Category: Dimensions of Hindutva
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The Vitthal Temple in Ratnagiri, located in Maharashtra’s Konkan region, became one of the most symbolically charged sites in early 20th-century Hindu social reform. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal (‘Vithoba’) – a form of Vishnu-Krishna revered as the deity of the common people – the temple held both religious and social significance for the local Hindu…
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Savarkar’s Struggle Against Untouchability, Part III In pre-colonial India, the caste system established a deeply entrenched hierarchy that confined individuals to rigid social categories. Among its harshest expressions was the exclusion of the so-called Untouchables from Hindu temples. The larger and wealthier the temple, the more uncompromising the restrictions. For centuries, such practices persisted unchallenged,…
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Savarkar’s Struggle Against Untouchability, Part II Among the many aspects of Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar’s reformist thought, his campaign against untouchability stands out as a crucial yet often neglected chapter. During his confinement in Ratnagiri, Savarkar directed his intellectual and organisational energy toward addressing what he regarded as one of the gravest internal weaknesses of…
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Political Dimension of Hindutva, Part 11 The idea of a “holy war,” known as Dharma Yuddha, against the enemies of Hindutva – particularly non-Hindu occupiers of the land – was a fundamental principle shaping Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar from his early youth. He derived this concept from the Bhagavad Gita, which speaks of the divine…
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Savarkar’s Struggle Against Untouchability, Part I Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar is often celebrated as one of India’s most fearless revolutionaries and intellectual architects of national liberation. Yet, beyond his political vision and militant struggle for independence, there lies another profound dimension of his legacy – his fight against untouchability. During his years of confinement in…
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Political Dimension of Hindutva, Part 10 Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar, a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and a proponent of Hindutva, offered a unique and controversial vision of democracy and governance for post-colonial India. His ideas, as encapsulated in his first draft constitution, reflect his belief in an India dominated by a unified…
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The caste system has long been a defining yet contentious element of Hindu society. Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar, a fierce nationalist and reformist, saw this system not just as a social hierarchy but as a significant barrier to Hindu unity and nation-building. His critique of caste-based social ostracism stemmed from his conviction that it weakened…
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Economic Dimension of Hindutva, Part 10; Savarkar’s Economic Principles (6/13) Economic stability and national prosperity depend on a balanced relationship between industry, labor, and capital. In a thriving economy, workers should fairly partake in the profits of the industry. However, in times of economic downturn, just as capital suffers losses, workers too must be prepared…
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Economic Dimension of Hindutva, Part 9; Savarkar’s Economic Principles (5/13) The balance between labor and capital has long been a subject of debate in economic and political thought. Vinayak Damodar (Veer) Savarkar, known for his nationalist and revolutionary ideas, also put forward an economic perspective that sought to harmonize the interests of labor and capital…
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Religious Tradition and Political Struggle Traditional Roots of the Festival Anant Chaturdashi, observed on the 14th day of the bright fortnight of Bhadrapada (August–September), is one of India’s important Hindu festivals. Traditionally dedicated to Lord Vishnu as the infinite (Anant) sustainer of the universe, it revolves around the tying of the sacred Anant Sutra –…