Hindutva or Hind Swaraj

by U.R. Ananthamurthy

The very last work of Jnanpith award winner and preeminent writer U.R. Ananthamurthy is a timely reading, and trenchant critique, of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India. Juxtaposing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founder V.D. Savarkar's idea of Hindutva with M.K. Gandhi's concept of Hind Swaraj, the book examines two directions that were open to India at the time of Independence. Born out of a meditation of the idea of the nation state and nationalism, and what the new power structures and centres mean for the very idea of India, the essay uses shifting tones and styles to make a deep, elegant and heartfelt point about the human cost of radicalization.

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Politics, Religion, Philosophy

144 pages, Hardcover

Published May 10, 2016

About the author

Udupi Rajagopalacharya Ananthamurthy was a contemporary writer and critic in the Kannada language and is considered as one of the pioneers of the Navya movement. He is the sixth person among eight recipients of the Jnanpith Award for the Kannada language, the highest literary honor conferred in India. In 1998, he received the Padma Bhushan award from the Government of India and in 2013, he was nominated for Man Booker International Prize.

Ananthamurthy's works have been translated into several Indian and European languages and have been awarded with important literary prizes. His main works include Samskara, Bhava, Bharathi Pura, and Avasthe. He has written numerous short stories as well. Several of his novels and short fictions have been made into movies.

Most of Ananthamurthy's literary works deal with psychological aspects of people in different situations, times and circumstances. His writings supposedly analyze aspects ranging from challenges and changes faced by Brahmin families of Karnataka to bureaucrats dealing with politics influencing their work.

Reviews

[Dilip · Rating 1 out of 5]

the narrative was biased against the right to begin with.but i had to laugh at the epilogue which claims religious conversion doenst work in India as other religions are looked upon as another caste.i think the author was smoking as he concluded the book or living in some nehruvian era

[Hrishikesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A powerful & forceful book that has reminded me of, and rekindled, a lot of dormant thoughts and internal conflicts. After reading through the introductory chapter, I was under the impression that this would again be a rant - I don't care much for tirades against any particular individual (individuals, after all, are temporal), and I strongly disagree with some of the individuals that the author seems to have placed on a pedestal - but as far as the content of this book goes, my biases were swiftly put aside. URA has presented here a balanced debate, although it is not a very vast one. And therein lies my sole complaint about this book - the vastness of the subject that he touched upon cannot practically be dealt with in such little space. His poor health at the time of writing this book is largely to be blamed for this, and I cannot but think that with his demise we have lost an elder. By delving into the heart of the Hindutva vs. Hind Swarajya debate, and invoking giants - Tagore, Gandhiji, Savarkar - he has produced several questions that are integral to understanding the true essence of Indian civilization. Suffice to say that this book has left me with more questions than answers.

[Smriti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to feel smart. But I mostly felt dumb.

[Prasad GR · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving book, which is actually a dying man's last fight. And a big one at that. As I was reading it while traveling, an acquaintance noticed and borrowed it to read a page or two. Later, acquaintance # 1 casually mentioned this to acquaintance # 2, who immediately called URA 'sickular', beside several other names. That acquaintance # 2 didn't know, nor care to know, what this book is about, is obvious from the irony lost on them. It's a paradox to be reading such a book in a world that has no place for it. It's easy to get cynical. So let's just hope that URA's fight grows into a movement, beyond just one person, against the culture itself.

[Abhinav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this again 3 years after the first time around - plus it's election year, so - and this still seems timely and relevant, despite the writing appearing hurried on account of URA's failing health (at the time of writing).

Recommended.

[Deepankar Rawat]

UR Ananthamurthy presents a vivid critique of Hindutva and Savarkar and contrasts it with Gandhi's Hind Swaraj. Bringing together examples and thought processes from as varied a source as Napoleon and Raskolnikov to Tagore, URA points to the basic issue with the Hindutva ideology. He gives a critique in the form of a manifesto and looks like a man in a hurry. And as I came to know, he was. He was ill and in his last stage when he wrote this, a sane last minute draft on countering the current discourse that looks 'ready to justify anything in the name of national interest and patriotism.' The most important thing is that at no point does one see a free bashing of Hindutva and Savarkar and Godse, for that matter. It is an intellectual document that wants to give space to a healthy discussion, a rarity in present scenario. He has left his thoughts out there and, I hope, waits for a worthy counter- critique.

[Bhagya Shree · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a highly relevant book, an insight into Savarkar's Hindutva and Gandhiji's Hind Swaraj written during the time when the powerful and charismatic Narendra Modi won the 2014 elections.
The author compares Savarkar's ideology and Gandhiji's take on Hindu Rashtra stressing that idea of extreme nationhood leads to fascism. He disputes the claim that Savarkar is the inspiration behind Gandhi's Hind Swaraj and asserts that Hindutvavadis who envisage 'Unity in diversity ' as a Nehruvian concept are not at all helping towards Gandhi's idea of Sarvodaya.
The book summarises Savarkar's thoughts on religion and nationalism and also presents the gist of Godse's speech after assassination of Gandhi.
It is an insightful book to those who seek a little bit of history of Savarkar and Godse's ideology, keeping in mind that the author opposes extreme right wing politics and Modi rule.

