Timeline
(Interactive Visual History)
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was born on 28 May 1883 in Bhagur near Nashik. Growing up amid political tension, early losses in the family, and the influence of his elder brother Babarao, he developed a strong patriotic spirit. His childhood was marked by leadership qualities, love for reading, and admiration for Shivaji Maharaj, all of which shaped his revolutionary mindset.
Savarkar founded Abhinav Bharat in 1904, a secret revolutionary group committed to ending British rule.
In 1906 he moved to London on a scholarship, where he became a central figure at India House.
During this period, he:
Mobilized young revolutionaries
Wrote The Indian War of Independence – 1857, presenting the uprising as a national movement
Connected with international revolutionary groups
His London years established him as one of the most influential early nationalists.
Arrested and sentenced to two life terms, Savarkar was deported to the Cellular Jail in the Andaman Islands.
He faced harsh conditions—solitary confinement, physical labor, and censorship—yet continued writing and inspiring fellow prisoners.
He mentally composed poems, taught inmates secretly, and refined his political ideas.
After 13 tough years, he was released in 1924 under strict restrictions.
Restricted from political activity, Savarkar focused on social reform.
He worked tirelessly to:
Remove untouchability
Promote inter-caste marriage and dining
Lead temple entry campaigns
Encourage unity among Hindu communities
He also wrote influential works, including Essentials of Hindutva, shaping modern cultural nationalism.
This period revealed his transition from revolutionary to social reformer.
As president of the Hindu Mahasabha, Savarkar gave the organization a clear ideological direction.
He emphasized:
Cultural nationalism
Strong defense and military training
Equal rights for all citizens
National integration above religious or regional divisions
His speeches and writings during this time became reference points for debates on identity, security, and national strategy.
In independent India, Savarkar continued as a thinker, writer, and public intellectual.
He authored Six Glorious Epochs of Indian History and several essays on geopolitics, national security, and Indian culture.
Despite controversies surrounding his legacy, he remained committed to national unity and cultural pride.
Savarkar passed away on 26 February 1966, leaving behind a rich body of literature and a lasting impact on modern Indian political thought.