Veer Savarkar: The Champion of Hindu Unity in Overcoming Casteism

For many, the idea of upper caste Indians uniting the Indian people seems unattainable. However, Veer Savarkar was a reformer who fought against casteism at all levels, challenging the misconception that the battle is merely between the so-called upper and lower castes.

Understanding Casteism in Indian Society

Examining the caste dynamics in India reveals a complex tapestry of categorization. During Savarkar's time, even within the upper castes, there was a hierarchy of inequality. For example, Deshast Brahmins and Konkanasth Brahmins never sat for meals with each other. Similarly, the 96,000 Maratha Kshatriyas considered the Kunbi and Gomantak Marathas inferior. Lower castes like the Mahars from lower castes considered themselves superior to the Mangs, while both the Mangs and Mahars considered the Bhangis inferior. Even more perplexing, the Brahmin would not allow lower caste people into his temple, and the same constraint applied even to the Mahars and the Bhangis.

Veer Savarkar's Efforts to Combat Casteism

Despite these daunting challenges, Veer Savarkar worked tirelessly to foster unity. He initiated interdining sessions where people from all castes could come together and share meals freely, a significant step towards breaking down social barriers. In one incident, despite the Mang community's starving, a Lower Caste Mang declined to attend an interdining event because the Dhor, another lower caste community, would also be present. This illustrates the deep-rooted nature of caste divisions.

Testing Genuine Intentions

Veer Savarkar's commitment to these principles was evident during his stay at Ratnagiri. One fateful day, while delivering a speech, he drank tea served by a Mahar man, testing his sincerity. When Savarkar called a Bhangi man to serve tea to the Mahar, the Mahar refused, demonstrating his reluctance to bend the rules. Savarkar responded by saying that he had successfully passed the test but the Mahar had not, emphasizing the need for mutual respect and equality.

Prison and Beyond

Savarkar's quest for equality extended even to his time in the Cellular Jail on Andaman, where he faced the harsh reality of casteism within prison walls. When he placed his hand on an untouchable's shoulder, attempting to provide comfort, he was labeled a "Bhangi Babu," a derogatory term. Despite the opposition, Savarkar's vision eventually triumphed, and the practice of untouchability within the prison ceased. His enduring influence has seen the term "Bhangi Babu" transformed from a slur to a symbol of honor.

Efforts in Ratnagiri

In the early 1920s, Savarkar moved to Ratnagiri, a region characterized by its orthodox traditions. He focused on eradicating untouchability through various initiatives. Savarkar opened restaurants for Dalits and instituted a rule that all high-profile visitors could meet him only in these establishments, ensuring equal access. His support for Bhagoji Keer led to the opening of the Patit Pawan Temple, a space where all segments of society, even the lowest, were granted access to pray and conduct religious rituals.

Empowering the Marginalized

Savarkar went so far as to learn the skills of making cushions, pillows, tables, and mattresses, teaching them to the lowest sections of society in Ratnagiri. Through these efforts, Savarkar played a crucial role in vanquishing the practice of untouchability in the district over a thirteen-year period. This blog post is dedicated to highlighting his remarkable contribution to Hindu unity, especially in the context of casteism.

Ambiguous Reverence

While Dr. Ambedkar, a prominent Dalit leader, praised Savarkar's efforts in Janata journal, he declined an invitation to an interdining function and visit to the Patit Pawan Temple. Although Ambedkar emphasized the need for Dalits to embrace non-Vedic religions like Buddhism to protect their societal and cultural identity, Savarkar advocated for a more inclusive approach within Hinduism. According to Savarkar, merely changing religious labels was insufficient; a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards Dalits was necessary.

Conclusion

Veer Savarkar's legacy serves as a powerful reminder that unity is not just about bringing together the dominant and the marginalized; it is about dismantling the hierarchies that have entrenched themselves in Indian society for centuries. His efforts stand as an example for all Indians to follow, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.