Historians writing about Indian history have treated Savarkar harshly and prejudicially.
Veer Savarkar was a multidimensional personality—a freedom fighter, social reformer, writer, poet, historian, political leader and philosopher combined into one. On 28 May we celebrate his 141st birth anniversary. On this occasion we need to understand why a scientific humanist and a crusader against social evils like caste and entry of Dalits into temples under his Patit Pavan Sanghatana has been called a fundamentalist and a coward. A great social reformer who thought that the rigid caste system “deserves to be thrown into the dustbins of history”. The greatest conspiracy of post Independent Nehruvian state framed him and branded him as communal and a fundamentalist when he himself was an agnostic, who gave weekly lectures in Pune on “Is there God?” He condemned all religions, hence the Nehruvian secularists condemned him, as for them secularism is only targeting Hindus and not the Abrahamic faiths. It is time that his contribution be assessed and celebrated.
INTELLECTUAL NATIONALIST
Savarkar’s works and actions epitomize the true definition of nationalism, standing resilient in the face of adversity and continuing his fight against British imperialism. Born and raised in Maharashtra, Savarkar exhibited his distaste for colonial rule during his early youth, including his term at Ferguson College in Pune. Through his skills and hard work, he secured the prestigious Shivaji Scholarship, which allowed him to go to Britain, where he began contributing to the Independence struggle through various avenues, including the India House and Free India Society.
His capture by the British on charges of sedition, his struggle in the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and his return to India as a prisoner marked the beginning of his long struggles. These culminated in a prolonged phase of incarceration (1911-21) at Port Blair, referred to as “Kala Pani,” in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The punishment was disproportionate and the harshest that could be rendered to any freedom fighter of that time. Despite these challenges, his will and persistence enabled him to return to mainland India, although restrictions on his activities remained.
His intellectual journey that started in the early 1910s flourished in the 1920s-30s.
Among his early works, one standout book was “The Indian War of Independence”, which provided an Indian narrative of the Revolt of 1857. This displeased the British Crown so much that it banned the book. In fact, one of the charges during his arrest was his possession of that book, among others. Savarkar’s other significant works include “Essentials of Hindutva”, which laid the ideological foundation for his vision of a Hindu nation. Other writings include “Mopla”, “Hindurashtra Darshan”, and “The Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History”, all collectively highlighting his contributions to the intellectual dimensions of India as it was to come and as it should aim to be. He was a great Marathi poet.
A LEGACY BETRAYED FOR SO LONG
Among his significant contributions was through the Hindu Mahasabha, a unique testament to his maturity of political thought that addressed the question of “what after Independence?” His views and actions extended beyond merely addressing British rule in India; they encompassed understanding and enabling the challenges of Indian society, including fighting casteism and divisions that had degraded the self-worth of India under the yoke of foreign Islamic rule and later imperialism. His efforts to revitalize Hindu culture were not isolated but had a significant long-term impact on the Indian psyche, the results of which are evident even today. One speaks of an Indian narrative or a Bharatiya view of the world. Meanwhile, Savarkar was one of the first to see beyond the Independence struggle and envision India as a nation long before it became one.
Yet, Savarkar’s contributions and ideas were ignored and pilloried for short-term political benefits and due to ideological devotions. This has led to a skewed understanding of his role and the broader spectrum of strategies employed in the struggle for India’s Independence. This marginalization continued even after Independence and well into the 21st century. Historians writing about Indian history have treated Savarkar harshly and prejudicially. Parochial interests were so influential and pervasive that his legacy was betrayed through wilful ignorance and outright omissions. Even today, efforts continue to paint the individual as a fringe ideologue with vast chunks of his career either caricatured or entirely omitted. It took a considerable amount of time before both the government and the public began to understand and recognize the efforts of this unique thinker and freedom fighter. His experiences in Cellular Jail are nothing short of a horror story. Yet, a large segment of India’s youth remains oblivious to them.
READING MORE OF SAVARKAR
For such reasons, there is a veritable and urgent need to reading more of Savarkar to raise awareness about his works, thoughts, sacrifices, and achievements so that the resilient spirit of Indian civilization can be better understood. His personal character in the face of betrayal by his own people should be a case study of his resilience and strength. Savarkar’s steadfast dedication to India’s freedom and intellectual contributions highlight his commitment to depth and the enduring relevance of his ideas. Recognizing and disseminating his legacy is crucial for fostering a comprehensive understanding of India’s struggle for Independence and its rich intellectual heritage.
In a nutshell, Savarkar represents the ethos of Indian culture and civilization, which is resilience, pragmatism, and open-mindedness. Despite being ignored, outcast, and persecuted, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the ideals of a united and proud India. It is rare to find an individual as holistic in thought, actions, and vision as Savarkar, even within the rich tapestry of India’s great civilization, which is replete with exceptional individuals. Savarkar’s contributions were crucial during his time, and they are even more significant today as India stands poised to influence global outcomes. He was a great Marathi poet and it is a tragedy for a civilizational state to condemn a great nationalist who gave up all for the nation and fought for a casteless and rational, scientific society. He was a scientific humanist and propagated inter-caste marriage. The left-liberal cabal totally turned Savarkar’s contribution to doublespeak and false propaganda. His sacrifice and contribution to modern India was belittled. When no big Congress leader ever was sent to Kala Pani, can one ask why?
Veer Savarkar asked for nothing, but he got plenty in return from a nation ruled by a bunch of ungrateful and mediocre rulers. Veer Savarkar got indignities, insults and ridicule heaped on him by men and women who are not worth to be dust on his left toe. He endured every false charge, every indignity, every insult thrown his way with equanimity and when his time came, he faced death too with equal stoicism, on his own terms, fasting his way out. How many leaders of Independent India can claim that?
Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is the Vice-Chancellor of JNU.