IGNOUMATIC

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) is a highly influential figure in the history of Indian nationalism, particularly associated with the development of Hindu nationalism. His ideas and writings, especially in his work Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923), were critical in shaping the ideological foundations of the Hindu nationalist movement. Savarkar’s concept of Hindu nationalism, which he termed Hindutva, diverged significantly from the mainstream Indian nationalist thought of his time, primarily led by figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Savarkar’s vision of India as a Hindu nation was rooted in his interpretation of history, culture, and the idea of a unified nation. His views, however, have been the subject of controversy and debate, as they contributed to the shaping of a more exclusionary form of nationalism that often clashed with ideas of secularism and pluralism.

1. The Concept of Hindutva

At the heart of Savarkar’s ideology was the concept of Hindutva, or Hindu-ness, which he articulated in his seminal text Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? In this work, Savarkar argued that India should be considered a Hindu nation, both culturally and politically. He defined a Hindu as anyone who considers India to be their homeland and whose religion is rooted in the Indian soil. In contrast to the concept of Hinduism as a religion, Hindutva was seen by Savarkar as a broader cultural and national identity. He emphasized that the identity of a Hindu nation was grounded in a shared history, culture, and civilization, rather than just religious faith.

Savarkar’s idea of Hindutva extended beyond mere religious identification to encompass a collective sense of identity and unity among the people of India. He argued that the Hindu community, in the face of centuries of invasions, colonialism, and social disintegration, needed to reclaim its sense of unity and strength. For Savarkar, the primary objective of Hindu nationalism was the restoration of the political and cultural dominance of the Hindu community, which he believed had been weakened under Muslim and British rule.

2. Rejection of Religious Pluralism

One of the most controversial aspects of Savarkar’s ideology was his rejection of religious pluralism. While India had historically been home to a diversity of religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, and others, Savarkar argued that only those who identified with the Hindu culture and civilization could truly be considered part of the Indian nation. He viewed Muslims and Christians, in particular, as “foreign” elements in the Indian body politic, whose loyalties were divided between India and their respective religious affiliations (especially to foreign powers, such as the Ottoman Empire or the Vatican).

Savarkar’s view of national identity was exclusive in nature. He believed that India’s true national identity could only be achieved if the Hindu majority was able to assert its dominance and unity, sidelining religious minorities who did not identify with Hindu culture. This perspective was rooted in a vision of India that prioritized Hindu civilization and culture over the pluralistic and multi-religious ideals that were championed by leaders like Gandhi, Nehru, and others in the Indian National Congress.

3. Historical Narrative and the Glorification of Hindu Identity

Savarkar’s conception of Hindu nationalism was deeply influenced by his interpretation of Indian history. He argued that India’s history had been marked by a long and painful struggle against foreign invaders, including Muslim rulers and British colonizers. According to Savarkar, the Muslim invasions, particularly the invasions by Mahmud of Ghazni and Muhammad Ghori, had inflicted grave harm on the Hindu civilization, leading to the destruction of temples, cultural institutions, and social structures. He believed that the subsequent period of Mughal rule and British colonialism had further degraded the Hindu society.

Savarkar’s interpretation of history was focused on the need for Hindus to reclaim their historical legacy and assert their national pride. He promoted the idea of Hindus as a unified community that had endured centuries of suffering and oppression but was now on the verge of reclaiming its rightful place in the world. This historical narrative was aimed at awakening a sense of pride and nationalism among Hindus, who had been divided by caste, regional, and religious differences.

However, Savarkar’s historical narrative was selective and highly contested. Many historians have criticized his portrayal of Indian history as overly simplistic and biased, particularly in his depiction of the Muslim rule in India. By focusing primarily on the conflicts between Hindus and Muslims, Savarkar’s narrative overlooked the long history of cultural exchange, coexistence, and syncretism that had characterized much of Indian history, particularly during the medieval period.

4. Political Implications of Hindutva

Savarkar’s Hindutva was not just a cultural or religious concept, but a political ideology that sought to establish a Hindu-dominated Indian state. He argued that the Indian nation-state should be governed according to the principles of Hindu culture and civilization, and that the state should prioritize the interests of Hindus over other communities. In this vision, Hindus would form the core of the Indian national identity, with other religious minorities living in the nation as part of the greater Hindu civilization, but always in a subordinate position.

Savarkar’s political agenda extended to advocating for a stronger military and defense system, to protect Hindu interests and preserve the unity of the Hindu nation. His emphasis on the need for political empowerment and cultural regeneration was reflected in his active participation in the independence movement. However, his version of nationalism was fundamentally at odds with the more inclusive and secular vision put forward by leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who sought to create a nation based on democratic principles, secularism, and pluralism.

5. Criticism and Controversy

Savarkar’s Hindu nationalism has been subject to significant criticism, both during his time and in the decades following his death. Critics argue that his vision of a Hindu-dominated state is exclusionary, and that it fosters religious intolerance and communal division. His ideas were also seen as a departure from the inclusive, pluralistic nationalism that had been championed by the Indian National Congress during the struggle for independence.

Savarkar’s influence, however, continues to be felt in contemporary Indian politics, particularly in the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other Hindu nationalist organizations. His legacy remains controversial, as many of his ideas have been adopted by modern-day Hindu nationalist groups, while others continue to criticize his divisive approach to national identity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, V.D. Savarkar’s concept of Hindu nationalism, encapsulated in his ideology of Hindutva, played a crucial role in the development of the Hindu nationalist movement in India. His vision of a unified Hindu nation was based on a selective historical narrative, a rejection of religious pluralism, and an emphasis on cultural and political dominance. While his ideas contributed to the awakening of Hindu national consciousness, they also generated significant controversy for their exclusionary and divisive nature. Savarkar’s legacy in Indian politics continues to be a subject of intense debate, reflecting the ongoing tensions between secular and religiously oriented forms of nationalism in the country.