House Arrest in Ratnagiri and the Beginning of Social Reforms

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s release from prison in 1923 came with stringent conditions. He was confined to the Ratnagiri district, needing explicit permission from the Bombay government to travel beyond its boundaries. Additionally, he was barred from engaging in any political activities, both publicly and privately, for several years. While these restrictions could have sidelined his influence, Savarkar channeled his energy into social reform, literary pursuits, and the upliftment of marginalized communities.

Championing Social Reforms

During his “house arrest” in Ratnagiri, Savarkar initiated a series of social reform movements, particularly aimed at eradicating untouchability and addressing backward traditions within Hindu society. Unlike his earlier political activism, this phase saw him working towards integrating different sections of Hindu society, advocating for caste equality, and pushing for progressive change.

One of Savarkar’s key initiatives was to promote interaction between “upper castes” and “lower castes,” as well as between caste Hindus and untouchables. His efforts encompassed:

• Education Reform: Advocating for the establishment of “mixed schools” where students from diverse social backgrounds could study together.
• Temple Entry Rights: Fighting for untouchables to gain access to Hindu temples, a move aimed at breaking caste-based religious barriers.
• Social Integration Events: Organizing shared meals (“inter-caste dining” or “public dinners”) to foster communal harmony.
• Inter-caste Marriages: Encouraging mixed marriages to weaken the rigid caste system.
• Religious Inclusivity: Allowing untouchables to study sacred Hindu texts like the Vedas and learn Sanskrit, a privilege previously denied to them.

Savarkar’s emphasis on these reforms reflected his broader vision of Hindutva, which, beyond political nationalism, also aimed to unify and strengthen Hindu society from within.

Recognition and Endorsement

His efforts did not go unnoticed. A significant moment came in 1927 when Mahatma Gandhi visited Ratnagiri. While Gandhi and Savarkar had differing ideological perspectives, Gandhi’s visit acknowledged Savarkar’s substantial social reform work.

Apart from social activism, Savarkar also focused on language and literary reforms. He initiated a movement to simplify and modernize the Marathi script, making it more accessible. Additionally, he promoted Hindi in the Devanagari script as the national language of India, foreseeing its role in uniting a diverse nation linguistically.

The Road to Unconditional Freedom

Despite his adherence to the restrictions imposed upon him, the British colonial government remained determined to prolong his confinement. However, with shifting political dynamics in India, their grip loosened. The increasing public demand for constitutional reforms led to the passing of the Government of India Act in 1935, which introduced provincial autonomy.

In Maharashtra, the newly empowered Cooper government, under the Indian National Congress (INC), played a pivotal role in securing Savarkar’s release. Particularly through the persistent efforts of Jamanadas Mehta, Savarkar was granted unconditional freedom on May 10, 1937.

A New Chapter Begins

With his release, Savarkar could once again engage in active politics. This marked a significant turning point in his life, allowing him to transition from a social reformer back into a key political figure. His experiences in Ratnagiri, however, left a lasting impact on his vision for India, reinforcing his belief in a socially unified and strong Hindu society as a foundation for national resurgence.

Stay tuned for the next Phase of Savarkar’s life  as we delve into his political resurgence post-1937 and his lasting influence on India’s freedom struggle.

Sources:

DESHPANDE, Sudhakar. 1999. Savarkar. The Prophetic Voice. Dastane Ramchandra & Co.: Pune.