Introduction

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was a revolutionary thinker whose political philosophy significantly influenced India’s ideological landscape. He introduced the idea of cultural nationalism, emphasizing the unification of Hindus based on a shared cultural and civilizational heritage. By distinguishing between the religious aspects of Hinduism and the broader cultural identity of Hindutva, Savarkar advocated for a cohesive national identity. His focus was on self-reliance, national pride, and the revival of India’s ancient glory as pathways to sovereignty and cultural resurgence.

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V.D. Savarkar: An Introduction

Savarkar belonged to the Chitpavan Brahmin community of Konkan. His family’s prominence during the Peshwa rule and their achievements in Sanskrit scholarship reflected their intellectual legacy. This environment shaped Savarkar’s revolutionary zeal, inspiring his commitment to liberating Hindustan from colonial rule. Known as "Veer Savarkar," he became a symbol of resilience and national pride in India’s independence movement.

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Views of Savarkar on Hindutva

Savarkar’s ideology of Hindutva, elaborated in his seminal work Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923), focused on cultural and civilizational ethos rather than strictly religious identity. He made a clear distinction between Hinduism, the spiritual and religious tradition, and Hindutva, a cultural and nationalistic framework.

Defining Hindutva

• Hindutva encompassed the cultural, historical, and spiritual ethos of the Indian subcontinent.
• It was not limited to religious practices but included the shared heritage and values of all those who consider India their holy land (punyabhumi) and ancestral land (matrubhumi).

Criteria for Hindutva

1. Geographical Unity: Savarkar identified the Indian subcontinent (Hindustan) as the common homeland of Hindus, emphasizing territorial unity.
2. Cultural Unity: The shared customs, traditions, languages, and heritage were central to Hindutva.

Distinction between Hindutva and Hinduism

• Hinduism: A religious tradition focused on spirituality, ethics, and philosophical inquiry.
• Hindutva: A broader cultural and national identity rooted in India’s historical and cultural experiences.

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Savarkar and Militarization

Savarkar advocated for militarization as essential for achieving and safeguarding India’s sovereignty. His emphasis on military strength was rooted in the historical context of British colonial oppression and the need for national security.

Key Aspects of Militarization

1. Defense and Sovereignty: Savarkar believed a strong military was vital for protecting India from external threats and asserting its independence.
2. Self-Reliance: He argued for reducing reliance on foreign powers by building domestic defense capabilities.
3. National Pride and Discipline: Military training instilled virtues such as bravery, discipline, and patriotism.
4. Preparedness: Savarkar proposed organized groups of volunteers trained in arms and military tactics, serving as a reserve force during emergencies.
5. Defense Industry: He emphasized developing a domestic defense industry to enhance self-sufficiency and national security.

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Savarkar and Cultural Nationalism

Savarkar’s concept of cultural nationalism emphasized that a nation is defined not merely by its political boundaries but by its shared cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage. He argued that the essence of a nation lies in its cultural identity, which binds its people through common traditions, values, and historical experiences.

Key Elements of Cultural Nationalism

1. Historical Continuity:

   • Ancient Heritage: Savarkar highlighted the significance of ancient Indian texts, epics, and traditions as the foundation of Indian identity.
   • Medieval and Modern Contributions: He acknowledged the contributions of various eras, dynasties, and movements to India’s cultural diversity, showcasing the resilience and unity of Indian civilization.

2. Common Cultural Heritage:

   • Festivals and Rituals: Shared cultural practices, such as festivals and rituals, act as unifying factors.
   • Arts and Literature: Indian art, music, dance, and literature reflect the moral and philosophical values of the nation.

3. Language and Literature:

   • Sanskrit and Vernacular Languages: Savarkar advocated for reviving Sanskrit while promoting vernacular languages for daily communication and cultural expression.
   • Literary Heritage: He emphasized the preservation of classical and contemporary Indian literature as a repository of national identity.

4. Religious and Spiritual Values:

   • Inclusivity of Traditions: He recognized the contributions of various spiritual traditions in shaping Indian culture.
   • Moral and Ethical Values: Values such as truth, duty, and compassion are essential for the nation’s moral upliftment and unity.

5. National Unity and Integration:

   • Unity in Diversity: Savarkar believed in embracing India’s diversity to foster national integration.
   • Against Fragmentation: He opposed social, linguistic, or religious divisions that could weaken the nation, advocating for cohesive policies to promote solidarity.

6. Role of Education:

   • Cultural Education: He stressed teaching Indian history, languages, and arts to instill a sense of pride and connection to cultural roots.
   • Moral and Ethical Training: Alongside cultural education, Savarkar advocated for teaching values like discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility to build a united nation.

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Summary

Savarkar’s ideology of Hindutva and cultural nationalism emphasized unifying the people of India based on shared cultural, historical, and spiritual values. His views on militarization aimed to instill self-reliance, discipline, and strength to safeguard national sovereignty. Savarkar’s vision was rooted in fostering a cohesive and resilient national identity, where diversity was celebrated but unity remained the overarching goal.