Abhinav Bharat Manifesto: Savarkar’s Revolutionary Playbook for Indian Independence

From clandestine arms smuggling to guerrilla warfare – how Savarkar’s secret society laid the groundwork for a militant nationalist uprising.

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar understood a critical truth of political struggle: words alone – no matter how passionate or persuasive – are powerless without action. To that end, he moved beyond fiery speeches and writings, crafting a concrete, action-driven strategy aimed at overthrowing British colonial rule.

At the heart of this effort was Abhinav Bharat, a secret revolutionary society Savarkar (co-)founded. Though momentarily subdued in London, the organization rapidly took root across Europe and India. Under the capable leadership of V.V.S. Aiyar as Vice-President and Gyanchand Verma as Secretary, Abhinav Bharat issued a definitive Manifesto for India’s Liberation.

The Manifesto laid out a bold and uncompromising plan:

1. Promoting Swadeshi ideals, boycott of foreign goods, and nationalistic education.
   
2. Procuring and storing arms in neighboring countries.
   
3. Establishing small-scale manufacturing units for indigenous production.
   
4. Purchasing weapons abroad and covertly transporting them into India.
   
5. Employing guerrilla warfare tactics where possible.
   
6. Infusing patriotism within the ranks of Indian soldiers, with the aim of inciting defection or rebellion.
   
7. Waiting strategically for the right moment to ignite a widespread armed revolt.

Among Savarkar’s most ambitious visions was the formation of a united (international) anti-British front, designed to synchronize multiple regional uprisings into one powerful, coordinated blow against the British Empire.

What if India’s independence movement had ignited with a coordinated, armed revolt across continents? Long before civil disobedience became the mantra of resistance, Savarkar envisioned a fierce, full-spectrum uprising. His secret society, Abhinav Bharat, was not just a dream of freedom – it was a plan for an armed struggle. What are your thoughts on Savarkar’s notion of an armed struggle against the British oppressors? Share your insights in the comments below!

Sources:
KEER, Dhananjay. 1988. Veer Savarkar. Third Edition. (Second Edition: 1966). Popular Prakashan: Bombay (Mumbai).

SRIVASTAVA, Harindra. 1983. Five stormy years: Savarkar in London (1906-1911) – A centenary salute to V.D. Savarkar. Allied: New Delhi.