Arrival in England and Early Revolutionary Activities

The years between 1906 and 1910 marked a crucial phase in Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s life—his time in London. These years were transformative, not only in shaping his ideological convictions but also in his active involvement in revolutionary activities against British colonial rule. From organizing Indian students in London to advocating for armed resistance, Savarkar emerged as a key figure in the militant wing of the Indian independence movement.

After completing his studies at Fergusson College in Pune in 1904 and Bombay University in 1905, Savarkar left for England on July 9, 1906, to study law. His journey was made possible through the financial support of Shyamji Krishna Varma, who had established the Shivaji Scholarship to aid Indian students under the condition that they would not enter British service upon graduation.

Within months of arriving in England, Savarkar intensified his revolutionary activities. In 1906, he founded the Free India Society, a group aimed at mobilizing Indian students for the independence struggle. This organization served as a recruitment platform for the Abhinava Bharat Society, which Savarkar had previously established in India. The focal point of his activities was India House, a student hostel in London founded by Shyamji Krishna Varma in 1905, which soon became known for its staunchly anti-British stance.

India House played a crucial role in fostering revolutionary ideas, becoming a meeting ground for radicals from various oppressed nations. Here, Savarkar interacted with revolutionaries from Russia, China, Egypt, Ireland, Italy, and Turkey, formulating the idea of a unified anti-British revolutionary front. He envisioned a coordinated armed struggle against British rule across different colonies of the Empire.

Internationalizing the Indian Independence Struggle

Savarkar recognized the importance of garnering international support for India’s freedom movement. A pivotal moment came in August 1907, when he influenced Madam Bhikaiji Cama to represent the cause at the International Socialist Conference in Stuttgart, Germany. At this conference, Madam Cama presented a resolution advocating for Indian independence and unveiled a flag designed by Savarkar, symbolizing a future free India.

Global events further emboldened Savarkar’s militant ideology. The victory of Japan over Russia in the Russo-Japanese War of 1905 was celebrated as a momentous event by Indian revolutionaries. It shattered the myth of European invincibility and inspired Savarkar and his associates to intensify their efforts for India’s independence through armed struggle.

Militancy and Assassination Attempts

Savarkar’s revolutionary fervor led him to actively engage in the dissemination of radical literature and the smuggling of arms into India. He was deeply involved in training revolutionaries, writing manuals on guerrilla warfare, and facilitating the supply of weapons. His influence extended to several significant assassination attempts against British officials, including the killing of Sir William Curzon Wyllie, a senior official of the India Office in London, and Arthur Mason Tippetts Jackson, a British administrator in India.

His growing involvement in militant activities alarmed the British authorities. George Clarke, the then-Governor of Bombay, labeled Savarkar as one of the most dangerous individuals India had ever produced. Following the arrest and deportation of his mentor, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, to Mandalay (present-day Myanmar), tensions escalated further. There was a noticeable increase in the smuggling of firearms and explosives into India, a strategy that was largely attributed to Savarkar’s influence.

This period saw a surge in revolutionary court cases, including the Muzaffarpur Conspiracy Case of 1908 and the Maniktolla Bomb Conspiracy Case. Despite the intensification of revolutionary activities, it is important to note that the militant faction of the independence movement remained a small minority and struggled to gain widespread support among the Indian masses.

Backlash and Public Condemnation

While Savarkar’s radical approach gained traction among revolutionaries, it also invited strong criticism from moderate leaders and sections of the Indian populace. Prominent figures like Gopal Krishna Gokhale and N. C. Kelkar strongly opposed militant methods, fearing that violence would alienate public support and invite severe British repression.

Following the assassination of Sir Curzon Wyllie by Madanlal Dhingra, a close associate of Savarkar, the backlash was severe. Indian students in London organized a public meeting to condemn political assassinations, and Savarkar, who opposed such resolutions, was physically assaulted by fellow Indians. The growing opposition to militant extremism highlighted the ideological divide within the independence movement, with many opting for non-violent means championed by leaders like Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi in the years to come.

Final Thoughts

Savarkar’s London years were marked by intense revolutionary activities, ideological development, and strategic efforts to globalize India’s freedom movement. While his militant approach faced significant opposition, his role in inspiring future revolutionaries and laying the groundwork for an armed resistance movement remained undeniable. His legacy, though controversial, continues to be a subject of extensive historical debate, reflecting the complexity of India’s struggle for independence.

Sources:

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

PHADTARE, T. C. 1975. Social and Political Thought of Shri V.D. Savarkar. A Thesis submitted to the Marathwada University for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Unpublished: Aurangabad.