Vinayak Damodar Savarkar : Hindutva – A Critical Assessment

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966), a prominent figure in India’s independence movement, is best known for articulating the ideology of Hindutva in his 1923 essay Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?. While Savarkar’s vision of Hindutva has been influential in shaping political and social movements in modern India, it has also been a subject of extensive critique for its exclusivist, majoritarian, and sometimes polarizing tendencies. A critical assessment of Hindutva requires examining its core tenets, socio-political implications, and the controversies surrounding it.

Savarkar’s Hindutva : Core Ideas

1. Definition of Hindutva:
   • Savarkar differentiated between Hinduism (a religion) and Hindutva (a cultural and political identity).
   • Hindutva, according to him, refers to the cultural and civilizational essence of India, defined by shared heritage, land, and traditions.
2. Criteria for Hindu Identity:
   • A Hindu, in Savarkar’s view, is one who considers India as their “Pitrubhoomi” (Fatherland) and “Punyabhoomi” (Holy Land).
   • This definition excluded communities such as Muslims and Christians, whose holy lands lie outside India.
3. Emphasis on Cultural Nationalism:
   • Hindutva envisioned India as a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation), where the cultural ethos of Hindus forms the foundation of national identity.
   • Advocated for the revival and dominance of Hindu culture, language, and traditions.
4. Critique of Colonial Rule:
   • Savarkar’s Hindutva was also a reaction against British imperialism, aiming to unify Hindus under a common identity to resist colonial domination.
5. Anti-Caste and Social Reforms:
   • While emphasizing Hindu unity, Savarkar advocated for dismantling caste divisions to strengthen the Hindu community against perceived external threats.

Critical Assessment of Hindutva

Strengths and Positive Contributions

1. Cultural Pride and Identity:
   • Hindutva emphasized the importance of preserving and celebrating India’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
   • It sought to instill a sense of pride in the Indian past, countering colonial narratives that demeaned indigenous cultures.
2. Call for Hindu Unity:
   • By advocating for the abolition of caste divisions, Savarkar addressed a significant internal challenge to Hindu cohesion.
   • This vision was aimed at creating a unified Hindu identity transcending sectarian differences.
3. Resistance to Colonialism:
   • Hindutva framed resistance to British rule within the context of reclaiming India’s cultural and political sovereignty.

Critiques and Controversies

1. Exclusivist and Majoritarian Tendencies:
   • Hindutva’s definition of national identity, centered on Hindu culture, excluded religious minorities like Muslims and Christians.
   • Critics argue that it fosters a majoritarian worldview that undermines India’s pluralistic ethos.
2. Religious Polarization:
   • Hindutva has been criticized for creating and exacerbating communal tensions by portraying non-Hindu communities as “others.”
   • The framing of Muslims and Christians as having allegiances outside India contributed to a divisive narrative.
3. Reductionist View of History:
   • Savarkar’s Hindutva posited a narrative of continuous conflict between Hindus and Muslims, which oversimplifies India’s complex and multi-layered history.
   • It ignored periods of syncretism and cultural exchange between communities.
4. Authoritarian Implications:
   • The concept of a Hindu Rashtra has been critiqued for its potential to undermine democratic principles and minority rights in favor of a homogenized cultural identity.
5. Secularism and Constitutional Values:
   • Critics argue that Hindutva conflicts with the secular and inclusive framework enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which recognizes the equal status of all religions.

Savarkar’s Legacy and Modern Implications

1. Influence on Political Movements:
   • Hindutva became the ideological foundation for organizations like the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
   • It has shaped contemporary political discourses around nationalism, identity, and religion in India.
2. Controversies in Practice:
   • Hindutva has been associated with movements promoting cow protection, anti-conversion laws, and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, often leading to communal polarization.
3. Revival of Cultural Nationalism:
   • Supporters of Hindutva view it as a necessary response to centuries of cultural suppression under colonial and Islamic rule.
   • It remains a rallying point for debates on cultural preservation versus multiculturalism.
4. Critics on the Left and Center:
   • Liberals and secularists argue that Hindutva undermines the pluralistic fabric of Indian society, leading to marginalization and alienation of minorities.
   • Leftist critiques focus on Hindutva’s perceived alignment with capitalist and patriarchal structures.

Relevance and Debate Today

1. Role in Modern Politics:
   • Hindutva continues to influence electoral politics and policymaking, especially in debates around identity, education, and cultural symbols.
2. Polarization or Unity?:
   • While some view Hindutva as a unifying force for Hindus, others see it as a source of polarization, disrupting interfaith harmony.
3. Global Implications:
   • The rise of Hindutva parallels global trends of right-wing nationalism, sparking discussions on the balance between cultural pride and universal human rights.

Conclusion

Savarkar’s Hindutva remains a polarizing ideology. While it aimed to unify Hindus and resist colonial oppression, its exclusionary framework and majoritarian undertones have drawn significant criticism for undermining India’s pluralistic identity. A nuanced assessment recognizes its historical context and aspirations for cultural revival but also calls attention to the need for inclusivity, secularism, and social harmony in modern India.