Muhammad Haroon, PhD

Short CV

M.A (Hisotry)- 2018- Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.
M. Phil (History)- 2021- Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Ph. D (History)- Currently enrolled- Government College University, Faislabad.
Job: Working in a public sector organization since 2006.

 

Savarkar’s Impact on Muslim Nationalism

Abstract

This research aims to explore the political ideology of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, particularly his concept of Hindutva, and its impact on Muslim nationalism in colonial India. Savarkar, a prominent political activist, orator, and writer, addressed various issues related to India's anti-colonial struggle, including the reinterpretation of Indian history and Hindu religious reform. His work Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? is considered a landmark in the political thought of colonial India, laying the foundation for Hindu nationalism and inspiring organizations like the Hindu Mahasabha and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
The research aims to highlights the importance of Savarkar's ideology as a significant nationalist vision distinct from Congress's regional nationalism and the Muslim League's cultural nationalism rooted in Islam. Unlike these, Savarkar's Hindutva combined cultural and territorial nationalism, excluding Muslims and Christians from its definition of Indian identity. Understanding his thought is crucial for analyzing the communal politics of colonial India and its influence on the rise of Muslim nationalism.
This research also aims to explore how Savarkar’s articulation of Hindutva shaped the responses of Muslim leaders and communities. It investigates the ideological confrontations and the ways in which Muslim nationalism evolved in reaction to Hindu nationalism, emphasizing the mutual impact of these two competing visions of identity and nationhood. Additionally, the study aims to explore the continuing influence of these ideologies on contemporary Indian and Pakistni politics. The research employs qualitative methods, drawing from both primary and secondary sources.

 

Introduction

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966) is one of the most influential figures of colonial India, credited with formulating the concept of Hindutva or Hindu nationalism—an idea rooted in religion and territorial identity. Hindutva sought to define India's identity by distinguishing between Indians and non-Indians based on cultural and religious criteria.
Religion has historically been a cornerstone of communal identities in India, transcending theology to encompass all aspects of life. During colonial rule, both Hindus and Muslims turned to religion to address challenges posed by imperialism and modernity. For Muslims, identity was tied to faith rather than geography or ethnicity, emphasizing the primacy of Islamic principles over territorial considerations. They advocated for political systems that aligned with Islamic values, rejecting Western-style nationalism and democracy that relied solely on numerical majorities.
Hindus, too, faced an identity crisis following the fall of the Mughal Empire and the advent of British rule. This shift transformed them from subjects of Muslim rulers to the majority population under colonial governance, prompting a renewed effort to redefine their identity. Intellectuals revisited India's history, with religion becoming a central component of Hindu political identity. Leaders like M.K. Gandhi and V.D. Savarkar incorporated religion into their political ideologies, albeit with significant differences. Gandhi's religious nationalism was inclusive, aiming to unite all communities as Indians, whereas Savarkar's Hindutva was exclusive, defining Indian identity in terms of Hindu culture and territory while excluding Muslims and Christians.
This ideological exclusivity had profound implications for the development of Muslim nationalism in colonial India. Savarkar’s Hindutva challenged the Muslim community’s sense of belonging within the Indian polity, prompting Muslim leaders to articulate their distinct political identity more forcefully. Muslim nationalism, as a response to Hindu nationalism, emphasized faith as the foundation of identity and political aspirations. This research investigates the extent to which Savarkar's Hindutva influenced the emergence and evolution of Muslim nationalism. It will be examined how his ideas shaped communal relations and the political strategies of Muslim leaders in their pursuit of self-determination and cultural preservation.
By analyzing the interplay between Hindutva and Muslim nationalism, this study aims to understand communal politics of colonial India and its lasting impact on the subcontinent's socio-political fabric. It also explores the contemporary relevance of these ideologies in shaping India and Pakistan’s political discourse and communal relations.