Social-Reformist Dimension of Hindutva, Part 1
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar is often remembered for his role in the Indian independence movement and his formulation of the Hindutva ideology. However, a lesser-explored aspect of his life and work is his contribution as a social reformer and his vision for the reorganization of Indian society. Unlike Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the father of the Indian Constitution and a leader of the Dalits, Savarkar believed that Hinduism was reformable. Yet, his ideas on social reform have largely been ignored or misunderstood, even by those who closely followed India’s socio-political developments during the colonial and post-colonial eras.
This blog post delves into Savarkar’s role as a social reformer, his efforts to reorganize Hindu society, and the enduring relevance of his ideas in addressing India’s socio-political challenges.
Savarkar’s Self-Identity: A Social Reformer, Not Just a Freedom Fighter
Savarkar’s legacy is often overshadowed by debates about his contributions to India’s independence struggle. While some hail him as a revolutionary freedom fighter, others question his role and motivations. However, Savarkar himself emphasized that he wished to be remembered primarily as a social reformer and an organizer of Hindu society, or a Hindu-Sangathanist.
In a 1956 speech at the Hindu Mahasabha session in Jodhpur, Savarkar explicitly stated that he prefers to be remembered as ‘Savarkar, the Organizer of the Hindus’ over ‘Savarkar, the Freedom Fighter.’ This statement underscores his desire to be recognized for his social reforms rather than his revolutionary activities. Savarkar was acutely aware that his contributions to social thought and action were being overlooked, and he feared that history would reduce him to a marginal figure in the independence movement.
The Social Dimension of Hindutva
Savarkar’s Hindutva ideology is often viewed through a political or religious lens, but its social dimension has been largely neglected. He believed that the reorganization of Hindu society was essential for India’s progress and independence. For Savarkar, social reform was not an abstract idea but a practical necessity. He criticized outdated social institutions, superstitions, and the caste system, advocating for a strong, unified, and modern Hindu society.
His vision was not limited to religious or cultural revival; it encompassed a comprehensive transformation of Indian society. Savarkar sought to create a society that was scientifically advanced, socially progressive, and capable of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the developed nations of the West. He believed that India’s rise as a global power depended on the eradication of social evils and the establishment of a robust social order.
Savarkar’s Multifaceted Approach to Social Reform
Savarkar’s approach to social reform was multifaceted and pragmatic. He engaged in a wide range of activities, from political and social work to religious and literary endeavors. His writings – spanning speeches, essays, poems, novels, and plays – reflect his deep concern for social issues. To understand his social thought, one must examine the entirety of his work, as he did not produce a single, comprehensive treatise on social reform.
Savarkar’s reforms were rooted in the Maharashtrian tradition of being neither moderate (nemast) nor extremist (jahal), but revolutionary (krantikari). He was uncompromising in his efforts to challenge the status quo and push for radical change. His reforms targeted obsolete social practices, the caste system, and the perceived weaknesses of Hindu society. He aimed to strengthen the Hindu community by promoting unity, self-respect, and a forward-looking mindset.
The Neglect of Savarkar’s Social Legacy
Despite his significant contributions, Savarkar’s social reforms have received scant attention from scholars and the public. Indian and Western academics alike have largely ignored his ideas on social reorganization, focusing instead on his political and revolutionary activities. This neglect has resulted in a distorted understanding of his legacy, with his social work often overshadowed by controversies surrounding his role in the independence movement.
Savarkar’s time in Ratnagiri, where he was interned by the British, was particularly significant for his social reform efforts. During this period, he focused on organizing Hindu society and addressing its social ills. However, this phase of his life remains understudied, and his contributions to social reform are often overlooked in favor of his more contentious political activities. Subsequently, there has been little objective and unbiased analysis of his efforts to transform Hindu society. Most discussions about Savarkar are colored by ideological biases, either glorifying or vilifying him without a thorough examination of his social reform initiatives. This blog post series chapter aims to shed light on this neglected dimension of his legacy and emphasize his contributions to social change, particularly during his time in Ratnagiri.
Savarkar’s Vision for a Modern India
Savarkar’s ultimate goal was to see India emerge as a strong, independent, and modern nation. He believed that social reform was a prerequisite for achieving this vision. His ideas were not merely theoretical; they were grounded in a pragmatic understanding of India’s social and political realities. He envisioned a society that was free from superstition, caste discrimination, and social fragmentation – a society that could harness its potential and play a leading role on the global stage.
Final Thoughts: Revisiting Savarkar’s Social Legacy
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a complex and multifaceted figure whose contributions to social reform have been largely overlooked. While his political and revolutionary activities continue to spark debate, his vision for a reorganized and modernized Hindu society remains relevant today. By revisiting his social thought and actions, we can gain a deeper understanding of his legacy and its implications for contemporary India.
Savarkar’s call for social reform and his efforts to strengthen Hindu society were driven by a desire to see India rise as a powerful and progressive nation. As we reflect on his life and work, it is essential to recognize the significance of his social contributions and their enduring relevance in addressing the challenges facing Indian society today.
What are your thoughts on Savarkar’s role as a social reformer? Do you believe his ideas on social reorganization hold relevance in modern India? Share your perspectives in the comments below!
Sources:
BHALERAO, Sudhakar V. 1989. „Hindu Sanghatak Savarkar“, in SWATANTRYAVEER SAVARKAR RASHTRIYA SMARAK. 1989. Smarak Inauguration. 28. May 1989. Festschrift. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Bombay (Mumbai), 52-55.
KELKAR, B. K. 1989. „Harbinger of Hindu Social Revolution“, in SWATANTRYAVEER SAVARKAR RASHTRIYA SMARAK. 1989. Smarak Inauguration. 28. May 1989. Festschrift. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Bombay (Mumbai), 49-51.
FASANA, Enrico. 1997. „From Hindutva to Hindu Rashtra: the Social and Political Thought of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883-1966)“, in ARENA, Renato/BOLOGNA, Maria Patrizia/ MODENA, Maria Luisa Mayer and Alessandro PASSI. 1997. Bandhu. Scritti in onore di Carlo Della Casa. Festschrift. Volume I. Edizioni dell’Orso: Alessandra, 117-133.
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