Understanding Savarkar: Tracing His Ideological Evolution and the Origins of His Political Activism

When exploring the socio-political and state-theoretical ideas of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, it is essential to remain aware of the “spirit and tone” of his era. His advocacy for India’s violent liberation from British colonial rule and his lifelong commitment to the socio-political project articulated in his Hindutva concept must be understood within the historical context of British dominance over the Indian subcontinent. Born during the British Raj, Savarkar’s thoughts and actions were deeply influenced by the political and social climate of his time.

Early Life and Influences

Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagpur near Nasik, into a Chitpavan Brahmin family—an influential group in Maharashtra that had lost its power with British rule. His early exposure to historical and mythological texts such as the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and particularly the Bhagavad Gita, played a foundational role in shaping his nationalist ideology. The Gita’s emphasis on duty-bound action and selflessness deeply resonated with him. Additionally, Western classical literature, including Homer’s Iliad, expanded his intellectual framework, allowing him to draw insights from both Eastern and Western traditions.

One of the defining events of Savarkar’s childhood was the loss of his mother at the age of nine. His early interest in history and contemporary politics was heightened by the communal riots of 1893 in Mumbai and Azamgarh. At a young age, he formed the Vanar Sena (“Monkey Brigade”), a group of school friends who engaged in confrontations with Muslim peers. However, despite this early incident, his later writings, including The War of Indian Independence, praised Muslim contributions to the anti-British struggle, indicating a complex perspective rather than outright animosity.

Political Awakening and Revolutionary Ideals

The late 19th century was a turbulent period for India, marked by devastating famines and British administrative excesses. The 1897 famine and the death of his father and uncle in 1899 profoundly shaped Savarkar’s political consciousness. The assassination of British officer W.C. Rand by the Chapekar brothers in response to colonial oppression fueled his belief in armed resistance. This period saw the emergence of a new revolutionary current within the independence movement, challenging the moderate approach favored by Congress leaders.

Savarkar’s literary and rhetorical skills flourished as he engaged deeply with nationalist thought. Influenced by Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s Kesari newspaper and S.M. Paranjape’s writings, he became convinced that mere words were insufficient—concrete action was necessary. In 1899, he formed the Rashtra Bhakta Samuha, a clandestine nationalist group, which later expanded into the Mitra Mela in Nasik. This open forum sought to recruit young patriots, educate them politically, and prepare them for direct action.

Formation of Abhinava Bharat and Armed Resistance

By 1904, the Mitra Mela evolved into the Abhinava Bharat Society (“New India Society”), which openly advocated for complete independence through armed struggle. Inspired by Giuseppe Mazzini’s Young Italy movement and Russian revolutionary groups, Savarkar devised a seven-point action plan that included boycotts, guerrilla warfare, and military recruitment.

His time at Fergusson College in Pune from 1902 further deepened his political engagement. He started Aryan Weekly, a handwritten newspaper, and actively participated in the Swadeshi movement. The public burning of foreign goods during the Dasara festival in 1905, under his leadership, marked a shift from passive resistance to active defiance. While Tilak and nationalist forces supported him, moderates like Gopal Krishna Gokhale criticized his radical approach, leading to his expulsion from the college dormitory.

Savarkar and the Shift in Independence Movement

The early 20th century saw a growing divide within the independence movement between moderates and extremists. The 1906 Calcutta Congress resolution demanding Swaraj (self-rule) and the 1907 Surat Congress split highlighted this rift. Savarkar, firmly aligned with the radical faction, distanced himself from the Congress leadership, foreshadowing his later ideological divergence from Gandhi and mainstream nationalist politics.

Final Thoughts

Savarkar’s early years laid the foundation for his revolutionary ideology and his later conceptualization (coding) of Hindutva. His belief in action over rhetoric, his admiration for global revolutionary movements, and his commitment to armed struggle were products of the socio-political turmoil of his time. To fully understand his legacy, one must engage with the historical forces that shaped his worldview and the broader independence movement.

Savarkar’s life and ideas remain a subject of intense debate, reflecting the complexities of India’s nationalist history. His contributions, whether in fostering revolutionary fervor or shaping the discourse on Hindutva, continue to influence political thought in India today.

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