The Andaman Years: Veer Savarkar’s Struggles in Cellular Jail

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar/विनायक दामोदर सावरकर, widely known as Veer Savarkar/वीर सावरकर was an influential freedom fighter, writer, poet, and politician who played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence. His life was marked by fearless patriotism, intellectual brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to the idea of Hindutva. Despite the controversies surrounding him, his contribution to India's freedom movement remains significant and continues to be a subject of debate among historians and political scholars.

Early Life and Education

Born on May 28, 1883, in Bhagur, Maharashtra, Savarkar exhibited nationalist fervor from an early age. He was deeply influenced by historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj and the 1857 Revolt, which he later termed the "First War of Indian Independence."

Savarkar pursued his education at Fergusson College in Pune, where he actively participated in revolutionary activities. His radical approach to independence led him to form the Abhinav Bharat Society, a secret organization dedicated to overthrowing British rule through armed resistance.

Revolutionary Activities and Imprisonment

Savarkar moved to England in 1906 to study law at Gray’s Inn, London, but his primary focus remained India's independence. There, he authored "The First War of Indian Independence—1857," a book that challenged the British narrative of the 1857 uprising being a mere "mutiny." This book was banned in India, but copies were secretly smuggled into the country, inspiring revolutionaries.

His revolutionary ideas eventually led to his arrest in 1909 in connection with the assassination of British official A.M.T. Jackson. In 1910, Savarkar was extradited to India and sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment (50 years) in the infamous Cellular Jail of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

During his 11 years in the cellular jail, Savarkar endured inhumane conditions but remained intellectually active. He wrote extensively, including his thoughts on Hindutva, which later became the foundation for modern Hindu nationalism. Prison records indicate that he was often kept in solitary confinement, subjected to physical torture, and forced into labor. Despite these hardships, he found a way to continue his intellectual work by writing on the prison walls and later transcribing his thoughts onto paper when materials were available.

One of the most remarkable stories from his time in Cellular Jail was his attempt to escape. He was transferred from England on a ship bound for India, and during a stopover in Marseille, France, he made a daring escape by jumping into the sea, hoping to reach French authorities who were sympathetic to Indian independence. However, he was quickly recaptured by British officials and sent back to India.

Hindutva and Political Ideology

Savarkar's book "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?" (1923) became a defining ideological work that propagated the idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra. He distinguished between Hinduism as a religion and Hindutva as a cultural and national identity. This ideology continues to shape contemporary Indian politics, especially among right-wing groups.

Though he was initially involved in the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar distanced himself from the mainstream Congress-led freedom struggle, as he disagreed with Gandhi’s non-violent approach. He advocated for a militarized and assertive nationalism, believing that India needed a strong and united Hindu identity to counter external and internal threats.

Role in the Independence Movement and Later Years

After his release from prison in 1924, Savarkar was kept under house arrest but remained politically active. He opposed the partition of India and consistently advocated for Hindu unity. His ideological influence grew, but his political career saw limited success due to the dominance of the Congress-led nationalist movement.

Savarkar also emphasized scientific progress and modernization as critical aspects of India's national development. He was a strong proponent of military preparedness, recognizing the importance of defense and self-reliance. Despite being overshadowed by mainstream freedom fighters, he played a significant role in shaping the national consciousness, inspiring several revolutionaries who later took up arms against the British.

Following Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, Savarkar was accused of being involved in the conspiracy. However, he was acquitted due to a lack of evidence. The allegations, however, left a lasting stain on his legacy.

In his later years, Savarkar continued writing and propagating his vision of a strong, self-reliant India. He also supported the reconstruction of temples destroyed by invaders and advocated for the preservation of Indian heritage. Despite declining health, he remained politically vocal and continued to inspire nationalists. He passed away on February 26, 1966, in Mumbai.

Lesser-Known Stories

The Daring Escape Attempt in France

One of the most thrilling episodes in Savarkar’s life occurred in 1910 when he was being transported from England to India. While the ship carrying him docked at the French port of Marseille, he made a daring escape by squeezing through the porthole of the ship's bathroom and diving into the sea. He swam to the shore, hoping to claim asylum in France, which was known for its sympathy towards political refugees. However, before he could reach safety, British officials caught him with the help of French authorities, leading to his re-capture and deportation to India.

This incident led to a diplomatic controversy as legal experts debated whether Britain had violated international law by arresting him on French soil.

Writing on the Prison Walls with Nails

During his imprisonment at the infamous Cellular Jail in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Savarkar was denied access to paper, ink, or any writing material. However, this did not deter him from composing poetry and writing his thoughts. He used thorns, nails, and charcoal to engrave thousands of lines of poetry onto the walls of his prison cell.

