Top Indian History Freedom Fighter, Poet, and Historian Veer Savarkar Bio

Veer Savarkar was an Indian independence activist, politician, lawyer, poet, writer and playwright. He was born on May 28, 1883 in Nashik, British India and died on February 26, 1966 in Mumbai, India.

Savarkar was a prominent leader of the Hindu Mahasabha and played a key role in India's independence movement. He was arrested and sentenced to two life terms of imprisonment totaling fifty years and was moved to the Cellular Jail in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. He was later transferred to Ratnagiri prison, where he was granted clemency by the British after renouncing his revolutionary activities.

He was a prolific writer, having written several books, including "The First War of Indian Independence", "1857: The Real Story", "The History of the War of Indian Independence" and "Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?". He was also a poet and playwright, having written several plays in Marathi. Savarkar was a controversial figure, with his views on Hindu nationalism, Hindutva and the Indian independence movement attracting both support and criticism.

After his release from prison, Savarkar continued to be active in Indian politics and was a prominent figure in the Hindu nationalist movement. He was elected president of the Hindu Mahasabha in 1943 and continued to lead the organization until 1948.

Savarkar's views on Hindu nationalism, Hindutva and the Indian independence movement have been the subject of much debate and criticism. He was accused of supporting the idea of a Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation, which many felt was exclusive and discriminatory towards other religious communities. He was also criticized for his views on caste, which many felt were regressive and perpetuated the caste system.

Despite the criticism, Savarkar remained a popular figure among Hindu nationalist organizations and his writings continue to be widely read and discussed. He is often referred to as a "Veer" (brave) by his supporters, who view him as a symbol of Hindu nationalism and a defender of Hindu rights.

Savarkar died on February 26, 1966 in Mumbai, India, at the age of 82. He remains a controversial and polarizing figure in Indian politics and history, with his legacy and views on Hindu nationalism, Hindutva and the Indian independence movement continuing to be hotly debated.