Life and Works of V.D. Savarkar

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (May 28, 1883-February 26, 1966) was an Indian Politician and activists, who is credited with developing the Hindu Nationalist Political Ideology Hindutva. Commonly addressed as Veer Savarkar (Brave Savarkar), he is considered to be the Central Icon of Modern Hindu Nationalist Political Parties. His last years were clouded with accusations of involvement in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination. Savarkar’s revolutionary activities began when studying in India and England, where he founded student societies and publications, espousing the cause of complete Indian Independence by revolutionary means. While in jail, Savarkar would pen the work describing Hindutva, openly espousing Hindu Nationalism. He would be released in 1921 under restrictions after signing a controversial plea for clemency in which he renounced revolutionary activities. Traveling widely, Savarkar became a forceful orator and writer, advocating Hindu political and social unity. Serving as the President of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar endorsed the ideal of Hindus as a distinct nation and of India as a Hindu Rashtra and controversially opposed the Quit India Struggle in 1942.