Veer Savarkar: Understanding his vision of Swaraj and Hindu nationalism

However, Savarkar's vision of Swaraj was not merely political independence from British rule, but also social and cultural rejuvenation. While mainstream leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru viewed Swaraj primarily as political autonomy from British rule, Savarkar viewed it as a much broader and more holistic concept that sought the restoration of India's ancient civilization.

Savarkar's conviction that India's civilisational past and future are fundamentally intertwined shaped his idea of Swaraj. In his book 'The First War of Indian Independence', he made the case that the uprising in 1857 marked the start of a national awakening aimed at restoring the Indian subcontinent's sovereignty and dignity rather than just a single uprising. He viewed the fight for independence as a continuation of Indian civilisation, which had been threatened by colonial exploitation and foreign invaders.

He believed that true Swaraj could only be achieved by reviving the spirit of Hindu nationhood. For him, Hindus constituted a nation bound by shared culture, heritage, and a common motherland. This concept of a Hindu nation, later termed Hindutva, became the cornerstone of his political philosophy.

While figures like Nehru were keen on establishing a parliamentary democracy in independent India, Savarkar's understanding of Swaraj was more authoritarian and communal. For Savarkar, independence meant more than just overthrowing colonial rulers; it was about returning to a state where India could operate as an organic society based on its own civilizational principles, led by the Hindu community.

Hindu nationalism: The core of Savarkar's ideology

In his seminal 1923 work, 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?', Savarkar articulated his idea of Hindu nationalism or Hindutva.

Savarkar's advocacy for Hindu nationalism was rooted in his belief that it was essential for safeguarding India's unique cultural heritage and ensuring its unity and integrity. He argued that the diverse religious and cultural identities within India could coexist peacefully under a shared Indian identity.

In contemporary India, Savarkar’s ideas have found resonance within the political framework of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His emphasis on cultural nationalism and the primacy of Hindu identity align with the ideological underpinnings of these organisations.

Savarkar's legacy is complex and multifaceted. His contributions to the Indian freedom struggle are undeniable, and his ideas on Swaraj and Hindu nationalism have shaped the course of Indian political discourse. However, his views on communal relations remain a subject of contention, and his legacy continues to be a source of debate and discussion.