Tag: Hindutva
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Political Dimension of Hindutva, Part 3 One of the most defining aspects of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s political and social thought is his categorical rejection of rigid, doctrinal frameworks – whether political or religious (Savarkar 1941:50ff; 1999:52). He distances himself from any ideology or movement that is characterized by the suffix “isms”, believing that such rigid…
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Political Dimension of Hindutva, Part 2 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar had a political vision that extended far beyond the borders of India. His understanding of politics was not limited to governance within a nation-state but encompassed a broader, global perspective. Central to his political philosophy was the idea of responsive cooperation, a pragmatic approach that balanced…
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Savarkar’s Philosophy & Worldview, Part 5; Savarkar’s Agnosticism (2/4) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar held distinct views on the universe, nature, and humanity’s place within these vast dimensions. His agnosticism shaped his perspective, leading him to challenge conventional religious notions and advocate for a rational, scientific approach to life. The Universe: A Realm of Indifference Savarkar’s outlook…
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Savarkar’s Philosophy & Worldview, Part 4; Savarkar’s Agnosticism (1/4) Vinayak Damodar Savarkar remains one of the most complex figures in Indian history. Often remembered for his nationalist ideology, his views on religion were equally nuanced and thought-provoking. Neither a conventional religious man nor a staunch atheist, Savarkar’s approach to religion was one of rational scrutiny.…
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Savarkar’s Philosophy & Worldview, Part 3 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a thinker who saw the world through the lens of a fundamental philosophical conflict: the opposition between the negation and affirmation of life. This divide, which he explored deeply, was not just an intellectual exercise for him—it shaped his understanding of Indian and Western philosophical…
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Savarkar’s Coding of Hindutva Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was the first to use the term Hindutva (literally “Hindu-ness”, the “quality of being Hindu”) in a comprehensive manner in his book Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?, published in 1923. Savarkar (1999:72) defined Hindus as all inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent who met three criteria: These three elements—Rashtra…
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Economic Dimension of Hindutva, Part 1 The Economic Impact of British Colonial Rule on India: A Historical Perspective The nearly two centuries of British colonial rule in India left an indelible mark on the country’s economic, social, and political fabric. Beyond the visible changes in governance and administration, British rule profoundly reshaped India’s economic structures,…
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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…
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Political Dimension of Hindutva, Part 1 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar dedicated much of his intellectual energy to defining what it truly means to be “political.” One of the most profound areas where he applied this understanding was in his classification of political prisoners. But what exactly did Savarkar mean by “political,” and how did he differentiate…
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Savarkar’s Philosophy & Worldview, Part 2 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar derived his philosophy from a wide range of sources, both Indian and Western. While his deep engagement with ancient Hindu scriptures is well-documented, his philosophical orientation was significantly shaped by Western socio-political and philosophical thought. This influence played a crucial role in shaping his worldview, making…