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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Marseille, France. His visit has rekindled interest in a significant episode from India’s struggle for independence. Marseille holds a special place in Indian history due to its association with Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a prominent freedom fighter. Let us delve into Savarkar’s connection to Marseille, his life and legacy, and the controversies surrounding him.
Veer Savarkar’s Connection to Marseille
On 8 July 1910, while being transported from London to India aboard the SS Morea, Savarkar attempted a daring escape during the ship’s stopover in Marseille. He sought asylum on French soil, aiming to elude British authorities. However, the French police, unaware of his identity and the political implications, handed him back to the British. This incident became a significant episode in the international discourse on political asylum and colonial jurisprudence.
Who Was Veer Savarkar?
Savarkar was born on 28 May 1883 in Bhagur, Maharashtra. He was a leading Indian politician, activist, and writer. He developed the Hindu nationalist political ideology of Hindutva while confined at Ratnagiri in 1922. He was also a prominent figure in the Hindu Mahasabha. His life was marked by relentless activism, including the formation of the Abhinav Bharat Society, a secret organisation aimed at overthrowing colonial rule. Despite enduring imprisonment and hardships, Savarkar’s writings and speeches continued to inspire generations of Indians in their fight for freedom.
Why is Savarkar a Controversial Figure?
Savarkar’s legacy is not without controversy. His advocacy for Hindutva has been heavily criticised by secularists and critics of the Hindu right-wing. Some of his ideas on caste, religion, and his stance on social issues like untouchability have drawn criticism. Additionally, his alleged—but never proven—involvement in Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination has been a subject of intense debate. However, despite these controversies, his influence on Indian politics remains significant.
Hindu Mahasabha
The Hindu Mahasabha is a nationalist political organisation in India, established in 1915 to advocate for Hindu interests and cultural unity. It was initially founded as a response to the formation of the All India Muslim League and aimed to represent Hindu political aspirations during British rule. Under leaders like Savarkar, it promoted the concept of Hindutva, emphasising the cultural and political identity of Hindus. The organisation faced criticism for its opposition to the Congress-led freedom movement and its ideological stance on religious minorities. Post independence, the Hindu Mahasabha became controversial due to its association with Nathuram Godse, Mahatma Gandhi’s assassin. Though its political influence has declined, it continues to exist as a right wing nationalist organisation advocating for Hindu-centric policies.
Abhinav Bharat Society
The Abhinav Bharat Society was a secret revolutionary organisation founded in 1904 by Savarkar and his brother Ganesh Savarkar in Pune, Maharashtra. Inspired by the Italian nationalist movement Young Italy, the society aimed to overthrow British rule in India through armed resistance. It attracted young revolutionaries and played a significant role in radical nationalist activities, including the circulation of anti-British literature and weapons training. One of its members, Madan Lal Dhingra, assassinated British officer William Hutt Curzon Wyllie in London in 1909. The British authorities eventually cracked down on the organisation, leading to its decline, but its legacy continued to inspire future freedom fighters.
Marseille: A City of Historical Significance
Marseille, located on France’s southern coast, is the country’s second largest city and its most important port. Founded over 2,600 years ago, it stands as one of Europe’s oldest cities, boasting a rich tapestry of history, culture, and commerce. The city’s strategic location on the Mediterranean has made it a melting pot of cultures, with influences evident in its architecture, cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. Landmarks such as the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the historic Le Panier district offer glimpses into Marseille’s storied past and dynamic present.
Prime Minister Modi’s Tribute
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Marseille for their inadvertent role in this chapter of India’s freedom struggle. He acknowledged the city’s place in Indian history and highlighted the shared values of liberty and justice that bind India and France. This gesture serves as a reminder of the global dimensions of India’s quest for independence and the unexpected intersections of different cultures and histories. His visit to the city also reflects his deep regard for Savarkar’s legacy, even if it remains a point of contention among his critics.
A Legacy That Lives On
The connection between Veer Savarkar and Marseille is a testament to the global nature of India’s freedom struggle. Modi’s visit to the city has brought this historic episode back into the spotlight, reminding us of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters, especially by Savarkar. As we celebrate India’s rich heritage and its ties with the world, stories like Savarkar’s escape in Marseille serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and determination that shaped our nation. Whether you are a history enthusiast or a curious traveller, Marseille offers a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating chapter of Indian history.
How Savarkar Died: The Self-Chosen End of a Revolutionary
In February 1966, at the age of 82, Savarkar decided to undertake “Prayopavesh”, a Hindu practice where one voluntarily gives up food and water when they believe their life’s mission is complete. He saw no further productive role for himself in India’s nation-building and believed that merely surviving without contributing was against his principles.
On 1 February 1966, he stopped consuming food, water, and medicines, rejecting any medical intervention. Over the next 20 days, Savarkar gradually weakened, maintaining his decision with complete awareness. Finally, on 26 February 1966, he breathed his last. His passing was not accompanied by rituals or mourning, as per his instructions. He had stated clearly that no final rites should be performed, no prayers offered, and no mourning period observed.
Savarkar’s Views on Self-Sacrifice in ‘Aatmarpan Aatmahatya’
Savarkar had written extensively about voluntary self-sacrifice in his essay “Aatmarpan Aatmahatya”. He differentiated suicide (aatmahatya) from self-sacrifice (aatmarpan), considering suicide an act of weakness but self-sacrifice a conscious choice made when one’s duties were fulfilled. He cited historical examples of warriors, sages, and thinkers who had voluntarily renounced life when they felt their mission was over.
His own decision to undertake fast unto death was fully aligned with these beliefs, marking one of the most unique and thought-provoking moments in modern Indian history.
All images courtesy – Savarkar Smarak, Dadar, Mumbai – https://savarkarsmarak.com
