Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, known as Veer Savarkar, was a fiery revolutionary, poet, and political thinker whose relentless pursuit of India’s independence left an indelible mark on history. Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra, Savarkar’s life was a whirlwind of courage, sacrifice, and controversy. As we celebrate Veer Savarkar Jayanti on May 28, 2025, marking his 142nd birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed him as a “stalwart whose sacrifice lights the path to a developed India.” This biography dives into Savarkar’s journey as an Indian freedom fighter, his groundbreaking ideas, and his complex legacy that continues to spark debate.
Early Life of Veer Savarkar
Born into a Chitpavan Brahmin family in Bhagur, Nashik, Savarkar was the second of four siblings. His father, Damodar Savarkar, a schoolteacher, nurtured his love for learning, while his mother, Radhabai, instilled cultural pride. From a young age, Savarkar displayed a sharp intellect, mastering Marathi, English, and mathematics. The execution of Chapekar brothers in 1897 for assassinating a British officer ignited his patriotic fervor, shaping his resolve to fight colonial rule.
In 1902, at 18, he enrolled at Fergusson College in Pune, where exposure to Western philosophers like John Stuart Mill and Indian nationalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak fueled his activism. By his teens, Savarkar was already organizing resistance, laying the foundation for his role as a revolutionary Indian freedom fighter.
His early exposure to Marathi literature, including works by Shivaji’s era poets, shaped his nationalist poetry, a detail often overlooked in narratives.
Revolutionary Beginnings: Founding Abhinav Bharat
Savarkar’s activism took shape early. In 1899, at 16, he founded Mitra Mela, a secret society to promote nationalism among youth. By 1904, it evolved into the Abhinav Bharat Society, advocating armed resistance against British rule. His fiery speeches and writings rallied students, urging them to reject colonial oppression.
In 1906, Savarkar sailed to London to study law at Gray’s Inn, funded by a scholarship from Shyamji Krishna Varma. There, he joined the Free India Society, connecting with revolutionaries like Madan Lal Dhingra. He smuggled bomb-making manuals and wrote The Indian War of Independence of 1857, redefining the Sepoy Mutiny as a unified rebellion. Banned by the British, the book became a clandestine inspiration for freedom fighters.
His London years exposed him to global anti-colonial movements, like the Irish struggle, which influenced his strategies, a nuance rarely highlighted.
Imprisonment in Cellular Jail: The Andaman Ordeal
Savarkar’s revolutionary activities led to his arrest in London in 1910 for sedition and abetting murder. Extradited to India, he was sentenced to two life terms (50 years) in the notorious Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1911. The brutal conditions—solitary confinement, torture, and forced labor—tested his spirit, yet he remained defiant.
In jail, Savarkar wrote poetry on cell walls, memorized by fellow prisoners, and organized a secret library to educate inmates. His petitions for clemency, often criticized, were strategic, aimed at continuing his work outside. Released in 1924 under restrictions, he spent 13 years in jail, emerging as a symbol of sacrifice.
His prison writings, like Kamala and Gomantak, inspired inmates, a literary resistance often underemphasized.
Hindutva and Political Leadership: Shaping Ideology
In 1923, while under house arrest in Ratnagiri, Savarkar penned Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?, defining Hindu identity as rooted in cultural and geographical ties to India. This work laid the ideological foundation for Hindu nationalism, influencing modern political discourse. As president of the Hindu Mahasabha from 1937, he championed a united India, opposing partition and advocating equal rights for all citizens.
His establishment of Patit Pavan Mandir in 1931, open to all Hindus regardless of caste, showcased his commitment to social reform. However, his opposition to the 1942 Quit India Movement, favoring military recruitment to strengthen Indian forces, stirred controversy, with critics alleging alignment with British interests.
His nuanced stance on caste—promoting unity while retaining Hindu traditions—balanced reform with cultural preservation, a complexity often oversimplified.
Gandhi Assassination Controversy: A Divisive Chapter
Savarkar’s legacy is shadowed by his alleged link to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948 by Nathuram Godse, a former Hindu Mahasabha member. Arrested for conspiracy, Savarkar was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Critics argue his Hindutva ideology indirectly inspired Godse, while supporters maintain he was unfairly targeted. The debate remains polarizing, underscoring the need for evidence-based historical analysis.
Court records show Savarkar’s communications with Godse ceased years before, a detail clarifying his non-involvement but often ignored.
Post-Independence: A Voice for Cultural Unity
After India’s independence in 1947, Savarkar continued advocating for cultural nationalism through the Hindu Mahasabha, though its influence waned. He supported social reforms like abolishing untouchability and wrote extensively on India’s history and identity. His works, including Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History, celebrated India’s resilience against invasions.
Despite declining political clout, Savarkar remained a revered figure among nationalists. His ideas on cultural unity influenced organizations like the RSS, shaping modern Hindu nationalism.
Death: A Final Act of Conviction
In his final years, Savarkar embraced atmaarpan (self-sacrifice), fasting to death as he believed his life’s mission was complete. On February 1, 1966, he began his fast, passing away on February 26, 1966, at his Bombay home, leaving a legacy of courage and controversy.
Legacy: A Polarizing Icon
Veer Savarkar’s legacy as an Indian freedom fighter is both celebrated and debated. His revolutionary zeal inspired figures like Bhagat Singh, while his Hindutva ideology shapes contemporary politics. Statues, awards, and institutions like the Savarkar Smarak in Mumbai honor him, yet critics question his majoritarian views. His life embodies the complexity of India’s freedom struggle, blending fierce patriotism with ideological divides.
| Key Aspects of Veer Savarkar’s Life | Details |
| Birth | May 28, 1883, Bhagur, Maharashtra |
| Key Contributions | Founded Abhinav Bharat, coined Hindutva |
| Major Work | Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923) |
| Imprisonment | Cellular Jail, 1911–1924 |
| Death | February 26, 1966, Bombay |
Frequently Asked Questions About Veer Savarkar
Who was Veer Savarkar?
A revolutionary Indian freedom fighter, poet, and Hindu Mahasabha leader who coined Hindutva and fought for complete independence.
What was Savarkar’s role in the freedom struggle?
He founded Abhinav Bharat, inspired armed resistance, and wrote The Indian War of Independence of 1857.
Was Veer Savarkar jailed?
Yes, he served 13 years in Cellular Jail (1911–1924) for revolutionary activities.
What is Hindutva according to Savarkar?
Hindutva defines Hindu identity based on cultural and geographical ties to India, not just religion.
Why is Veer Savarkar controversial?
His Hindutva ideology and alleged link to Gandhi’s assassination (though acquitted) spark debate.
Veer Savarkar’s life is a testament to fearless conviction. What part of his story resonates with you? Share below and explore more Indian freedom fighters for deeper insights.
