Why in the News?
The Prime Minister paid tributes to Veer Savarkar on his birth anniversary on May 28th.
About Veer Savarkar: Life, Contributions, and Legacy
| Details | |
| Who was Veer Savarkar? | • Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra, • Founded the Abhinav Bharat Society (1904) with his brother Ganesh Damodar Savarkar for armed resistance. • Led India House in London (1906) and the Free India Society. • Arrested in 1910, sentenced to life imprisonment in Cellular Jail (Kala Pani, Andaman & Nicobar Islands). • Became President of the Hindu Mahasabha (1937-1943). • Died on February 26, 1966, after fasting till death. |
| His Contributions | • Advocated armed revolution against British rule. • Coined Hindutva (1923), defining Indian identity beyond religion. • Opposed Partition, emphasizing Hindu political unity. • Championed military nationalism over passive resistance. • Writings and ideology influenced Indian nationalist movements. |
| Literary Works | • The First War of Indian Independence (1909): Reinterpreted the 1857 Revolt as a nationalist struggle. • Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923): Laid the ideological foundation of Hindutva. • My Transportation for Life (1950): Memoirs of his imprisonment in Cellular Jail. • Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History: Advocated Hindu resistance against foreign invaders. |
| Controversies | • Gandhi Assassination Case (1948): Arrested but acquitted due to lack of evidence. • Mercy Petitions (1911-1924): Wrote clemency petitions for early release from prison, debated as tactical or compromising. • Opposition to Quit India Movement (1942): Rejected Gandhi’s call, favoured military strength over civil disobedience. • Hindutva Ideology: Critics claim it fostered religious divisions, while supporters see it as reviving Hindu identity. |
| [UPSC 2008] During the Indian Freedom Struggle, who of the following raised an army called ‘Free Indian Legion’?
Options: (a) Lala Hardayal (b) Rashbehari Bose (c) Subhas Chandra Bose * (d) V.D. Savarkar |
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