The controversial revolutionary, a legend who became an inspiration for the future revolutionaries Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, is also known by his infamous name Veer Savarkar.
He was using the most powerful weapon against the British. Not his guns or bullets, but his pen. An impassioned poet and his life was his finest poetry. Let`s learn more about who was Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
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Who was Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
| Full Name | Vinayak Damodar Savarkar |
| Nicknames | Veer Savarkar, Barrister Savarkar |
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1883 |
| Place of Birth | Nashik, Maharashtra, India |
| Date of Death | February 26, 1966 |
| Education | Fergusson College, Pune |
| Occupation | Politician, Writer, Poet |
| Political Party | Hindu Mahasabha |
| Ideology | Hindutva |
| Literary Works | Kamalakant, Manoharpant, The Indian War of Independence |
| Notable Events | * Active in the Indian independence movement * Imprisoned for the Bargad case (1909) and Andaman Cellular Jail (1910-1924) * Advocated for Hindu nationalism and social reform * Active in the Indian independence movement * Held controversial views on minorities and the caste system |
Vinayak was born on 28 May 1883 to Damodar Savarkar and Radha Bhai in the small village of Bhagur, Nashik. He had three siblings, his elder brother Ganesh, Narayan, and his sister Maina, all involved in the fight for independence.
The seed of patriotism was planted within him from a very young age, and his mother told him stories about Mahabharata, Ramayana, Shivaji, and Guru Govind that strengthened his belief in the Hindu ideology.
He thought that Hinduism was not a religion, but a way of life. Later in his life, he also opened a temple that permitted the entrance of all the castes.
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Veer Savarkar was one of the first revolutionaries of his time. The Indian National Congress was established in 1883.
Their intention continued to be to cooperate peacefully with the British, rather than to be in confrontation with them.
After the partition of Bengal in 1905, the INC split into two parties – the Radicals and the Moderates. The former was led by Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Bikin Chandra Pal.
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A trio is known by the common name of Lal Bal Pal. Savarkar supported the Radicals and called for Purna Swaraj or full independence.
Savarkar was a brilliant scholar and an excellent writer and speaker. He entered the Fergusson College in Bangalore for his B.A. degree.
He was expelled from the college when he burned foreign products to support the campaign of the Swadeshi Movement.
Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar’s Contribution to the Freedom Struggle
During his lifetime, Savarkar founded several important associations, one of which was the ‘Band of Friends’ (Mitr Mela) in 1900 to spread awareness and organize festivals promoting unity among the Indians.
In 1904, Abhinav Bharat was established with the same objective as Swatantra (Self-Government). He went to London to study law, where he also founded the “Free India Society” for People’s Rights in India.
There he met other people engaged in the struggle for independence, including Sham Krishna Verma.
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“The War of 1857” Book against British rule
In 1909, during Vinayak’s stay in London, he studied history and wrote a book that later became the Bhagwat Gita for revolutionaries of the coming generations. “The War of 1857” was the first uprising, also a battle against British rule.
Before the book, people had no idea what had happened. Their history was kept hidden from them for so long. The British have always considered it a mere sepoy mutiny.
Veer Savarkar knew he was going to be imprisoned if he published the book. So, he sent the book to three people – his brother Ganesh in India, the Mitr Mandal Association, and Madame Cama in London.
Madame Cama played an important role in publishing the book. It did so by publishing a book without a cover and through secret distribution outlets and thus began the smuggling of books.
“Our Motherland Sacrifice for you is like life Living without you is death.”
The Arrest of Veer Savarkar
Ganesh Savarkar, Veer’s brother, led an armed rebellion against the Morley-Minto reform of 1909—and assassinated Nasik’s collector Jackson.
Savarkar was also accused of plotting. As a result, Vinayak went to Paris to hide in Madame Cama’s home but was eventually found and shipped to India.
The ship S S Morea set sail on March 13, 1910, and the port of Marseille reached on July 8, 1910.
Savarkar tried to escape from the ship, but he was captured by the officers. He was taken to Yervada Central Jail and began his trial before a special court on 10 September 1910.
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One allegation was that of abetting the murder of collector Jackson, the other was a plot against the King under IPC 121 A. Savarkar, 28 years old, was convicted and sentenced to the most severe punishment under British rule.
He was sentenced to two terms of 25 years in prison back to back on 4 July 1911 and sent to the Andaman and Nicobar Island’s cellular jail.
The infamous cellular jail was known for its inhuman conditions. For six months, the prisoners were held in solitary confinement and only saw other prisoners being hanged.
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They were treated like animals for the rest of the term. They were made to smash rocks, mine, and make ropes. Everyone had their regular fixed quota, and those who failed to reach theirs were struck by whip strokes.
The circumstances were so horrific that the inmates had to be bribed to use the bathroom. Savarkar was a great poet when the prison denied providing him with a pen and paper, so he used his nails to write patriotic poetry on the prison walls.
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Savarkar had drawn up four petitions for mercy. First, on 30 August 1911, he described himself as a prodigal son eager to return to the government’s parenting doors, which was rejected on 3 September of the same year.
Then in 1913, 1917, and eventually in 1918, seeking amenity for all political prisoners. In 1920, INC, Mahatma Gandhi, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak called for the unconditional release of Savarkar.
Due to political pressure from all sides, Veer’s brother was released from jail first, which served two purposes-relaxing political pressure and ensuring that Ganesh did not carry out any such actions, knowing that his brother was still in hostages.
On January 6, 1924, Savarkar was released under strict restrictions. He was not permitted to leave the district of Ratnagiri and to refrain from political activities for the next five years.
