IGNOUMATIC

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966), a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle, was a radical nationalist whose ideas on the nation and the state have had a profound influence on the political discourse of modern India. Savarkar is best known for his contributions to the development of Hindu nationalism, as well as his controversial views on the role of the state and its relationship with the individual and the nation. His ideas on nationhood, as outlined in his works like Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923), reflect a unique synthesis of historical, cultural, and political thought, which has shaped debates around nationalism in India for decades.

Savarkar’s Concept of the Nation

Savarkar’s view of the nation was deeply rooted in ethnic and cultural unity. His concept of the nation went beyond mere political boundaries and was instead defined by shared cultural, religious, and historical experiences. For Savarkar, the nation (which he referred to as “Hindustan”) was not a geographic entity, but a cultural and spiritual community united by a common heritage. His interpretation of the Indian nation was heavily influenced by his concept of Hindutva, which he believed to be the defining characteristic of Indian identity.

1. Hindutva and the Hindu Nation: Savarkar defined Hindutva (Hinduness) as the essence of Indian nationality. According to him, Hinduism was not merely a religion but a way of life, encompassing a set of cultural, social, and spiritual practices that had evolved over thousands of years. The nation, therefore, was not merely a political entity, but a cultural organism where the Hindu identity was central. He argued that India’s national identity could only be understood through the lens of Hindu culture, and that the Hindu was the true representative of the Indian nation, which extended from the Himalayas in the north to the seas in the south, and from the eastern to the western boundaries of India.
2. Exclusivity of Hindu Identity: Savarkar’s concept of nationhood was inherently exclusive, in contrast to the more inclusive vision of the Indian National Congress. He argued that only those who accepted Hindu culture as the defining feature of Indian society could be considered part of the Indian nation. This exclusion was directed primarily towards Muslims, Christians, and other religious minorities. Savarkar believed that India was essentially a land of the Hindus, and that those who did not identify with Hinduism, but who still lived in the country, could be part of the nation, provided they accepted Hindu cultural and social norms.
3. Historical Unity and Cultural Continuity: One of the central tenets of Savarkar’s idea of nationhood was the notion of historical continuity. He argued that India had a continuous cultural history that was rooted in the Hindu civilization. This continuity, according to Savarkar, made India a unique civilization with a distinct national identity that had endured despite invasions, foreign rule, and colonial exploitation. In his view, the rise of a strong Indian nation-state could only be achieved through a return to this cultural heritage and the rejuvenation of Hindu unity.

Savarkar’s View of the State

Savarkar’s views on the state were deeply intertwined with his understanding of the nation. He believed that the state should be an instrument for the promotion and protection of national identity, particularly through the consolidation of Hindu culture and values. His ideas on the state were both nationalistic and authoritarian, emphasizing strength, unity, and cultural preservation.

1. Strong and Centralized State: Savarkar’s conception of the state was one of a strong and centralized power. He believed that a weak, decentralized state could not protect the nation or preserve its cultural identity. He argued that the state must be capable of defending the Hindu nation from both internal and external threats. This required a state that was not only powerful but also culturally aligned with the ideals of Hindutva. Savarkar’s support for a centralized state also reflected his desire for a strong national identity that could counteract colonial and foreign influences.
2. Role of the State in Promoting Hindu Unity: Savarkar viewed the state as a promoter of Hindu unity. He believed that the state should uphold and propagate Hindu values, culture, and traditions. This included the protection of Hindu temples, the promotion of Sanskrit, and the defense of Hindu social customs. He saw the state as a tool to prevent the dilution of Hindu culture by foreign influences, particularly the spread of Islam and Christianity, which he viewed as historical threats to Indian cultural integrity.
3. Authoritarianism: Savarkar’s vision of the state had an authoritarian dimension. He believed that in order to preserve the unity and strength of the nation, the state had to have the authority to suppress dissent and maintain law and order. He was opposed to liberal democracy in the Western sense, as he felt that the concept of individual rights and freedoms was not in alignment with the collective needs of the Hindu nation. This authoritarianism was a key component of his political thought, and it placed the needs of the nation above individual freedoms.
4. Military Strength and Self-Defense: Savarkar emphasized the importance of military strength as an essential function of the state. He believed that a nation could only survive and prosper if it was militarily strong and capable of defending itself against external aggressors. This idea was influenced by his experiences of colonial oppression and his belief in the need for national self-reliance. He called for a well-equipped military and the creation of a strong defense apparatus to safeguard India’s sovereignty.

Savarkar’s Criticism of British Rule

Savarkar’s ideas on the nation and the state were, of course, shaped by his experiences with British colonial rule. He was a strong critic of British imperialism, which he believed sought to divide and weaken India through its policies of divide and rule. In his famous work, The History of the First War of Indian Independence (1909), Savarkar presented the 1857 rebellion as India’s first war of independence, arguing that it was the moment when the Indian people first rose up against British tyranny. Savarkar’s nationalism was deeply anti-colonial, and he believed that India’s national unity and strength could only be restored through the expulsion of the British and the establishment of a Hindu-centered state.

Savarkar’s Influence on Hindu Nationalism

Savarkar’s views on the nation and the state laid the groundwork for Hindu nationalism in the 20th century. His ideas, particularly those related to Hindutva, have had a lasting influence on political movements such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). These organizations have drawn heavily on Savarkar’s vision of a Hindu-centered nation-state and have sought to implement policies based on his ideas of cultural nationalism and strong state authority.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s views on the nation and the state were grounded in a vision of a strong, centralized Hindu nation, united by its cultural and historical continuity. His concept of Hindutva emphasized the primacy of Hindu identity in the nation-state and called for a powerful, authoritarian state to defend and promote this identity. His ideas on nationalism, the state, and the role of the individual have had a profound and lasting influence on the political and ideological discourse in India. While his views remain controversial, especially due to their exclusivist nature, they continue to shape debates around the concept of Indian identity, nationalism, and state power in contemporary India.