Why in News
On 28th May, the Prime Minister paid tribute to Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (Veer Savarkar) on his birth anniversary.
Who was Veer Savarkar
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Early Life | Born on 28th May, 1883 in Nashik, Maharashtra. Known as Swatantryaveer Savarkar. A freedom fighter, lawyer, writer, and social reformer. |
| Revolutionary Work | – Founded Mitra Mela (1899), later renamed Abhinav Bharat Society (1904). – Formed Free India Society in London (1906). – Linked with India House in London. |
| Ideological Writings | – Authored “Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?” (1923). – Wrote “The History of the First War of Indian Independence”. – Used the pen-name “Mahratta”. |
| Radical Methods | Advocated revolutionary nationalism, guerrilla warfare; involved in bomb-making; aided Madan Lal Dhingra legally. |
| Trial & Imprisonment | – Arrested in 1909 for conspiracy in the Morley-Minto reforms. – Extradited and sentenced to life; jailed at Cellular Jail (Kala Pani). – Attempted escape at Marseilles. |
| Post-Prison Politics | – Interned in Ratnagiri (till 1937). – Later became President of Hindu Mahasabha (1937–1943). – Opposed Quit India Movement. |
| Ideology & Reforms | – Opposed casteism; supported inter-caste marriages, temple entry for Dalits (Patit-Pavan Mandir). – Supported reconversion, sea-crossing, civil liberties. |
| Legacy | – Started a hunger strike in 1964, passed away on 26th Feb 1966. – Port Blair Airport renamed after him in 2002 as Veer Savarkar International Airport. |
Practice Questions
Prelims (MCQs)
- Which of these books was written by VD Savarkar?
a) Discovery of India
b) India Wins Freedom
c) Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?
d) Annihilation of Caste
Answer: c) Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? - What was the primary purpose of the Free India Society founded by Savarkar in London?
a) Promote Indian art abroad
b) Organize cultural tours
c) Encourage revolutionary nationalism among Indian students
d) Raise funds for famine relief
Answer: c) Encourage revolutionary nationalism among Indian students - The Patit-Pavan Mandir is associated with which of the following?
a) Reform of women’s education
b) Dalit entry into temples
c) Promotion of Sanskrit
d) Inter-religious dialogue
Answer: b) Dalit entry into temples
Mains (GS Paper I/II)
- Discuss the contributions of VD Savarkar to India’s freedom struggle and social reform. How do his views differ from mainstream nationalist leaders of the time?