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Contribution, Controversy, and Death of Veer Savarkar
Savarkar was elected president of the Hindu Mahasabha from 1937 to 1943. In 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement, Savarkar strongly opposed it saying that they had to remain in their posts and study the “Art of War”, he also wrote the article “Stick to your post” to inspire people.
Hindu Mahasabha activists protested against Gandhi’s decision to hold talks with Jinnah in 1944. On 30 January 1948, Nathuram Godse shot Mahatma Gandhi.
During the trial, it was found that Godse and Apte had visited Savarkar the day before, seeking blessings. It is also believed that Savarkar had said, “Yashasvi houn ya” (“यशस्वी होऊन या”, be successful and return).
Due to a lack of evidence, Savarkar was arrested under the Preventive Detention Act and released later. Savarkar denied on 26 February 1966 in his residence in Mumbai.
Before his death, he wrote an article entitled “Atmahatya Nahi Atmaarpan” in which he argued that when one’s life mission is over and the opportunity to serve humanity is no longer left, it is better to end life at will than to wait for death.
On 1 February 1966, Savarkar renounced the medicines, food, and water he called atmaarpan (fast until death).
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Famous Quotes of Veer Savarkar:
1.”Calmness in preparation but boldness in execution, this should be the watchword during the moments of crisis.”
2. “We yield to none in our love, admiration, and respect for the Buddha-the Dharma-the Sangha. They are all ours. Their glories are ours and ours their failures.”
3. “One country one God, one caste, one mind brothers all of us without a difference, without a doubt.”
4. “Every person is a Hindu who regards and owns this Bharat Bhumi, this land from the Indus to the seas, as his Fatherland as well as Holyland, i.e. the land of the origin of his religion. Consequently, the so-called aboriginal or hill tribes also are Hindus because India is their Fatherland as well as their Holyland of whatever form of religion or worship they follow.”
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Interesting Facts About Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, often referred to as Veer Savarkar was a multifaceted figure in Indian history. interesting facts about Veer Damodar Savarkar:
1. Early Life and Activism of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Born in 1883 in Maharashtra, Savarkar was an active nationalist from a young age. He founded the Mitra Mela, a youth organization promoting national ideas, and participated in anti-colonial activities.
In 1905, he organized a bonfire of foreign goods on Dussehra, advocating for Swadeshi (use of Indian products). This act led to his expulsion from Fergusson College in Pune.
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2. Imprisonment and the Andamans of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
In 1910, Savarkar was arrested for inciting revolutionary activities and sentenced to two life terms. He was sent to the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands, known for its harsh conditions.
While imprisoned, Savarkar wrote extensively, including the book “The Indian War of Independence,” which helped popularize the concept of an armed struggle against British rule.
3. Hindutva Ideology of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Savarkar is credited with coining the term “Hindutva” in his 1923 book of the same name. This ideology emphasized the shared cultural and historical identity of Hindus across India.
Hindutva remains a controversial concept, with supporters praising its focus on Hindu unity and critics expressing concerns about its potential exclusion of other religious communities.
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4. Political Career of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
After his release from prison in 1924, Savarkar became involved in Indian politics. He joined the Hindu Mahasabha, a Hindu nationalist organization, and served as its president from 1937 to 1942.
Savarkar opposed the Quit India Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, advocating instead for a negotiated settlement with the British.
5. Legacy of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Savarkar remains a complex and divisive figure in Indian history. He is revered by some as a freedom fighter and champion of Hindu identity, while others criticize his political views and writings.
His legacy continues to be debated and discussed in today`s India.
Bonus Facts about Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
Savarkar was an atheist and a social reformer who advocated against untouchability.
He was a prolific writer, producing poetry, plays, and political tracts.
The Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, is named after him.
I hope these facts provide a glimpse into the life and legacy of Veer Savarkar. Remember, his life and views are complex and multifaceted, and it’s important to approach them with critical thinking and an understanding of the historical context.
Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar: FAQ
Who is Veer Savarkar
The controversial revolutionary, a legend who became an inspiration for the future revolutionaries Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, is also known by his infamous name Veer Savarkar.
He was using the most powerful weapon against the British. Not his guns or bullets, but his pen. An impassioned poet and his life was his finest poetry.
How did veer savarkar died
Before his death, he wrote an article entitled “Atmahatya Nahi Atmaarpan” in which he argued that when one’s life mission is over and the opportunity to serve humanity is no longer left, it is better to end life at will than to wait for death.
On 1 February 1966, Savarkar renounced the medicines, food, and water he called atmaarpan (fast until death).
Where is Veer Savarkar International Airport
Veer Savarkar International Airport
Lamba Line, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands 744103.
who called Savarkar Veer
Shri. Pralhad Keshav Atre, a well-known educationist, writer & political activist mentioned Savarkar as “Swatantrya (स्वातंत्र्यवीर) -Veer Savarkar” while talking at a felicitation function in the honor of Savarkar. The term VEER became popular.
why was Veer Savarkar jailed?
One allegation was that of abetting the murder of collector Jackson, the other was a plot against the King under IPC 121 A. Savarkar, 28 years old, was convicted and sentenced to the most severe punishment under British rule.
Did Veer Savarkar apologize to the British
Yes, It was a political tactic.
Veer Savarkar apologises to British. It was a political tactic.
and this was not the first time these tactics were used. Veer Savarkar apologized to the British because in prison he couldn’t fight for freedom. There are manipulation tactics used to get away from prison.
Just like Chhatrapati Shivaji apologizes to Afzal Khan and we know what happens next. Afzal Khan was assassinated.
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