Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, also known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar, Vinayak Savarkar or Veer Savarkar in Marathi, was a freedom fighter, an Indian independence leader and politician who coined the Hindu nationalist ideology of 'Hindutva'. Born on May 28, 1883, in Nashik Veer Savarkar was a freedom fighter, politician, lawyer and a writer.
Contribution in India's freedom of struggle
It was Veer Savarkar who coined the term 'Hindutva' and was a pivotal leader in the 'Hindu Mahasabha' in 1907 . As a high school student, Savarkar became involved in politics and continued to do so at Fergusson College in Pune. During his legal studies in United Kingdom Veer Savarkar got involved in organisations such as the India House and the Free India Society. Savarakar also authored books advocating for full Indian independence through revolution.
During his legal studies in United Kingdom Veer Savarkar got involved in organisations such as the India House and the Free India Society. Savarakar also authored books advocating for full Indian independence through revolution. One of his novels, "The Indian War of Independence," which depicted the Indian revolt of 1857, was banned by British authorities. Due to his association with the revolutionary party India House, Savarkar was arrested in 1910 and was deported to India.
Savarkar's Escape From British Authorities
Attempting to escape the deportation, Savarkar staged a plan to flee and seek refuge in France while the ship transporting him back to India stopped in the port of Marseilles. However, French port officials handed him back to the British authorities.
After returning to India, Savarkar was sentenced to two life imprisonments, totaling fifty years, and was sent to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Savarakar's years in Prison
Savarkar was sentenced to two life imprisonments and was sent to the cellular jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During his prison years Savarakar wrote a Hindu ideological pamphlet named Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? which till date holds major influence for Hindus in India. Although, Savarakar was a atheist he followed Hindu ideologies and was fascinated by it. Savarakar was released from the prison in 1924 after his release he played a major role in the 'Ratnagiri Hindu Sabha'.
From February 1966, Savarkar began to fast unto death forsaking food, water and medicines . He believed that voluntarily giving up life when one's usefulness to society ends was a noble act. He passed away on February 26, 1966.
