The Turbulent Years of Savarkar
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s life took a dramatic turn between 1910 and 1923, a period marked by exile, imprisonment, and relentless struggle against British colonial rule. This phase not only tested his resilience but also solidified his place in India’s fight for independence.
The Beginning of Exile
By 1910, Savarkar was under immense socio-political pressure. Forced to leave India House in London – his primary organizational and ideological platform – he found himself increasingly isolated. Despite successfully passing his exams at Gray’s Inn, he was denied admission to the bar unless he agreed to renounce his political activities in writing. True to his convictions, Savarkar refused, effectively blocking his professional career and further alienating him from returning to India House.
Even as his influence in England and India waned, the British authorities, particularly George Clarke, moved to prosecute him for his alleged involvement in violent anti-British activities. Before he could fully grasp the legal maneuvers against him, Savarkar relocated to Paris for health reasons. The weight of his political struggle, compounded by rejection from his compatriots and physical confrontations, had taken a significant toll on him.
A Meeting of Ideologies: Savarkar and Gandhi
In October 1909, Savarkar had a crucial meeting with Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi. This was likely their second encounter, following an unconfirmed meeting in 1906 at India House. Their 1909 meeting took place during the celebrations of Desara Day, where both were invited to speak. This encounter symbolized the ideological divergence within the Indian independence movement – Savarkar, advocating for armed resistance, and Gandhi, championing non-violence.
Both leaders used religious rhetoric to articulate their political visions, but their fundamental disagreements remained unresolved. This ideological conflict would persist throughout their lifetimes, shaping the broader national movement. While post-independence narratives largely focused on Gandhi’s path, Savarkar’s contributions – though controversial – played a significant role in the liberation movement.
Arrest and Trial
In January 1910, Savarkar left for Paris. However, on February 22, an arrest warrant was issued against him in London. Against the advice of his allies, he returned to London on March 13, where he was immediately arrested. A London court transferred him to British India, and on July 1, 1910, he was sent back to Bombay for trial.
During his transportation, Savarkar made a daring escape attempt on August 7, 1910, at the port of Marseille, but he was recaptured and sent to India. The British colonial government launched two legal cases against him, ultimately sentencing him to double life imprisonment—50 years in total—and exile to the infamous Andaman Islands. His assets were confiscated and auctioned, and his elder brother Babarao had already been deported to the penal colony a year earlier.
The Andaman Years and Early Release
Though sentenced to remain in the Andaman’s for decades, Savarkar’s imprisonment lasted until 1921. The British, facing increasing public pressure through petitions, resolutions, and diplomatic interventions, ultimately decided to transfer him and his brother Ganesh to prisons on the Indian mainland. Their deteriorating health also played a crucial role in this decision.
On May 2, 1921, the Savarkar brothers were moved to Alipore Prison (near Kolkata), then to Ratnagiri and Yeravada Prison. Persistent efforts by Indian leaders, including Gandhi and the Indian National Congress (INC), pressured the British authorities to reconsider his imprisonment. Finally, on January 6, 1923, Lord Reading, the Governor-General of India, ordered his release from Ratnagiri Prison, albeit under stringent conditions.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Resistance
Savarkar’s years in exile and imprisonment were marked by hardship, but they did not break his spirit. Despite ideological differences with other freedom fighters, his commitment to India’s independence remained unwavering. His story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of India’s liberation struggle – where different paths, whether violent resistance or non-violent protests, played a role in achieving freedom.
His early release in 1923 was not the end of his political journey but rather the beginning of a new chapter in his life—one that would continue to influence Indian politics for decades to come.
Sources:
HUNT, Jame D. 1978. Gandhi in London. Promilla & Co. Publishers: New Delhi.
KRÜGER, Horst. 1985. Anfänge sozialistischen Denkens in Indien. Der Beginn der Rezeption sozialistischer Ideen vor 1914. Band II. Akademie-Verlag: Berlin.
RAO, Vandematharam Ramchendra. 1989. Prince among Patriots. Veer Savarkar. U. G. Publications: Hyderabad.
SINGH, K. Jagjit. 1989. „Savarkar’s International Trial Background & Impact“, in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Bombay (Mumbai), 129-140.