The Whirlwind

(1/5) Understanding Savarkar’s Writings

A solemn historical painting of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar writing at a desk by oil lamp, surrounded by books titled "1857," "Hindutva," "Hindu-Pad Padashahi," and "Six Glorious Epochs." An Indian flag and heroic figures are faintly illustrated in the background.

A Deep Dive into His Literary Legacy

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s writings are an expansive and complex tapestry that contribute significantly to his vision of Hindutva. With more than 8,000 pages of published works spanning multiple genres, his literary contributions range from poetry and drama to historical studies and political statements. This blog post seeks to offer an introduction to the major themes and categories of his works while exploring their significance in shaping his political thought.

The Scope of Savarkar’s Writings

Savarkar’s writings encompass a broad spectrum of themes, including:

  • Untouchability and Social Reforms
  • Hindu-Muslim Relations
  • Colonial and Post-Colonial Indian History
  • Political Philosophy and Nationalism

His diverse literary output can be categorized into three broad sections:

1. Non-(Party)-Political Literature

This category includes poetry, dramas, and prose with social reformist dimensions. While not overtly political, these works were instrumental in shaping the socio-political consciousness of his readers.

Key Works:

  • Inside the Enemy Camp (Autobiography)
  • The Story of My Transportation for Life (1950)
  • An Echo from Andamans
  • Poetry: Gomantak, Mazi Janmathep, Kalepani, O’ Martyrs, Farewell, On My Bed Facing Death, My Will, First Offering
  • Plays: Ushap, Sanyasta Khadga, Uttarkriya
2. Historical Studies

Savarkar’s historical treatises provide a lens into his understanding of India’s past, often emphasizing a nationalist perspective.

Key Works:

  • Hindu-Pad-Padashahi
  • Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History
  • Indian War of Independence 1857
  • Translations: Mazzini’s Autobiography into Marathi

Two notable lost works, History of the Sikhs and History of the Nepalese Nationalist Movement, though no longer available today, remain significant for their contributions to Savarkar’s intellectual framework. Key ideas and essential statements from these works have been preserved and reproduced in his other writings, ensuring their enduring influence. Listing these works is crucial because their very composition offers valuable insight into Savarkar’s thought process, working methods, and underlying motivations. Furthermore, this effort aims to present as comprehensive a picture as possible of Savarkar’s literary and historical contributions.

3. Political Statements and Ideological Works

Savarkar’s explicitly political writings laid the foundation of his Hindutva philosophy, shaping the ideology of Hindu nationalism.

Key Works:

  • Hindutva – Who is a Hindu? (Essentials of Hindutva)
  • Hindu-Rashtravad
  • Whirlwind-Propaganda
  • Historic Statements (Prophetic Warning)
  • Hindu-Rashtra Darshan

Interpreting Savarkar’s Intellectual Legacy

Savarkar has been described in various ways—as a revolutionary, historian, poet, orator, and social reformer. Yet, he has also been criticized as a Hindu nationalist fanatic and a divisive figure. These varied interpretations stem from the wide range of issues he addressed in his writings and speeches.

During his student years in Bombay, he actively engaged in prose writing, particularly in Marathi. His early works, such as ballads on Tanaji and Baji Prabhu, were intended to stir patriotic sentiments among Indians. He also contributed extensively to Marathi-language publications like Vihari and its Bengali counterpart Yugantar, both of which played a crucial role in the revolutionary activities of the Abhinava Bharat Society.

A Call to Action Over Systematic Theorization

Savarkar never compiled a systematic treatise outlining his social, political, and economic ideas. Instead, his thoughts are scattered across speeches, articles, poems, plays, and historical analyses. Much of his writing was characterized by exhortation and calls to action rather than deep theoretical discussions. His literary works aimed at societal transformation rather than abstract political philosophy.

Publishing in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, and primarily Marathi, he saw literature as a tool for fostering political and social renewal. He believed that the enforcement of a unified language was essential for India’s national unity. His political vision, coupled with his literary and historical contributions, sought to shape the concept of a Hindu Rashtra.

The Challenge of Understanding Savarkar

Despite his extensive body of work, there is still no single comprehensive study that fully captures Savarkar as a person. Academic works that come close include:

  • On the Verge of Hindutva by John Prince (2007)
  • Social and Political Thought of Shri V. D. Savarkar by T. C. Phadtare (1975)
  • Savarkar: The Prophetic Voice by Sudhakar Deshpande (1999)
  • Rationalism of Veer Savarkar by Vasudev Shankar Godbole (2004)

However, these studies primarily serve as repositories of source materials rather than in-depth analyses. The field remains highly polarized, with most writings being more political statements than objective assessments.

