Savarkar: A Controversial Figure in Indian History (Also Me)

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, popularly known as Veer Savarkar, was an Indian politician, activist, writer, and leader of the Hindu nationalist movement. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential freedom fighters of the country, who coined the term Hindutva (Hinduness) and advocated for a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). However, he is also a controversial figure, who has been accused of being a fascist, a collaborator with the British colonial regime, and a co-conspirator in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.

Savarkar’s Ideas and Their Fascist Elements

Savarkar’s political ideology of Hindutva was based on the idea that India is a Hindu nation, and that Hindus are the original and rightful inhabitants of the land. He defined Hindus as those who regard India as their fatherland (pitribhumi) and their holy land (punyabhumi), and who share a common culture, history, and ancestry. He excluded Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities from this definition, and considered them as foreigners and potential enemies. He also opposed the idea of secularism and democracy, and advocated for a strong and centralized authoritarian state, led by a charismatic leader, who would unite and mobilize the Hindu masses against the perceived threats of Islam, Christianity, and Communism. He also supported the idea of militarism, social hierarchy, and racial purity, and praised the fascist regimes of Italy and Germany for their nationalism and anti-communism.

Savarkar’s ideas have been criticized for being fascist, as they share many characteristics with the political ideology and movement that dominated many parts of Europe between 1919 and 1945. Fascism is a far-right, authoritarian, ultranationalist political ideology and movement, characterized by a dictatorial leader, centralized autocracy, militarism, forcible suppression of opposition, belief in a natural social hierarchy and the rule of elites, and the desire to create a homogeneous and exclusive national community. Some of the common features of fascism and Savarkar’s Hindutva are:

Extreme militaristic nationalism, which exalts the nation and often the race above the individual, and which seeks to expand the national territory and influence by force or threat of force.

Contempt for electoral democracy and political and cultural liberalism, which are seen as weak, corrupt, and decadent, and which are blamed for the decline and degeneration of the nation.

A belief in natural social hierarchy and the rule of elites, who are endowed with superior qualities and virtues, and who have the right and duty to lead and guide the masses.

The desire to create a homogeneous and exclusive national community, in which individual interests are subordinated to the good of the nation or the race, and in which dissent and diversity are suppressed or eliminated.

The use of propaganda, indoctrination, and violence to achieve these goals, and to create a cult of personality around the leader, who is seen as the embodiment and protector of the nation or the race.

Savarkar’s Views and Their Relevance in Today’s Time

Savarkar’s views have influenced many Hindu nationalist parties and movements in India, especially the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political wing, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These organizations have been accused of promoting communalism, intolerance, and violence against religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, and of undermining the secular and democratic fabric of the Indian constitution. They have also been accused of rewriting and distorting the history of India, and of glorifying Savarkar and other Hindu nationalist icons, while denigrating and demonizing Gandhi and other secular and progressive leaders.

Savarkar’s views have also been challenged and resisted by many secular, liberal, and progressive forces in India, who have defended the idea of India as a diverse, pluralistic, and democratic nation, where all citizens have equal rights and dignity, regardless of their religion, caste, gender, or ethnicity. They have also exposed and criticized the fascist and reactionary elements of Savarkar’s ideology, and have highlighted the contradictions and flaws of his arguments and actions.

Savarkar’s views are still relevant and contentious in today’s time, as they reflect the ongoing struggle between the forces of nationalism and fascism, and the forces of secularism and democracy, in India and in the world. Savarkar’s views are not only a matter of historical interest, but also a matter of contemporary concern, as they have the potential to shape the future of India and its people.

What Can Be Done to Make Savarkar’s Views More Positive

Savarkar’s views are not monolithic or immutable, and they can be interpreted and evaluated in different ways, depending on the perspective and context of the reader or the listener. Savarkar’s views can be made more positive by focusing on the following aspects:

His contribution to the Indian freedom struggle, especially his revolutionary activities in India and abroad, his daring escape from the British custody in France, and his writings and speeches against the British colonial rule and oppression.

His intellectual and literary achievements, especially his historical and biographical works, his poetry and prose, and his linguistic and cultural studies.

His humanist and rationalist values, especially his rejection of caste discrimination, untouchability, and superstition, his advocacy of social reform and women’s rights, and his promotion of science and education.

His respect and admiration for other freedom fighters and leaders, especially Gandhi, Nehru, Patel, Bose, and Ambedkar, whom he praised and supported on various occasions, despite their ideological and political differences.

His recognition and appreciation of the diversity and pluralism of India, especially his acknowledgment of the contributions of Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities to the Indian civilization and culture, and his acceptance of the possibility of peaceful and harmonious coexistence among different communities.

Savarkar’s views can be made more positive by acknowledging his strengths and achievements, while also acknowledging his weaknesses and failures, and by placing him in his historical and social context, while also placing him in a critical and comparative perspective. Savarkar’s views can be made more positive by engaging with them in a constructive and respectful manner, while also engaging with the views of his opponents and critics, and by seeking to understand and learn from them, while also seeking to challenge and improve them. Savarkar’s views can be made more positive by recognizing their complexity and diversity, while also recognizing their relevance and impact, and by seeking to balance and integrate them, while also seeking to transcend and transform them.

Peace Out