Savarkar’s Political Revival

After his unconditional release in 1937, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar embarked on an extensive tour across India, gathering firsthand knowledge of the country’s evolving social, economic, and political landscape. This marked the beginning of a new phase in his political career – one defined by ideological battles, social reforms, and efforts to mobilize Hindus politically. His Whirlwind Propaganda Tour became a crucial aspect of his strategy to shape India’s future.

Breaking Political Barriers

In April 1938, Savarkar aligned himself with Tilak’s Democratic Swaraj Party and the Hindu Mahasabha (HMS), transforming the latter from a cultural organization into a full-fledged political entity. Contrary to speculations that he might join the Indian National Congress (INC) for strategic leverage, Savarkar found the ideological differences with Gandhi’s INC insurmountable. His vision of absolute independence, which allowed for militant and revolutionary methods, starkly contrasted with the Congress’s approach.

Despite his reputation and dedication to India’s independence, Savarkar found himself marginalized. His radical past and advocacy for social reform – such as the abolition of untouchability – alienated sections of the orthodox Hindu community. Nonetheless, his belief in social unity as a means to strengthen Hindu society fueled his efforts.

Countering Colonial Narratives

Savarkar’s activism, alongside leaders like Tilak and the Chapekar brothers, was often mischaracterized by the British as an attempt to reestablish Brahmin dominance. This provided a pretext for the colonial government to suppress Hindu renewal movements and deport reformist leaders. However, Savarkar’s vision was not about caste-based supremacy but about uniting Hindus against British rule. His background as a Chitpavan Brahmin complicated these perceptions, making it harder for him to dispel allegations of caste-driven motives.

By 1939, Savarkar became the president of the HMS and worked tirelessly to mold it into a political force. One of his major campaigns was advocating for Hindu participation in the 1941 census, emphasizing the power of demographic strength in shaping India’s political future. This move brought him into direct conflict with Gandhi and the INC, who viewed the census as a divisive communal exercise.

The Fight Against Partition

The growing demand for a separate Muslim state based on the Two-Nation Theory was a major concern for Savarkar. He saw the division of India as a grave threat to national unity. In October 1940, he organized the Akhand Hindustan Conference in Delhi, passing a resolution against the partition. His vision for an undivided India was rooted in political and territorial integrity rather than mere communal opposition.

Savarkar also critiqued the British government’s restructuring of the Executive Council in 1941. Although he welcomed Indian representation, he argued for broader inclusivity, advocating for the participation of Sikhs and the oppressed classes, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This reflected his commitment to integrating all sections of Indian society into the political framework.

The Cripps Mission and Military Strategy

As World War II intensified, the British government sent Sir Stafford Cripps to India in 1942, offering Dominion status and constitutional reforms in exchange for Indian support in the war. Savarkar staunchly opposed the Cripps Plan, as it allowed for provincial secession, which he viewed as an existential threat to national unity.

Unlike Gandhi’s Quit India Movement, which demanded immediate British withdrawal, Savarkar saw an opportunity in the war. He believed that Indians should actively join the military to gain strategic experience and prepare for eventual independence. His call to “Hinduise Politics, Militarize Hindus” aimed to foster nationalistic fervor and build military strength. He argued that independence would be meaningless without the ability to defend it.

A Divergent Path

Savarkar’s stance put him in direct opposition to Gandhi. While the INC sought passive resistance, Savarkar encouraged active military engagement under specific conditions: equal status within the British Commonwealth, “Indigenisation” of the Executive Council, and full access to the armed forces for all Indians. Though controversial, his approach was designed to secure India’s independence through strategic positioning rather than outright confrontation.

Ultimately, Savarkar’s Whirlwind Propaganda Tour was not just about political mobilization; it was a battle for the ideological future of India. His vision of an independent, undivided, and militarily strong nation set him apart from the mainstream independence movement, shaping his legacy as a relentless nationalist and strategist.

Sources:

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.

SAVKAR, M.K. 1989. „Savarkar: before and after Andaman“, in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Bombay (Mumbai), 171-176.

Savarkar, Vinayak Damodar. 1971. Hindu-Pad-Padashahi or a review of the Hindu empire of Maharashtra. Bharti Sahitya Sadan (Fourth Edition): New Delhi.

Savarkar, Vinayak Damodar. 1971. Six glorious (golden) epochs of Indian history. Savarkar Sadan: Bombay. 1971