Abstract

Hindu nationalism a socio-political ideology seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values and identity. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar a key figure in this movement significantly shaped its ideological foundations. Savarkars concept of Hindutva (Hinduness) emphasized the idea of India as a Hindu nation rooted in common cultural historical and religious traditions. Distinct from Hinduism as a religion Hindutva was proposed as a unifying identity for all those who consider India their motherland and holy land. Savarkars writings particularly his seminal work Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? (1923) articulated the principles of this nationalist vision. He advocated for a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) emphasizing cultural and civilizational unity over religious diversity. His ideas challenged the secular and pluralistic framework promoted by the Indian National Congress during the independence movement positioning Hindu nationalism as an alternative ideology. Savarkars contribution also inclu