[Sagar Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the death of U.R. Ananthamurthy, Modi lost his best critic. This book is not a swim against the tide of Modi-Maya but a warning to where we are headed. The ‘Or’ between Hindutva and Hindswaraj has more relevance to us than we are aware of.He draws a stark contrast between two ideologies of Savarkar and Mahatma.How misled Savarkarites sometimes became also how inefficient and embarrassing Gandhi became. As we go further in the book, the contrast fades and we can see the grey between black and white. Both school of thoughts wanted unity despite of diversity and both didn’t fail. The book ends spectacularly with last words of Nathuram Godse (*Chills*). A short read, requires some patience to comprehend completely.

[Conrad Barwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never quite lives up to the promise of its ambition; but a critical look at modern Hindu nationalism and the Modi phenomenon by comparing the two central texts of Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj' and Sarvarkar's 'Hindutva' by one of India's greatest modern novelists.

[PRASANNA KUMAR KR · Rating 4 out of 5]

An important book which sets us thinking about our politics, culture, economic development and environment.

[Sneha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read an excerpt of this book, when it was released a couple of years ago, a strong critique to the political times we were living in. After reading Fire and Fury, this seemed a short but timely read as BJP swept polls in north-eastern states on 3rd March 2018.
URA, I learnt later was a rich voice in Kannada literature, and wrote this treatise on his deathbed. I wonder the passion one can have for not just writing, but for nation to ensure one's readers and audience are aware of the turmoils that boil the innards of a being like URA. The excellent foreword by Shiv Vishvanathan sets the tone for the remainder of this book - the gist of which is a comparison of Savarkar's idea of Hindutva vis a vis Gandhi ji's Hind Swaraj. In URA's own words, the former emerges from a heightened emotional state, while latter emerges from a sieve of introspection. Hindutva, steeped in historical conquests, heavily relies on memory of our ancestral achievements, and lays down criteria for who is then a Hindu? Using example of Sister Nivedita, Savarkar brings home the idea of having the motherland not only related through blood ties but also as punyabhoomi, where one is tied to through work. While Hind Swaraj, just like Gandhi ji challenges the mindset of revenge, justice over identity politics and religious animosity, which is still prevalent in today's neonationalist discourse, as people believe it is possible to cultivate such a mindset without any associated guilt. URA drives home this difference to reflect on Gujarat riots, spending crores on Sardar Patel statue, and the rising of Modiji as a emblematic of a greedy middle-class wanting to shape development at the expense of the impoverished tribal populations living in our villages.
Where noone in today's age accepts responsibility for mass murders, riots - in SIkh assassinations in Indira Gandhi's regime of Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat, or in Muzaffarnagar recently, Gandhi ji walked barefoot in Noakhali during the eve of India's Independence to prevent bloodshed and murders. The words that stay with me from this short reading: "No funeral riots were held for the dead in Gujarat. Their ghosts don't seem to be haunting anybody"
This book deserves a read, worth your time if only to open your eyes to the dark, looming terror we are letting loose in our country. URA's writing is sharp as his mind, his words reflexive of his troubled state of mind. This book is an urgent read, do not waste a moment in picking this one for your next read.

[Samir · Rating 5 out of 5]

A much needed wake-up call that works as effectively as a harsh alarm clock. This book makes more sense if one has read Mahatma Gandhi and Sawarkar extensively. And if one has read Dr. Ambedkar too, though not directly touched in this book, it would keep a third perspective open in the reader's mind. While drawing comparisons in the ideologies of both thought processes, U. R. Ananthamurthy digs in and draws out the psychological workings of both minds.

For example, While Sawarkar's ideas lead us to place the blame outwards, Mahatma Gandhi's ideas place the blame inwards, from where he appeals to bring out the change. While Sawarkar's writings tend to come out of emotions, Mahatma Gandhi's writings are churned out of thorough introspection. Most importantly, Sawarkar's ideas have been playing out in Indian politics since quite a long time, for all of us to see the state they have put us in, as a society. And that failure on multiple levels makes this book an important read to atleast try and cut short those losses on an individual level. Such a spiritual change would be slow, but would definitely lead us to build a better country for our future generations.

Though I ended up highlighting more than three fourth of the book, this particular quote has tugged to my mind.

"In the hubris of extreme progress, man, suffering revulsion from excessive consumption, may see the need for change. If not, the Earth will speak."

[Amit Kumar · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good book which has the two views of Vir Savarkar and Maharana Gandhi. The views of Savarkar are of hindutva and he believed that those who will worship this land are entitled to live in this country. Acc to him the Muslims and other religions have their holy land outside India. But according to Gandhi ji , Hindustani should be the language and all have equal right to live here. A must read book which covers the views and writings of both the person.

[Sanjay Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I purchased this book in Sep'16 (when she was expected to finally break the glass ceiling) but got to read only now. A Biography detailing her evolution and career. On hindsight, also provides how different the perspective was then though there were ominous storm clouds too. The book, to me, provided an insight into the funding and campaign dynamics in U S elections especially the Presidential ones.

