Who is known as the father of Hindutva?
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, commonly known as Veer Savarkar, is often credited as the father of Hindutva. Born on May 28, 1883, in the village of Bhagur in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, Savarkar was a prominent Indian nationalist, social reformer, and political thinker during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Savarkar’s conceptualization of Hindutva emerged in the early 20th century in response to the challenges faced by Indian society under British colonial rule. His interpretation of Hindutva sought to unify Hindus as a political and cultural entity, emphasizing the common cultural and civilizational heritage of the Indian subcontinent.
In his seminal work “Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?” published in 1923, Savarkar articulated his vision of Hindutva, arguing that Hindus, as a socio-cultural and political community, must assert themselves in the face of colonialism and other perceived threats to their identity. He believed that Hinduism encompassed not just religious beliefs but also cultural practices, traditions, and a sense of national identity.
Savarkar’s Hindutva was not merely a religious or spiritual concept but a broader ideology that encompassed a sense of nationalism rooted in Hindu cultural identity. He advocated for the Hindu majority to assert its political dominance in India, viewing it as essential for the preservation and advancement of Indian civilization.
Savarkar’s ideas had a significant influence on the Hindu nationalist movement in India, particularly on organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates. His emphasis on cultural nationalism and the assertion of Hindu identity in the public sphere resonated deeply with many Indians, shaping the discourse on nationalism and identity politics in the country.
However, it’s important to note that Savarkar’s ideology has been a subject of controversy and debate. Critics argue that his conception of Hindutva has been used to promote exclusionary and divisive politics, leading to communal tensions and conflicts in Indian society.
Despite the controversies surrounding his legacy, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar remains a significant figure in Indian political thought, and his contributions to the development of Hindutva ideology continue to shape the socio-political landscape of India.