Many of these verses were memorized by fellow prisoners, who later helped transcribe them when they were released. This was how his famous literary works survived despite extreme restrictions.

The Forgotten Contribution to the Indian National Flag

Few people know that Savarkar played a role in designing one of the earliest versions of the Indian national flag. He, along with Madam Bhikaji Cama and Shyamji Krishna Varma, contributed to the creation of the flag that was unfurled at the International Socialist Congress in Stuttgart, Germany, in 1907. The flag had saffron, green, and red colors with the words "Vande Mataram" inscribed on it.

His Role in the 1857 War of Independence Narrative

Before Savarkar, the 1857 Revolt was largely dismissed by British historians as a mere "sepoy mutiny." However, in his book "The First War of Indian Independence—1857," Savarkar challenged this colonial narrative and argued that the uprising was a well-organized attempt at overthrowing British rule.

His book became so influential that the British banned it even before its publication. Copies of the book were smuggled into India and read widely among revolutionaries, including Bhagat Singh and Subhas Chandra Bose, who regarded it as a source of inspiration.

Scientific Temperament and Rationalism

Despite his association with Hindutva ideology, Savarkar was a strong advocate of scientific reasoning and rationalism. He openly criticized blind faith, superstitions, caste-based discrimination, and unnecessary religious rituals.

He opposed the practice of untouchability and encouraged inter-caste marriages and temple entry for all Hindus, which was a radical stance at the time. He even set up a temple where people from all castes could worship together, breaking orthodox traditions.

Coining the Term ‘Hindutva’ and Its True Meaning

The term Hindutva, often misunderstood today, was coined by Savarkar in his book "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?" (1923). Contrary to popular belief, Savarkar did not define Hindutva purely as a religious concept. He described it as a cultural and national identity that included people of different faiths who considered India their motherland.

Though his ideas later influenced political movements, his original definition of Hindutva was more about unifying Hindus culturally rather than creating a theocratic state.

The ‘Mercy Petitions’ Controversy: A Strategic Move?

Savarkar’s mercy petitions to the British government during his imprisonment have been a point of debate. Critics argue that they were a sign of surrender, but his supporters claim that they were a strategic move to secure his release and continue his nationalist activities from outside prison.

After being released in 1924, he was put under house arrest in Ratnagiri but continued advocating for social reforms, including the abolition of untouchability and the promotion of scientific thought.

The Forgotten Role in India's Military Preparedness

Savarkar was one of the earliest leaders to advocate for India’s military modernization. He urged Indian youth to join the armed forces so that they could be trained in warfare and eventually use those skills to free India from British rule.

This idea later influenced figures like Subhas Chandra Bose, who formed the Indian National Army (INA). Even during World War II, Savarkar encouraged Indians to take up military training, foreseeing that an armed struggle might be necessary for independence.

A Man of Many Talents: Poet, Historian, and Social Reformer

Besides being a political leader, Savarkar was a prolific writer, poet, and historian. He wrote biographies, plays, and essays on a wide range of topics, including history, religion, and politics.

Some of his notable works include:

• The First War of Indian Independence (1857)

• Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?

• My Transportation for Life (an autobiography of his prison life)

• Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History

His poetry often carried themes of patriotism, courage, and self-sacrifice. Even in the darkest times of his life, he continued to write and inspire others through his words.

Legacy & Controversies

Savarkar’s legacy remains complex and polarizing. For many, he is a hero who envisioned an independent and strong India long before the mainstream freedom fighters. His contributions to India's independence, literary prowess, and ideological impact make him one of the most significant figures in Indian history.

However, his association with Hindutva ideology and the allegations post-Gandhi’s assassination have made him a contentious figure. While some view him as the architect of Hindu nationalism, others criticize him for his stance on religious minorities and his alleged involvement in divisive politics.

Additionally, his mercy petitions to the British during his imprisonment have been a subject of debate. Critics argue that these petitions show a compromise in his revolutionary stance, while supporters claim that they were a strategic move to continue his fight from outside prison.

Veer Savarkar was a multifaceted personality—a revolutionary, historian, poet, and political thinker. His vision of a free and powerful India was ahead of its time, and his contributions continue to shape political discourse in the country. Whether celebrated or criticized, his role in India’s history is undeniable, making him a figure worth studying and understanding beyond ideological biases. His life remains an inspiration for those who believe in resilience, intellectual pursuit, and unwavering dedication to one’s nation.

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