Veer Savarkar Legacy in India: The Revolutionary Who Shaped Modern Nationalism

Few figures in modern Indian history have generated as much debate and admiration as Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar. His contributions to India’s freedom struggle, his intellectual writings, and his role in shaping the Hindutva ideology continue to influence Indian politics and society even decades after independence. The legacy of Veer Savarkar in India is complex—marked by revolutionary zeal, political controversies, and a vision of cultural nationalism that still sparks discussions in contemporary India.

In this article, we’ll explore Savarkar’s early life, his revolutionary activities, his imprisonment in the Andaman Cellular Jail, his writings, his role in shaping Hindutva, and how his ideas continue to impact India today.

Early Life and Education of Veer Savarkar

Veer Savarkar was born on 28 May 1883 in Bhagur, near Nashik, Maharashtra. From a young age, he displayed leadership skills and a deep sense of patriotism. After losing his parents early in life, Savarkar took responsibility for his siblings while continuing his education.

He founded a group called Mitra Mela during his teenage years, which later evolved into Abhinav Bharat Society.

In 1906, he went to London to study law, where his revolutionary activities gained momentum.

Savarkar’s time in London was pivotal—he studied history, interacted with political thinkers, and organized young Indians abroad to fight for independence.

Revolutionary Activities and Role in Freedom Struggle

Formation of Abhinav Bharat

Savarkar’s secret society, Abhinav Bharat, became a network of young revolutionaries determined to overthrow British rule by force if necessary.

Literary Contribution: The First War of Independence

In 1909, Savarkar wrote The First War of Independence 1857, a book that reinterpreted the Revolt of 1857 as India’s first united struggle against British colonialism. This work inspired generations of freedom fighters.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1909, Savarkar was arrested for his involvement in revolutionary activities. In 1910, he attempted a daring escape while being transported from Marseilles but was recaptured. Eventually, he was sentenced to two life imprisonments totaling 50 years and sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands.

Life in Cellular Jail

Savarkar’s years in the Andaman Cellular Jail were marked by extreme hardships. Prisoners faced solitary confinement, harsh labor, and inhumane conditions. Despite this, Savarkar used his time to:

Write poems and essays on patriotism and social reforms.

Inspire fellow prisoners to stay strong.

Spread his vision of a united India free from colonial domination.

His writings from prison later became foundational texts for Indian nationalist thought.

Ideological Shift: From Revolutionary to Social Reformer

After his release in 1924, Savarkar shifted his focus from armed revolution to social and political reform. He became the president of the Hindu Mahasabha and started advocating for a strong cultural and political identity for Hindus.

Key Reforms Promoted by Savarkar

Abolition of untouchability and caste-based discrimination.

Promotion of scientific thinking and rationalism.

Encouragement of inter-caste dining and temple entry for all Hindus.

His vision of social reform combined with nationalism set him apart from many other leaders of his time.

Hindutva: The Philosophy of Cultural Nationalism

One of the most significant parts of Veer Savarkar’s legacy in India is his formulation of Hindutva ideology.

What is Hindutva?

In his 1923 pamphlet Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?, Savarkar defined Hindutva not just as a religion but as a cultural and national identity. According to him:

A Hindu is one who regards India as both their Fatherland (Pitribhumi) and Holy Land (Punyabhumi).

Hindutva is about unity, shared heritage, and cultural pride.

It aimed at consolidating Hindus politically and socially to strengthen India’s independence movement.

This philosophy continues to shape political ideologies and debates in India today.

Savarkar’s Political Journey

Role in Hindu Mahasabha

As the president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar opposed the partition of India but also criticized the Congress for what he saw as appeasement of minorities.

Views on Armed Forces

He strongly believed that India needed a robust defense system. He encouraged Hindus to join the armed forces during World War II to gain military experience.

Stance on Independence

Though criticized for petitions seeking clemency during imprisonment, Savarkar remained a strong advocate for complete independence. His critics and admirers both acknowledge his influence on nationalist thought.

Legacy of Veer Savarkar in Independent India

Veer Savarkar passed away on 26 February 1966, but his influence did not end there. His legacy remains powerful and contested.

Positive Aspects of Savarkar’s Legacy

Inspired generations of revolutionaries with his writings.

Advocated for social reform and abolition of caste barriers.

Laid the foundation of cultural nationalism in India.

Controversies Surrounding Savarkar

His petitions for release from Cellular Jail are debated by historians.

His alleged association with Nathuram Godse (assassin of Mahatma Gandhi) is often discussed, though he was acquitted in court.

His vision of Hindutva remains divisive in Indian politics.

Veer Savarkar’s Relevance in Modern India

Today, Savarkar’s legacy is invoked across political debates, educational reforms, and cultural narratives. His emphasis on self-reliance, nationalism, and social reform continues to resonate. At the same time, his Hindutva ideology influences India’s political discourse, making him one of the most significant historical figures of the 20th century.

FAQs about Veer Savarkar Legacy in India

Q1: What is Veer Savarkar best known for?
Savarkar is best known for his revolutionary role in the Indian freedom struggle, his authorship of The First War of Independence 1857, and for developing the Hindutva ideology.

Q2: Why was Veer Savarkar sent to Cellular Jail?
He was imprisoned for revolutionary activities, including his involvement in plots against British officials.

Q3: What is Hindutva according to Savarkar?
Hindutva is a cultural and national identity based on shared heritage, history, and pride in India as both a fatherland and holy land.

Q4: Was Veer Savarkar against caste discrimination?
Yes, Savarkar actively campaigned against untouchability and caste divisions, promoting social reform.

Q5: Did Savarkar support violent methods in the freedom struggle?
In his early years, Savarkar supported armed revolution, but later he emphasized social reform and political organization.

Q6: What role did Savarkar play in Hindu Mahasabha?
As its president, he promoted Hindutva, opposed partition, and encouraged Hindus to join the armed forces.

Q7: Why is Savarkar a controversial figure?
His petitions for release from jail, his association with Hindu Mahasabha, and debates over his role in Gandhi’s assassination make him a contested figure.

Q8: How did Savarkar influence modern Indian politics?
His Hindutva philosophy laid the ideological foundation for several political movements in post-independence India.

Q9: Did Savarkar write books?
Yes, notable works include The First War of Independence 1857 and Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?

Q10: When did Veer Savarkar die?
Veer Savarkar passed away on 26 February 1966 in Mumbai.

Conclusion

The legacy of Veer Savarkar in India is both inspiring and contested. He was a revolutionary who challenged colonial power, a social reformer who fought against caste-based inequalities, and a political thinker who articulated the vision of cultural nationalism through Hindutva.

While debates around his life and ideology continue, there is no denying that Savarkar’s influence on India’s history and politics is profound. His story reminds us of the complexities of the freedom struggle and the diverse ideologies that shaped India’s path to independence.

Veer Savarkar remains a towering figure—a revolutionary patriot, a visionary thinker, and a man whose ideas continue to echo in modern India.