# Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

> Indian politician (1883-1966)

**Wikidata**: [Q471040](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q471040)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinayak_Damodar_Savarkar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/vinayak-damodar-savarkar

## Summary
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian politician, philosopher, and writer who played a pivotal role in the country's independence movement and the development of Hindutva ideology. Born in 1883, he is best known for coining the term "Hindutva" and advocating for a unified Hindu identity, significantly influencing Indian nationalism. His political activism and writings shaped the trajectory of India's struggle for independence and its post-colonial identity.

## Biography
- **Born**: May 28, 1883
- **Nationality**: Indian
- **Education**: Studied at the University of Mumbai and Fergusson College
- **Known for**: Co-founding the Hindu nationalist ideology of Hindutva and advocating for Indian independence
- **Employer(s)**: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Hindu Mahasabha
- **Field(s)**: Politics, Philosophy, Literature

## Contributions
- **Hindutva Ideology**: Savarkar formulated the concept of Hindutva, emphasizing a unified Hindu identity rooted in cultural and political nationalism, as outlined in his 1923 book *Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?*
- **Indian Independence Movement**: He participated in the independence struggle, including the 1905 Swadeshi movement and the 1942 Quit India Movement.
- **Literary Works**: Authored notable works such as *The Indian War of Independence* (1909), which reinterpreted the 1857 revolt as a national uprising, and *My Transportation for Life* (1921), detailing his imprisonment.
- **Political Leadership**: Founded the Hindu Mahasabha in 1915, a political party advocating for Hindu interests and self-rule.

## FAQs
- **What was Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's role in Indian politics?** Savarkar was a key figure in the Indian independence movement and a founder of the Hindu Mahasabha, promoting Hindutva ideology and Hindu self-rule.
- **What is Hindutva, and how did Savarkar contribute to it?** Hindutva, coined by Savarkar, refers to a cultural and political ideology emphasizing Hindu identity as the basis for Indian nationalism. He articulated this in his 1923 book, defining it as a shared heritage of culture, history, and geography.
- **Was Savarkar involved in any notable literary works?** Yes, his works include *The Indian War of Independence* (1909) and *Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?* (1923), which were instrumental in shaping nationalist discourse.
- **How did Savarkar influence later political figures?** His ideology inspired leaders like Nathuram Godse and organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), impacting India's political landscape.

## Why They Matter
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's formulation of Hindutva ideology fundamentally reshaped Indian nationalism, emphasizing Hindu identity as central to the nation's character. His writings and political activism galvanized the independence movement and influenced subsequent political thought, particularly within Hindu nationalist movements. Without Savarkar, the ideological framework of Hindutva and its impact on India's political trajectory, including debates on secularism and national identity, would lack a foundational figure. His legacy continues to be felt in contemporary Indian politics, with ongoing discussions about the role of Hindu identity in governance.

## Notable For
- **Coining "Hindutva"**: Introduced the term in 1923, defining it as a cultural and political identity.
- **Founding the Hindu Mahasabha**: Established the party in 1915 to advocate for Hindu interests and self-rule.
- **Author of Influential Works**: Wrote *The Indian War of Independence* and *Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?*, shaping nationalist narratives.
- **Political Imprisonment**: Served multiple prison terms by the British, including in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- **Influence on Modern Politics**: His ideology remains a cornerstone of Hindu nationalist movements in India.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra, British India. He studied at the University of Mumbai and Fergusson College, Pune, where he developed his political consciousness and nationalist ideals.

### Political Activism
Savarkar's involvement in the independence movement began with the 1905 Swadeshi movement. He was arrested in 1910 for his role in the Nasik Conspiracy Case and sentenced to two life terms, serving time in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. His experiences in prison influenced his writings, including *My Transportation for Life* (1921).

### Hindutva and Nationalism
In 1923, Savarkar published *Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?*, defining the concept as a shared cultural, historical, and geographical identity. This work became a foundational text for Hindu nationalism, distinguishing it from purely religious definitions. He argued that Hindu identity was the unifying force for India, emphasizing unity among diverse groups under a common cultural heritage.

### Literary and Intellectual Contributions
Savarkar's *The Indian War of Independence* (1909) reinterpreted the 1857 revolt as a national uprising against British rule, challenging colonial narratives. His writings sought to inspire pride in India's history and resistance to colonial oppression, influencing generations of nationalists.

### Political Leadership and Legacy
As a founder of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar advocated for Hindu self-rule and opposed the partition of India. His ideology influenced the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later political figures, including Nathuram Godse, who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi in 1948. Savarkar's legacy remains contentious, with some viewing him as a nationalist hero and others criticizing his role in promoting a majoritarian ideology.

### Death and Commemoration
Savarkar died on February 26, 1966. His birth anniversary, May 28, is commemorated by Hindu nationalist organizations, reflecting his enduring influence on Indian political thought. The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is named in his honor, acknowledging his imprisonment there.

### Global and Cultural Impact
Savarkar's ideas on nationalism and identity have been compared to those of Giuseppe Mazzini, an Italian unification leader. His emphasis on cultural unity influenced debates on nationalism worldwide, particularly in post-colonial contexts. In India, his ideology continues to shape political discourse, with ongoing relevance in discussions about secularism, minority rights, and national identity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Sankshipt Marathi Vangmayakosh Khand 1 to 3
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. CiNii Research
6. MusicBrainz
7. [Source](https://lingualibre.org/wiki//Q463740)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. BBC Things
10. Quora
11. LIBRIS. 2012
12. Catalogo of the National Library of India