Final Thoughts

Savarkar’s literary legacy is vast and multi-dimensional, encompassing poetry, drama, historical studies, and ideological writings. While his works continue to shape debates on nationalism, identity, and social reform, they also remain a subject of deep controversy. Understanding Savarkar requires engaging with the full breadth of his writings while recognizing the socio-political context in which he wrote. His influence on India’s political discourse remains profound, making him one of the most complex and studied figures in modern Indian history.

Sources:

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

GODBOLE, Vasudev Shankar. 2004. Rationalism of Veer Savarkar. Itihas Patrika Prashan: Thane/Mumbai.

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.

PRINCE, John. 2007. On the Verge of Hindutva: V. D. Savarkar, revolutionary, convict, ideologue, c. 1905-1924. Dissertation, University of Hawaii.

SAVARKAR, S. S. and G. M. JOSHI. (Eds.). [HS]. 1992. Historic statements (Prophetic Warnings). Statements, Telegrams & Letters. 1941 to 1965 by Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. Veer Savarkar Prakashan: Bombay (Mumbai).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar .2007. Hindu Rashtra Darshan. Bharat Bhushan. Abhishek Publications: New Delhi.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 2000. „How Hindus Ought to Write and Read the History of their Nation“, in Savarkar Samagra, Volume 5, Prabhat Prakashan: New Delhi, 443-4.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 2000. „The Rise, Fall and Destruction of Muslim Theocracy“, in Savarkar Samagra, Volume 5, Prabhat Prakashan: New Delhi, 506-532.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 2000. „Uprooting of Aran Culture from Turkey by Kemal Pasha“, in Savarkar Samagra, Volume 5, Prabhat Prakashan: New Delhi, 518-32.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 2000. „Sangeet Uhsraap“, in Savarkar Samagra, Volume 5, Prabhat Prakashan: New Delhi, 518-32.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1999. Hindutva: Who is a Hindu. Seventh Edition. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Mumbai.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1998. Thus Spake The Prophet. A collection of Savarkar’s writings and speeches. Edited and translated by Pandit Bhakle. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Bombay (Mumbai).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1993. Punarutthan. Swatantryaveer Savarkar Rashtriya Smarak: Mumbai (eds. by JODLEKAR, J. D. and Madhav PATAHK).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1993a. Inside the enemy camp. [originally in Marathi, translated by Vasudev Shankar Godbole]. Veer Savarkar Prakashan: Mumbai.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1993b. Struggle for independence. Anmol Publications: New Delhi.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1989. „Oh River of Rivers! Oh Sindhu!“, in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Bombay (Mumbai), 9f.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1989. „Our Sikh Brotherhood“, in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Bombay: Mumbai, 61-64.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1989. „Choose, Oh Indian Princes!“ in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Bombay (Mumbai), 76-82.

SAVARKAR, Vishwas. 1989. „Veer Savarkar. I.N.A.’s Source of Inspiration“, in PHAKE, Sudhir/PURANDARE, B. M. and Bindumadhav JOSHI. (Eds.). 1989. Savarkar. Savarkar Darshan Pratishtnah (Trust): Mumbai, 147-151.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1983. Vande Mataram. Spectra: Madras.

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

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

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1970. The Indian war of Independence 1857. Rajadhani Granthagar: New Delhi.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1964. Samagra Savarkar Wangmaya, Volume 6. Maharashtra Prantik Hindu. Sabha: Poona (Pune).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1963. Swatantryaveer Savarkar: a guide to Indian revolutionary movement. Maharashtra Prantik Hindu Sabha: Poona.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1950. The story of my transportation for life. Sadbhakti Publications: Bombay. [TL]

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1946. Joseph Mazzini. His Autobiography and Politics. (2nd. Edn.; in Marathi; 1nd. Edn.: 1907): Poona.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1945. Hindu Rashtravad. Being an Exposition of the Ideology & Immediate Programme of Hindu Rashtra as outlined by Swatantrayaveer V.D. Savarkar. Rohtas Printing Press: Rohtak. (Collected & Edited by Satya Parkash).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1941. Whirlwind propaganda: Statements, messages and Extracts from the President’s Diary of his Propagandistic Tours, Interviews from December 1937 to October 1941, (Ed. by A. S. Bhide, Bombay).

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1940. Hindu Sanghatan: Its ideology and immediate programme. Hindu Mahasabha: Bombay.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1924. An Echo from Andamans. Vishvanath Vinayak Kelkar: Nagpur, in GROVER, Verinder. 1998. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: A biography of his vision and ideas. Deep and Deep: Publications: New Delhi. [EA])

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1909. O’Martyrs. India House: London.

SAVARKAR, Vinayak Damodar. 1930. Hindu Dhwaja. Veer Savarkar Prakashan: Mumbai, reprinted in GROVER, Verinder. 1998. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: A biography of his vision and ideas. Deep and Deep: Publications: New Delhi, 185-190.