Savarkar in the context of Hindu nationalism and its
influence on contemporary Indian politics. Mckean’s work provides a critical
perspective on Savarkar’s ideology and it’s ongoing impact on Indian politics and
society.
Methodology:-
The study employs a multifaceted research methodology to ensure a thorough
and balanced examination of veer Savarkar’s life and contribution.
The methodology includes :
i. Historical analysis :-
Historical analysis is a critical component of this study . It involves examining
primary and secondary sources to trace Savarkar’s life , his role in the independence
movement, his ideological evolution. The primary sources include Savarkar’s own writings,
speeches and letters while secondary sources encompass biograpy, historical account
 ii. Content analysis:-
Content analysis is used to examine Savarkar’s writings , his book , essays , and
pamphlets . This helps in understanding the core tenets of his ideology , his vision of Hindutva,
his views on various social and political issues.
iii. Comparative analysis:-
This analysis employed to compare Savarkar ideology with other contemporary
nationalist thinkers and movements . This provides insight into the uniqueness of his idea and
their place in the broader spectrum of Indian nationalism .
iv. Qualitative interview:-
Qualitative interviews with historian political scientists , scholars of Indian history are
conducted to gather expert opinion on Savarkar’s contributions and the controversies
surrounding his ideology. These interview help in obtaining a nuanced understanding of his
legacy.
Major findings: -
 Ideological foundations of Hindutva:-
Savarkar’s concept of Hindutva is a form of cultural
nationalism that seeks to unifying Hindus under a common heritage and identity. It is
distinct from the religious practices of Hinduism and focuses on the cultural and historical
aspects of Hindu identity. Savarkar’s book “Hindutva – who is Hindu?”(1923)articulates
this philosophy, defining Hindu identity in cultural and national context.

 Contributions to the Indian independence movement:-

Savarkar was actively involved in revolutionary activities against British rule. He

founded the Abhinav Bharati society, which plotted against British officials. In 1909, he
was arrested for sedition and received a life sentence, spending several years in jail. His
book “The first war of independence ”(1909)provides a historical account of the 1857
uprising, which he termed the first war of independence.
views on social and cultural issues :-

Savarkar advocated for the revival of Hindu culture and traditional values. He
critiqued westernization and promoted indigenous tradition. He stressed the importance
of a unified Hindu identity to counter perceived threats from other community. Savarkar’s
work “Six Glorious Epochs of Indian history” narrates Indian history, highlighting Hindu
achievement.
 Relevance in contemporary Times:-

Savarkar’s legacy is complex and continues to influence contemporary Indian

politics. His ideas have shaped the ideologies of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak
sangh(RSS)and Bhartiya Janata party(BJP). While some view him as a martyr and
nationalist, other criticize him communal views. His interpretation of history and
nationalism have been contested by historians and political analysts.
Concluding data:-
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s contributions to Indian political thought and the
independence movement are significant and multifaceted. His concept of Hindutva ,
revolutionary activities and views on social and cultural issues have left a lasting impact
on Indian society. While his ideas continue to be debated and analyzed , their relevance
in contemporary times under scores their importance in understanding the complexities of
Indian politics and society. Savarkar’s life and work offer invaluable insights in to the
complexities of Indian nationalism. His unwavering commitment to independence ,
coupled with his intellectual contributions, has cemented his place in history . As we
navigate the challenges of modern nation building , revisiting savarkar’s ideology provides
an opportunity to reflect on the principles that shape our collective identity.All that we
knew from above study that Savarkar was mainly focus on hindu state and two nation
theory and anti-colonialism were also some ideologies of Savarkar . He motivated the
young spirit of the nation through his writing and literature skill .