Savarkar Response

I found Savarkar’s writings to be quite interesting compared to that of Ghandi’s. He seems to have the complete opposite views. One of his beliefs that seemed to differ the most is his take on history. Ghandi warned that we focus too much on history and wars instead of peace and passive resistance. Savarkar, on the other hand, advocates the learning of history. He describes the Indian War of Independence as “one of the most neglected corners of our history…” He argues that what English and some Indian historians described as the “Mutiny” was really the beginnings of the War for Indian Independence. He wants the public to be aware of their nations past in order to push towards a future. By creating a common past, Savarkar attempts to unite Indians in a revolutionary future. He states that a “nation should be the master and not the slave of its history.” Savarkar’s views on history seem to be synonymous to the views of today’s historians. They recount history to learn from it for future society. So, whose view is right? Gandhi or Savarkar? That’s something open to debate.