[Dr. Ajith P Rajan · Rating 4 out of 5]

His opinions regarding Hindutva and it's importance in present day politics is given here. He explains it through comparison between Gandhiji's Hind Swaran and Savarkar's Book.
His last work....

[Krishna Vijayan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would say his understanding his half. He had not met people who preached it but made a view of them based on notions.

[Shajith P R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some hard truths, especially when nation and gods are turning to be few people's personal property.
Hope unity in diversity prevail

[Anurag Panda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somewhat of a ramble without a coherent thesis.

[Sankar Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant manifesto , a counterpoint to the rabid saffron hindutva manifesto of RSS .

[Vishwas Gc · Rating 1 out of 5]

very small book
less worth reading this book
points proposed in this book have no relevant to the current word.... these type of book are mis leading their judgment towards hindutva

[Nora Muratori · Rating 4 out of 5]

You want the tiger's nature but not the tiger

[Yash Sharma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gandhi or Savarkar: what you want?


A) This book is so called pocket size though it may or may not fit in your pocket,but it speaks about "two different kind of ideologies".

B) The first one supports and cherish diversity and accept dissent,the other one wants complete unity and not tolerant towards criticism.

C) The language of the book is not that hard ,so you can read it without much difficulty.

D) The writer clearly shows his hatred toward the right wing( BJP and Sangh Parivar), especially towards the Narendra Modi.

E) This book is the last work of this writer and this work is written by him during last stage of his life.


F) The book leaves you with lots of questions,and it will surely make you think that which ideology you will support and what kind of state you want India to become i.e. A "Hindu Rashtra" or the "Secular or i say Plural one".

G) You can enjoy this book as a light snack so you can go for it.

I hope u like the review,thanks for reading."Jai hind."

[Lawrence Rebelo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good little manifesto on the rise of nationalism in India. It is a response to the election of Modi and how his subscription to the ideology of "Hindutva" as opposed to Ghandi's "Hind Swaraj" has led to both his rise and his nationalist vision for India. I wish he would have spent more time on Hind Swaraj, but despite its unfinished feeling due to URA's death, it is a compelling book.

[Revanth Ukkalam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting book but to be honest, has few new ideas. URA argues that India was left with two options at the time of independence, two paradigms preached by two manifestos - Hindutva by Veer Savarkar and Hind Swaraj by Gandhiji; and that the former has been adopted not just by RSS and co, which subscribe to the philosophy but even the congress party which claims to be secular. He urges the reader towards Gandhi who had faith in spirituality, pluralism, unity, and a set of rural and subaltern values. The other great thinker that URA offers as an alternative to Hindutva is Tagore and his beliefs which are presented in his work Gora. URA appreciates the humanism, passion, and compassion that Tagore advocates. This attempt of his - to shed light on Tagore and Gandhi is impressive and admirable. But what I found unconvincing was the notion of 'evil'. He talks about Dostoevsky's exploration of evil. And here he presents Modi, Savarkar's ideological child, as almost evil incarnate. All I could comment on this is that there is a naive black-and-white perspective. The most troubling element here is the shift between these different themes. The book's biggest flaw is perhaps the apparent lack of fluidity and this could even be due to the translation which I am not in a state to comment on.

[S.Ach · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the face of severe humiliation he suffered by the Hindutva supporters for his critiques on Modi and his policies, the eminent Kannada author and activist, U R Ananthamurthy(URA), wrote this book as response to all his antagonists, in an attempt to compare the facets of Savarkar's 'Hindutva' and Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj'.
However, in my opinion, the book fails to provide a coherent and focused argument, rather reads like a seething rants of an enraged erudite professor. Jumping from Indian mythology to Dostoevsky, from Savarkar to Biblical stories, from Gandhi to RSS, from Godse to Tolstoy, in a matter of sentences, URA hurls diatribes that sound highbrow, but sadly lacks cohesion.
I intend to read more by URA, though.

[Swagatam Deva Nath · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting concept that could have been much more. The author explores Savarkar's Hindutva and Gandhiji's Hind Swaraj and compares them throughout the pages. But the argument lacks focus and seems incoherent. I feel a little more justice could have been done with the subject matter which is very much relevant in recent times. Overall a thought provoking read.

[Shivani Gayakwad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seemed written in a rushed manner and hence difficult to finish the essay-like writing. Yes I’m satisfied with the argument articulated against Savarkar based Hindutvadi idea. However, lacked (according to me) on why Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj and Sarvodaya is important as of today, which the author claims is the case.

[Ayush Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing quickly, flitting from topic to topic, Ananthamurthy writes like a man in a hurry - a hurry to protect his nation, a hurry to do what he does like no other - write. Beautiful little piece, can be read in a day.

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

So topical. A last manifesto as the Foreword reminds you quickly. Many nuggets of history embedded in what seems like a hurried conversation. One can understand that as URA was dying.

[Vikas Datta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most nuanced and thought-provoking read, though don't agree with all his thoughts about Gandhi