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Savarkar’s Hindutva Introduction- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born to a Brahmin Hindu family on 28 May, 1883, at Bhagour, Nashik District in Maharashtra, India. When he was young, he organised a youth group named 'Mitra Mela'. He was inspired by radical political leaders like Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, and Bipin Chandra Pal and engaged the group in revolutionary activities. He was known for his bravery and so earned nickname 'Veer' that is a courageous person. He enrolled himself at 'Fergusson College' in Pune and completed his Bachelor’s Degree. He went to study law in London with a scholarship. In London, Veer Savarkar inspired his fellow Indian students and formed an organisation 'Free India Society' to fight against Britishers for freedom. On the lines of the 'Revolt of 1857', Veer Savarkar thought of the guerrilla war for attaining Independence. He wrote a book titled "The History of the War of Indian Independence" which inspired a lot of Indians to fight against the British for freedom. Though the book was banned by the British but it gained popularity in several countries. Meanwhile, in India Veer Savarkar’s elder brother organised a protest against the 'Indian Council Act 1909' also known as Minto-Morley Reform. Further, with the protest, the British Police claimed that Veer Savarkar had plotted in crime and issued a warrant against him. The verdict came out against Veer Savarkar and he was sentenced to 50 years of imprisonment and sent back to Bombay. Later, he was taken to the Andaman and Nicobar Island’s infamous “Cellular Jail” . Hindutva: The Ideology- During his prison time, he wrote an ideological pamphlet known as “Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?” And this was published by Savarkar's supporters. In the pamphlet, he described Hindu as a patriotic and proud inhabitant of 'Bharatvarsha' (India). He also described several religions (Jainism, Buddhidm, Sikhism) as one and the same as Hinduism. According to him, all these religions can support the creation of 'Akhand Bharat' (United India or Greater India). The idea of HINDUTVA was basically the idea of Hindu nationalism. Savarkar wanted a Hindu Rashtra. In this concept of Hindutva, the dual factor that are important are, Punyabhumi (holy land) and Pritribhumi (fatherland).According to Savarkar, in order to be a part of Hindu rashtra, one needs to consider the land as both, his fatherland and his holy land. This means, Savarkar consciously excluded the Muslims, Christians, and other religions prevailing in India (Except Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists). Hindutva: Works done by Savarkar- Savarkar was released from the prison on 6 January, 1924 and played a crucial role in generating 'Ratnagiri Hindu Sabha'. This organisation aimed to preserve the social and cultural heritage of the Hindus. Veer Savarkar in 1937, became the president of 'Hindu Mahasabha'. Savarkar was a great supporter of social reforms and wanted the Hindus to accept modern science and technology and use reason instead of blind faith in religious superstitions and customs. He criticised the caste system, which divided the Hindus. Savarkar wanted the Hindu nation to be strong and powerful but he drew a clear line of demarcation between Hindu Nation and Indian State. Indian state should include all the people of all religions but Hindu Nation will include only Hindus. He also started the Suddhi movement that reconverted the Hindus to Hinduism. Conclusion- Now, we may think that Hindutva and Hinduism are the same thing but these two are absolutely different from each other. Hinduism is a religion or the ‘way of life’, i.e., it is a philosophical and religious aspect. On the other hand, Hindutva, is the Hindu nationalism, i.e., a political concept. Veer Savarkar's philosophy was no doubt unique and consists of various elements like ethical, theological and philosophical theories. He also worked against some of India's social evils like caste discrimination and untouchability. His books motivated youth and because of his courageous behaviour he had earned the nickname 'Veer' and came to be known as ‘Veer Savarkar’. To conclude we can say that, Savarkar was also criticised for his concept of Hindutva. According to some he clearly ignored the minority religions or to be more clear all non Hindu religions. Moreover, his concept of Hindu Rashtra and Indian State was confusing and also this will make the Non Hindus feel insecure and their sense of patriotism will vanish. .
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