Savarkar: Fighter or Traitor? | Indian Freedom Struggle | Freedom Fighters | UPSC General Studies

Summary

This video delves into the life and legacy of Veer Savarkar, a controversial figure in India's freedom struggle. Born in 1883, Savarkar's early years were marked by his deep passion for politics, literature, and Hindu nationalism. The video explores his involvement in revolutionary activities, his imprisonment, and his controversial stance on Hinduism and politics. Despite his contributions to India's independence, Savarkar's later actions, including his petitions for clemency, have sparked debate. The narrative highlights his complex legacy, marked by both admiration and criticism, culminating in his death in 1966 under the concept of 'wish death.'

Takeaways

• 😀 Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, born in 1883 in a small village in Maharashtra, was a prominent freedom fighter and a controversial figure in Indian history.
• 😀 Savarkar was influenced by leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak and his older brother Ganesh Damodar, who played a significant role in his early political activities.
• 😀 In 1903, Savarkar co-founded the 'Mitra Mela' society and later, in 1906, the 'Abhinav Bharat' society, both aimed at supporting India's independence from British rule.
• 😀 Savarkar was a staunch advocate for the 'Swadeshi Movement' and actively participated in burning foreign clothes in 1905, a symbolic act of resistance against British colonialism.
• 😀 In 1909, Savarkar was arrested by the British for his alleged involvement in the assassination of a British official, Jackson, through his associate Madanlal Dhingra.
• 😀 After being arrested in London, Savarkar was deported to India and sentenced to life imprisonment. He was sent to the infamous Cellular Jail in Andaman for his revolutionary activities.
• 😀 Despite harsh conditions, Savarkar continued to write extensively, penning down his thoughts on India's freedom struggle and producing over 7,000 poems during his imprisonment.
• 😀 Savarkar’s controversial actions include filing several petitions for clemency, including signing a declaration recognizing British rule, which has been a subject of much debate.
• 😀 His theory of Hindutva, outlined in his book 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?', emphasized a unified identity for Hindus, linking them by their common culture, language, and land, not by religion alone.
• 😀 Savarkar passed away in 1966 after choosing 'voluntary death' (wishful death) when he felt his life's mission was completed. His legacy continues to spark debate on his role in India's freedom struggle.

Q & A

Who was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and why is he considered a controversial figure?

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian freedom fighter, politician, and writer who played a significant role in the independence movement. He is considered controversial due to his views on Hindutva, his clemency petitions to the British government during his imprisonment, and his involvement in violent revolutionary activities. His legacy is debated, with some viewing him as a hero and others criticizing his actions.

What was Savarkar's early influence and education?

Savarkar was influenced early on by his strict religious upbringing and the teachings of his father, who introduced him to Hindu texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. He received his primary education in Nashik and later pursued higher education in Pune, where his interest in politics and writing developed. He was particularly influenced by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and his radical nationalist ideas.

What role did Savarkar play in the Swadeshi Movement?

Savarkar actively participated in the Swadeshi Movement, which aimed to boycott British goods and promote Indian self-reliance. He was involved in organizing protests, including the burning of foreign clothes, and became a key member of the *Abhinav Bharat* society, a secret organization focused on revolution against British rule.

What was the significance of Savarkar's book *The History of the First War of Indian Independence (1857)?*

Savarkar's book, published in 1909, was significant because it was the first to call the 1857 rebellion the 'First War of Indian Independence'. This interpretation challenged the British narrative, which portrayed it as a mere mutiny, and framed the revolt as a unified struggle for independence, inspiring future generations of revolutionaries.

Why was Savarkar imprisoned, and what was his experience in the Cellular Jail?

Savarkar was imprisoned for his role in revolutionary activities against the British. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and sent to the Cellular Jail in Andaman, known for its brutal conditions. Despite the harsh confinement, he continued to resist British rule through his writings and petitions for clemency.

What was the controversy surrounding Savarkar's clemency petitions to the British?

Savarkar filed multiple clemency petitions during his imprisonment, where he expressed regret for his actions and offered to serve the British government. Critics view this as a betrayal of the freedom struggle, while others argue that it was a pragmatic move to survive the torturous conditions of the Cellular Jail and eventually gain release.

How did Savarkar define 'Hindutva' in his writings?

Savarkar's concept of 'Hindutva' was defined in his 1923 book, *Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?*. He defined 'Hindu' as anyone born in India, regardless of religion, who shared a common culture and identity. He emphasized the unity of Hindus based on a shared nation, culture, and ancestry, and opposed the caste system and religious orthodoxy.

What was the significance of the 'Hindu Mahasabha' in Savarkar's political career?

The Hindu Mahasabha was a political organization that Savarkar joined to promote Hindu nationalism and oppose Muslim separatism and the policies of the British government. His role in the organization was pivotal in shaping his ideas about Hindu unity and his rejection of the caste system, though his views on Hindu-Muslim relations have been a subject of debate.

What was Savarkar's stance on the caste system?

Savarkar was a strong critic of the caste system, which he saw as a major obstacle to Hindu progress. In his writings, he condemned caste-based discrimination and argued for its abolition. He believed that Hindu society should unite as a cohesive whole, transcending caste divisions for the greater good of the nation.

How did Savarkar's views on 'wish death' reflect his philosophy on life and death?

Savarkar chose 'wish death' or voluntary fasting to end his life, as he believed that when a person's mission in life is complete, they should not cling to life unnecessarily. His approach to death was pragmatic, viewing it as a final act of control over his fate, especially after facing years of suffering under British imprisonment.