Research unveils a new perspective on Savarkar, says Indian-American scholar

Sridhar D. Damle, an Indian-American scholar known for his extensive research on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is offering a fresh perspective on the life of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar. After more than a decade spent poring over archival material across various countries, Damle claims to have produced a nuanced portrayal of one of modern India's most controversial figures, which diverges from mainstream interpretations.

Beginning his journey in 2010, Damle has scoured through 30,000 pages of documents from Indian, British, and American archives. His findings include intelligence records, diplomatic communications, and court files that collectively reshape the image of Savarkar from solely a proponent of Hindutva and the Hindu Mahasabha, to a multifaceted personality in the Indian independence movement.

Damle describes Savarkar as a pioneer who championed ideas of democracy and equality. A particularly noteworthy discovery is a 1906 document from Savarkar's time in London. This document, which escaped British confiscation, outlines an independent India founded on principles of democracy, merit-based employment, and universal voting rights—a stark contrast to the political debates surrounding Savarkar today.

The document reflects Savarkar's vision of a future India characterized by 'one man, one vote' and suggests he envisaged the establishment of a constituent assembly to decide on the form of governance. According to Damle, "That India will be free, there will be democracy, there will be one man, one vote, equality before the law, job according to merits," encapsulates Savarkar's aspirations for the nation.

Damle's research also aims to contextualize Savarkar's life stages, illuminating his evolution from a revolutionary in British India, to a political prisoner in the Andaman Islands, and later as a leader of the Hindu Mahasabha. He challenges the perception of Savarkar's requests for clemency during his imprisonment as acts of submission, emphasizing that these plea documents were strategic moves within the legal limitations imposed by colonial authorities.

In addition to the independence narrative, Damle's findings address Savarkar's connection to the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. Although he was tried and acquitted, the archival evidence Damle has uncovered suggests that early in the trial, the chief prosecutor conveyed doubts about the strength of the case against Savarkar, pointing to a lack of compelling evidence linking him to the crime.

Damle's exploration diverges into the realm of Savarkar's thoughts on democracy. Recounting their meeting in 1960, he recalls Savarkar passionately speaking on the importance of accepting election outcomes and government changes through democratic processes rather than through violence—a stance he found surprising from a figure often labeled as extreme.

Additionally, Damle presents a lesser-known side of Savarkar as a rationalist and agnostic who considered religious texts as human constructs, arguing that all religions are manmade and advocating for the supremacy of scientific inquiry to address societal issues. This aspect, he suggests, complements Savarkar’s advocacy for Hindutva and Hindu unity while championing religious freedom and equal citizenship for minorities within a unified Indian identity.

In examining Savarkar's views on Partition, Damle highlights his apprehensions regarding Congress's potential acceptance of the division between India and Pakistan. He argues that Savarkar’s correspondence with B.R. Ambedkar concerning this issue reveals his commitment to preserving national integrity against communal divides.

The scholar's examination of Savarkar also extends to his engagement with international anti-colonial movements. Damle found writings in the Irish-American publication Gaelic American that showcased Savarkar's appeals to Indian Muslims to partake in the freedom struggle and his contributions to a broader discourse on global colonial resistance, further entwining Savarkar’s narrative with international politics.

While Damle's research has yielded a wealth of insights, he still faces challenges with accessing some archival materials, particularly documents from Mumbai’s Criminal Investigation Department. He aims to publish his findings online once finalized, making his research available to a wider audience.

As he seeks to unravel the complexities surrounding Savarkar's legacy, Damle emphasizes that Savarkar's contributions to social reform and modern Marathi vocabulary are also deserving of recognition, portraying a historical figure whose political ideologies evolved in response to changing circumstances.

Source

Original IANS report

Edited with AI assistance.

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