Vinayak Damodar Savarkar
- Born:
- May 28, 1883, Bhagur, Nashik District, Bombay Presidency, British India
- Died:
- February 26, 1966, Bombay, Maharashtra, India
- Nationality:
- Indian
- Profession(s):
- Activist, Politician, Writer, Poet, Playwright, Historian, Philosopher
Early Life and Education
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born into a Chitpavan Brahmin family.
- He was actively involved in nationalist activities from a young age.
- He attended Fergusson College in Pune.
- He was influenced by the writings of Giuseppe Mazzini.
Career and Major Achievements
- Founded the Abhinav Bharat Society, a secret society advocating for Indian independence.
- Studied law in London at Gray's Inn.
- Arrested and tried for sedition and involvement in revolutionary activities.
- Sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment in the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands.
- Developed the ideology of Hindutva, a Hindu nationalist ideology.
- Served as the President of the Hindu Mahasabha.
Notable Works
- The Indian War of Independence, 1857 (book)
- Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu? (book)
- Numerous poems, plays, and essays on historical and political subjects.
Legacy and Impact
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar remains a controversial but influential figure in Indian history. He is both admired for his patriotism and criticized for his Hindutva ideology. His writings and political activism have had a significant and lasting impact on Indian politics and society.